These Booking Terms and Conditions (“the Terms”) apply to all reservations made for accommodation at 6 Laxay, Isle of Lewis (“the Property”). By making a booking, the Lead Guest agrees to these Terms on behalf of all guests staying at the Property.

1. The Contract

1.1 The contract is between Mark Caswell, the owner of the Property, 6 Laxay, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9PJ (“the Owner”) and the person making the reservation (“the Lead Guest” or “the Guest”). Scottish law will govern this contract.

1.2 The Lead Guest making the booking must be over the age of 18 and agrees to take full responsibility for ensuring that all of these Terms are adhered to by all members of their party.

1.3 The Lead Guest must personally stay at the accommodation throughout the holiday.

1.4 The Property is to be occupied only by the persons notified to the Owner and for holiday stay purposes only. The Lead Guest and the members of their party agree not to use the Property for any commercial or illegal purpose, including subletting, which will result in the immediate termination of the contract and the immediate departure of the Lead Guest and their party with no liability on the part of the Owner for any refund of payments made, compensation, expenses or costs incurred by the Guest or their party.

2. Booking and Payment

2.1 Reservations can be made via the online booking system on our website. A booking is confirmed once the required deposit or full payment has been received and written confirmation has been issued by email.

2.2 Bookings made more than 12 weeks (84 days) before the arrival date: A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total booking amount is payable at the time of booking. On receipt of the deposit, the booking will be confirmed by email. The balance of the payment is due no later than 12 weeks (84 days) prior to the Lead Guest’s arrival date.

2.3 Bookings made within 12 weeks (84 days) of the arrival date: Full payment (100%) is due at the time of booking. A confirmation of booking will be issued by email once the payment has been received.

2.4 All payments are processed securely via Stripe through our online booking system.

2.5 Late payments may lead to the Lead Guest’s booking being cancelled by the Owner and the Property re-advertised. The Owner will not be liable for any refund of payments made, compensation, expenses or costs incurred by the Guest as a result of late payment.

3. Cancellation Policy

3.1 If a Guest has to cancel their holiday, the Owner must be contacted immediately and the cancellation must be confirmed in writing (email).

3.2 If a cancellation is made:

• More than 12 weeks before the booking commences – 75% of the total booking amount will be refunded. The 25% deposit will be forfeited unless the Property can be re-let for the same dates at the same rate.
• 12 weeks or fewer before the booking commences – no refund will be issued (0%). The Guest will be liable for the full rental cost. If the Property can be re-let to another party at the same rate, the Guest will be reimbursed in full. Where the Property can be re-let but at a lower rate, the Guest will forfeit the difference.

3.3 Every reasonable effort will be made to re-let the Property to allow the Guest to be reimbursed.

4. Travel Insurance

4.1 The Owner strongly advises that the Guest takes out a comprehensive travel insurance policy. This gives the Guest peace of mind that they will be able to recover their costs and losses should there be a need to cancel.

4.2 If the Guest chooses not to have adequate travel insurance in place, the Guest accepts full responsibility for any costs or loss that may be incurred due to a cancellation.

5. Adverse Travel Conditions

5.1 Where there are travel disruptions due to bad weather conditions, ferry or plane cancellations, or any form of industrial action, the Owner cannot be held responsible for non-arrival or departure from the Property or additional costs that may be incurred by the Guest. No refunds will be given in these circumstances.

5.2 The Guest would be responsible for the full cost of any alternative overnight accommodation. Guests are strongly advised to have appropriate travel insurance to cover for this eventuality.

6. Arrival and Departure

6.1 Check-in is from 16:00 hours on the day of arrival, unless an earlier time is agreed between the Guest and the Owner prior to arrival.

6.2 Check-out is by 10:00 hours on the day of departure to allow cleaning to commence prior to the next Guest’s arrival.

6.3 Failure to adhere to these times may result in additional rental charges plus a fee for delayed or hindered access to the Property by housekeeping.

6.4 Details of how to access and enter the Property will be provided to the Guest shortly before arrival.

6.5 In the event that any keys issued are not returned at the end of the stay, the cost of replacement will be charged to the Guest.

7. Maximum Occupancy

7.1 The maximum number of guests permitted at the Property is 6. This must not exceed the maximum occupancy set by the Property’s Short-Term Let Licence issued by the relevant Scottish local authority.

7.2 Only guests listed on the booking may stay overnight unless prior written approval is given by the Owner.

7.3 Children under 18 must be supervised by their parents or guardians at all times.

7.4 Exceeding the licensed occupancy may result in termination of the stay without refund.

8. Short-Term Let Licence

8.1 6 Laxay operates under a Short-Term Let Licence issued by the relevant Scottish local authority (Licence No: ES01491F).

8.2 Guests agree to comply with all licence conditions applicable to the Property.

8.3 All short-term holiday accommodation in Scotland must hold a licence from the local council before accepting bookings, and the Owner confirms that this Property is fully licensed and compliant.

9. Damage Security Deposit

9.1 The Owner reserves the right to require a refundable damage security deposit of £100 at the time of booking. This will be collected via Stripe through our online booking system.

9.2 The damage security deposit will be refunded within 7 days of departure, subject to the Owner’s evaluation of the Property.

9.3 Deductions may be made for damage to the Property, its contents, or other property or belongings of the Owner, including but not limited to additional cleaning charges.

10. Care of the Property / Breakage, Damage and Theft

10.1 Guests are responsible for taking reasonable care of the Property and its contents, and for leaving the Property clean and tidy.

