These Booking Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and any other written information brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking, form the basis of your contract with Highlander Whisky Tours. Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations.

 

In these Booking Conditions, “you” and “your” include the first named person on the booking (“Lead Name”) and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made or any other person to whom a booking is added or transferred.

 

1. The Booking Agreement

By making a booking, the Lead Name agrees on behalf of themselves and all persons detailed on the booking that:

• a) They have read these Booking Conditions and have the authority to and do agree to be bound by them;

• b) They consent to our use of information in accordance with our Privacy Policy;

• c) They are over 18 years of age. Where placing an order for services with age restrictions (specifically the consumption of alcohol), they declare that they and all members of the party are of the appropriate legal age to purchase and consume those services;

• d) They accept financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking.

 

2. Booking and Payment

To secure your tour, select your desired route and date via our booking system. We aim to confirm all bookings as quickly as possible, often within one business day. Your tour is not officially booked until confirmed in writing by us.

• Deposit: A 10% deposit (payable via PayPal or invoice) is required to secure your date.

• Balance: The remaining balance is due at the time of the tour, payable directly to your driver/guide.

 

3. Accuracy of Information

We endeavour to ensure that all information and prices on our website and in our promotional materials are accurate. However, occasionally changes and errors occur. We reserve the right to correct prices and other details in such circumstances. You must check the current price and all other details relating to your tour before finalizing your booking.

 

4. Jurisdiction and Applicable Law

These Booking Conditions and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by Scottish Law. We both agree that any dispute, claim, or other matter which arises between us will be dealt with by the Courts of Scotland only.

 

5. Substitution of Client

If any member of your party is prevented from travelling, that person may transfer their place to another suitable person (introduced by you and satisfying all conditions applicable to the tour) provided we are notified prior to departure.

6. Cancellation Policy

• Free Cancellation: We operate a free cancellation policy up until 48 hours before your scheduled booking time.

• Late Cancellations: For cancellations within 48 hours of your booking, please contact us directly by telephone. Deposits may be non-refundable in the event of a late cancellation or “no-show.”

 

7. Changes & Cancellation by Us

While we aim to operate all tours as advertised, we plan many months in advance and may occasionally need to make changes.

• Minor Changes: We reserve the right to make minor alterations to tour times or specific venue (distillery) choices due to availability or “silent seasons.” We will make reasonable efforts to inform you of these changes, but will have no liability to you.

• Major Changes: If we are forced to cancel your tour entirely, a full refund of all monies paid to us will be issued.

 

8. Age, Fitness & Conduct

All clients must satisfy themselves prior to booking that they are fit and able to complete the itinerary. Whisky tours often involve walking through industrial distillery environments and standing for periods during tastings.

• Disabilities: Clients with walking or other disabilities may find parts of the distilleries unsuitable. Please consult us before booking, as refunds cannot be provided once the tour has commenced.

• Authority: You agree to accept the authority and decisions of our employees and guides. If, in our opinion, the health or conduct of a client appears likely to endanger the safety or “happy progress” of the tour (including excessive intoxication), that client may be excluded from the tour without a refund or compensation.

9. Local Laws and Alcohol

All participants are expected to obey the laws and regulations of Scotland. Highlander Whisky Tours promotes responsible drinking. We and our partner distilleries reserve the right to refuse alcohol to any guest who appears over-intoxicated.

 

10. Acknowledgment of Risk

Our tours are designed to provide exposure to the true nature of the Scottish Highlands and distillery environments. These involve an element of potential risk (e.g., uneven floors, industrial machinery, and variable Highland weather) beyond those associated with “standard” holidays. By booking, you acknowledge these risks and undertake the tour at your own volition.

11. Our Responsibilities

We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss, or expense resulting from:

• The acts and/or omissions of the person affected;

• The acts of an unconnected third party which were unforeseeable or unavoidable;

• Unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control (Force Majeure).

• Note: We cannot be held liable for personal loss or damage to clothing or personal effects during the tour.

 

12. Special Requests

Any special requests (e.g., specific distilleries, dietary requirements for lunch stops) should be made at the time of booking. We will do our best to meet these, but they are not guaranteed and do not form part of our contractual agreement unless specifically confirmed by us in writing.

13. Delays and Missed Arrangements

We cannot accept liability for any delay or failure to complete the itinerary due to:

• a) The behaviour of any passenger (e.g., failing to return to the vehicle on time);

• b) You arriving late for the initial pickup;

• c) Illness or a change of mind;

• d) External transport delays (e.g., your cruise ship failing to reach port on time).