Standard Booking Terms & Conditions, CCTV Policy and Pet Policy – December 2024

Kames Castle Cottages, Port Bannatyne, Isle of Bute
07900 681401 / info@kamescastlecottages.co.uk

Standard Booking Terms & Conditions (March 2025)

Bookings can only be made by persons over 18 years of age and once confirmed a Contract has been entered into.  The person whose name appears on the booking confirmation (the Guest) agrees to take full responsibility for ensuring all points of the Contract (detailed below) are adhered to by all members of the party.  By completing the booking procedure the Guest agrees:

 
1.     To accept that the completed booking is a binding contract and that any subsequent amendments must be agreed in writing to by the Guest and Kames Castle Cottages.
 
2.     To check all booking details and inform Kames Castle Cottages of any mistakes immediately.  Kames Castle Cottages will not be held liable for any mistakes that arise from the Guest providing incorrect information.
 
3.     To pay a minimum of 30 % non-refundable deposit on booking, if the booking is made more than six weeks before the check-in date.  Failure to pay will result in Kames Castle Cottages treating the property as available for re-letting.
 
4.     To pay the full rental amount on booking (or balance due) at six weeks before check-in date and accept that thereafter this amount is non-refundable.  Failure to pay will result in Kames Castle Cottages treating the property as available for re-letting. 
 
5.     To accept that the Cottage is let by Kames Castle Cottages for the purposes of a holiday let to which Section 12(2) and paragraph 8 of Schedule 4 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 apply. The booking contract confers on the Guest the right to occupy the Cottage for the agreed period of let only.
 
6.     To accept that Kames Castle Cottages maintains the right to refuse entry to any persons deemed unsuitable to take charge.
 
7.     To leave the cottage without demand by 10am on the final day of the agreed period of let. 
 
8.     To limit the number of people occupying the cottage to that stated on the website and to agree to no sub-letting of the Cottage, or any part thereof, nor re-assigning of it.
 
9.     To consult with Kames Castle Cottages in advance should the Guest wish to invite day guests.  This decision will be at the discretion of Kames Castle Cottages.
 
10.  To notify Kames Castle Cottages of any cancellation in writing and to pay any monies due.  No refunds will be given less than 6 weeks before check-in date. (See Point 24 for Covid related policy)
 
11.  To accept that if, subsequent to booking, the cottage becomes unavailable through any cause, Kames Castle Cottages liability is limited to the repayment of any rental already paid. 
 
12.  To inform Kames Castle Cottages immediately of any breakages/missing items on arrival (so that the Guest will not be held liable and to give sufficient opportunity to for repair/replacement).
 
12.  To accept responsibility for minimising fire risk.  Electricity and heating should be run at the minimum level required, particularly when the guest is not present at the cottage.
 
13.  To leave the cottage in a clean and tidy condition with full inventory and to pay for any significant damage and for any exceptional cleaning deemed necessary on departure. Kames Castle Cottages will invoice the Guest to seek appropriate compensation for this and for any other extraordinary costs incurred.
 
14.  To show all due consideration and respect for any Owners and their representatives and neighbours or other persons or parties that have a connection with Kames Castle Cottages. This includes the Guests refraining from abusing stewardship of the cottage or using dangerous, offensive, violent or anti-social behaviour towards such persons or parties.
 
15.  To prevent any member of the Party from causing a nuisance or disturbance in the cottage or Estate. In the event of such a problem, Kames Castle Cottages reserves the right to inform the relevant authorities and require the Guest and party to vacate the cottage without reimbursement.
 
16.  To abide by the non-smoking policy in all Kames properties. On evidence of smoking in the cottage a surcharge will be made for cleaning fabrics, soft furnishing and carpets. This will a minimum of £200 for Ninian, Blane, Catan and Marnoc Cottages; £250 for Colmac Cottage; £300 for Clutha Cottage and £120 for the Gate Lodge.
 
17.  To agree with Kames Castle Cottages pet policy.
 
18.  To allow representatives of Kames Castle Cottages to enter the Cottage for the purpose of inspection, repair and emergency at all times.  This includes mid-stay cleaning and linen replacement.  While we will always try to notify guests in advance, where necessary representatives of Kames will also enter a cottage when they have been unable to contact the guest.
 
19.  To accept that Kames Castle Cottages is not liable to pay compensation should there be any problems with or interruption to services in the cottage or within the estate.  This includes Wifi and mobile signal.

20. To accept that in the event that a tradesperson is needed at the cottage, (for example plumber or electrician), our remote island location means that this may not be immediate and take some time to arrange.
 
21.  To ensure that the cottage is secure at all times, ensuring windows and doors are locked when absent or sleeping and to accept responsibility for own belongings and vehicles.
 