10.2 Any damage, breakage, or loss – however minor – must be reported immediately to the Owner, who will make the appropriate charge for repair or replacement for which the Guest will be liable.

10.3 The Owner reserves the right to charge guests for any excessive cleaning that may be required following their stay.

10.4 The Property must be secured by the Guest if left unoccupied during the stay.

11. Conditions of Occupancy

11.1 During the occupancy of the Property, the Guest agrees to have full consideration for the residents of neighbouring properties and not to cause distress by generating excessive noise or antisocial behaviour.

11.2 Parties, events, or excessive noise are not permitted unless agreed in advance with the Owner.

11.3 The Owner can refuse the Guest or any member of the Guest’s party entry or continued occupancy of the Property if the Guest or their party are behaving antisocially, illegally, or if any damage has been or is likely to be caused. Any such action will be treated as a cancellation by the Guest and the Owner will not be liable for any refund, compensation, expenses or costs incurred.

12. Smoking Policy

12.1 The Property is strictly no smoking of any sort, including vaping.

12.2 If guests are found to have smoked within the Property and damage is incurred as a result (including leaving a lingering odour), a penalty fee will be charged, payable via the damage security deposit.

13. Pets

13.1 Dogs are welcome at 6 Laxay. A maximum of 2 dogs are permitted per stay, at a charge of £70 per stay.

13.2 Pets are not permitted in bedrooms or bathrooms. Dog blankets are provided for use on the furniture, and clean dogs may sit on the furniture when blankets are in place.

13.3 Pets must not be left unattended in the Property at any time.

13.4 The Isle of Lewis is a rural area surrounded by livestock and wildlife. It is the Guest’s responsibility to keep their pet(s) under control at all times.

13.5 Any mess caused by pets must be collected and disposed of properly by the Guest. The Guest is responsible for any damage caused by their pet(s).

14. Safety and Compliance

14.1 The Property complies with all required fire, gas, and electrical safety regulations as mandated by the Scottish short-term let licensing requirements.

14.2 Guests must familiarise themselves with emergency procedures and safety information provided in the Property.

14.3 Guests must not tamper with smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, or any safety equipment.

14.4 No candles must be lit in the Property at any time.

14.5 No BBQs or open flames must be used inside the Property. If using an outdoor or disposable BBQ, it must be used in a safe location away from the building and must be carefully and fully extinguished after use.

14.6 Any issues that the Guest feels are unsafe in or around the Property should be raised immediately with the Owner to allow the opportunity to rectify any issues.

15. Right of Entry

15.1 The Owner or authorised representatives may enter the Property if necessary for:

• Emergency situations
• Essential maintenance or repairs
• Compliance with licensing or safety requirements
• Inspection of the Property

15.2 Where possible, reasonable notice will be given.

16. Utilities, Linen and Towels

16.1 The Property is supplied with pillows, duvets, bed linen, bathroom and kitchen towels. These items must not be removed from the Property.

16.2 Electricity, heating and fuel are included in the hire charge.

16.3 There are no hidden charges for the provision of utilities, bed linen and towels, unless a cleaning or breakages surcharge is necessary if the Property is left in an unacceptable condition.

17. Facilities and Amenities

17.1 The Owner reserves the right to alter or withdraw without prior notice facilities and/or amenities which have been advertised, where reasonably necessary due to repairs, maintenance or any other circumstances beyond their control.

17.2 The Owner will notify the Guest as soon as practical of any such changes.

18. Liability

18.1 The Owner shall not be liable to the Guest or any member of their party for:

• Loss, theft, or damage to guests’ personal belongings
• Injury sustained by guests unless caused by the Owner’s negligence

18.2 Guests are responsible for their own travel insurance and personal property.

19. Circumstances Beyond the Owner’s Control

19.1 If for any reason the Owner has to cancel the Guest’s booking in advance due to circumstances beyond the Owner’s control (for example fire, flood, or destruction/damage to the Property), the Owner will make best endeavours to find the Guest comparable accommodation for the rental period where available, or will offer alternative dates or refund the full amount of the booking.

19.2 If the Owner has to terminate the Guest’s holiday early for any reason, the Guest will be credited or refunded a proportionate part of the rental payment based on the time remaining of the booking.

19.3 This will be the full extent of the liability of the Owner and no additional compensation, expenses or costs incurred by the Guest or their party will be payable by the Owner.

20. Force Majeure

20.1 The Owner does not offer insurance or accept any liability to the Guest for losses, additional costs, compensation or expenses in the event of the Property being unavailable due to circumstances including but not limited to: adverse weather conditions, ferry or plane cancellations, Guest travel arrangements, natural disasters, terror attacks, acts of war, riots, incidents of civil unrest, pandemics, epidemics, or general restrictions on movement imposed by local or national government which may prevent the Guest arriving at the Property.

21. Data Protection

21.1 Guest information will only be used for the purposes of managing the booking and complying with legal obligations, including those required under the Scottish short-term let licensing regulations.

22. Complaints

22.1 Any complaint must be taken up immediately by the Guest with the Owner, who must be afforded the opportunity to address the issue raised.

22.2 The Owner regrets that they cannot take up or be held liable for a complaint after the Guest has vacated the Property.

23. Governing Law

23.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Scotland, and any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Scottish courts.

24. Acceptance

24.1 By confirming the reservation details and paying the booking deposit or full payment, the Guest agrees to these Terms and Conditions and is making an offer to rent the Property for the period and cost agreed, by way of a binding contract between the Guest and the Owner.