22.  To absolve Kames Castle Cottages for any responsibility for any accident of mishap to persons or party whilst on the estate or in any activity therein, or from illness or injury arising from any cause whatsoever.
 
23.  To resolve any disputes quickly and amicably. However, if Kames Castle Cottages cannot resolve any disputes by agreement, the Guest agrees to Scots law applying and prorogate the exclusive jurisdiction of Greenock Sheriff Court.

24. To accept that, in the event of Covid restrictions preventing travel to the island, all monies paid towards the booking will be refunded (less admin fee of around 2.5% charged by payment processor.  Please note that Kames Castle Cottages does not receive any element of this administration fee).

25.  To accept that no refunds will be given in the event that ferry cancellations prevent crossing to the island. We recommend all guests to take travel insurance to insure against this possibilty.  We also strongly advise that all guests get regular service updates about the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry services to the island (from Colintraive and Wemyss Bay).

26.  To accept that towels and bed linen will be refreshed every 7 days . The housekeeping team will enter the property to facilitate this including in the absence of guests, unless guests advise otherwise.

Kames Castle Cottages, Port Bannatyne, Isle of Bute
07900 681401 / info@kamescastlecottages.co.uk

CCTV Policy (March 2025)

Kames Castle Cottages has a camera CCTV system installed. The purpose of this is for the prevention, detection and investigation of criminal activity and to ensure the security of the grounds and amenities. The Manager / Owner of Kames Castle Cottages is the Responsible Person nominated to oversee this system and procedures.

Signage is displayed to notify guests that CCTV is in operation. Images are stored securely for two weeks and can only be accessed by authorised individuals or by the Police if they request to do so. The images are overwritten after a period of two weeks, apart from any which relate to an incident subject to an ongoing investigation.

Routine checks are made to ensure that the system is operating correctly within the terms of this policy and that information related to the recordings, (for example date and time), are accurate.

Kames Castle Cottages, Port Bannatyne, Isle of Bute
07900 681401 / info@kamescastlecottages.co.uk

Pet Policy (March 2025)

At Kames Castle Cottages, our self-catering accommodation at Port Bannatyne, we welcome one large or two small dogs in each of three of our cottages : Catan Cottage , Ninian Cottage and Colmac Cottage* . The cottages are situated in 20 acres of private grounds, surrounded by fields. The large lawns and small wooded area in the grounds are perfect for guests holidaying with their four legged friends.

The Isle of Bute also offers many lovely walks for dogs including Ettrick Bay, Rhubodach Forest, Skipper Woods and Kilchattan Bay. Please consult the ‘Dog Friendly Walks’ info-sheet provided for more information.

In bringing a dog(s) to Kames, guests are agreeing to the following terms:

We kindly ask pet owners to be respectful of all guests and to ensure that dogs are kept under control at all times. Dogs are welcome in the walled garden but must be kept on a lead in this location.

We welcome fully house-trained dogs in our three pet-friendly cottages. Please ensure that dog(s) are well cleaned and dried before entering all properties. There is a tap in the central courtyard for cleaning muddy paws and also a dog towel in the pet friendly cottages. Pets must not be washed in the cottage bathrooms.

For the comfort of all, pets must be accompanied at all times - both in the grounds and in the cottages. Please ensure you bring adequate bedding for your dog noting that dogs are not permitted on cottage furniture or to enter bedrooms. Should anything in the property be damaged of left in an unsatisfactory state, or if there is evidence of dogs having been in the bedrooms and bathrooms, guests will be liable to pay for damage and / or deep cleaning.

A summary of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code is provided - this includes further guidance on dogs in the countryside and we kindly remind guests of their responsibilities in this regard. For further information, please consult the website: Outdoor access Scotland  Liability for injury or damage caused by visiting pets will rest entirely with the pet owner. Please also be mindful that Kames is frequented by local wildlife including deer and hares. The neighbouring fields are also occupied by cattle and sheep throughout the year. Dogs must not worry the wildlife that frequent the grounds, nor the livestock in adjacent fields. It is the responsibility of the owner to clean up after their dog in all areas of the grounds, including the woodland area.

We regret that other types of pet, such as cats and birds, are not permitted at Kames.

*This is correct at the time of writing but is subject to change.

Pet Supplies on the Isle of Bute

Bute Pets 23 Montague St, Rothesay, PA20 9DA (01700 502078)

Mill Cottage Garden Centre, Pet Shop and Feed Store 37 Mill Street, Rothesay, PA20 0EX )01700 502050)

Vets on the Isle of Bute Bute

Bute & Cowal Vets
17 Argyle St, Rothesay PA20 0AU 01700 503017