Who are Scotts Castle Holidays?
Why use Scotts Castle Holidays?
What is self catering?
What does changeover day mean?
Do we add fees or commission to the price of the property?
When should we book?
How do I pay if I live overseas?
Can you supply a cook?
What does changeover day mean?
Standards – what can I expect and how are they maintained?
When will I be told the name of the property?
Do you require a deposit or a payment in advance?
Why does SCH need my credit card details?
How safe are my credit card details?
What are the check-in and check-out times?
What amenities are available at the property?
Is linen included?
Are any provisions provided on arrival?
Can I take an extra person/infant?
How do I know if the property allows pets?
How can I tell if a property is suitable for a wheelchair or a person with restricted mobility?
When do I get directions to the property?
Is there parking at all properties?
What happens if I have to cancel my holiday?
Can I book a short/weekend break?


Q. Who are Scotts Castle Holidays?
A. Scotts Castle Holidays is an independent agency formed in 1988 to offer holidays in private castles and manor houses in Scotland. From this original concept, the agency has steadily grown and now handles bookings for a huge variety of private castles, castle hotels, large houses, mansions and lodges primarily in Scotland.

Q. Why use Scotts Castle Holidays?
A. Scotts Castle Holidays is operated on a day to day basis by its owners and a small but very experienced staff. To our clients we are not a call centre, but real people with real knowledge of the area and the properties we offer.

We have a large selection of well appointed properties in our portfolio, and having determined your needs we can offer an unbiased opinion on a selection of properties that we feel would best suit your requirements.

Q. What is self catering?
A. Self catering accommodation allows you to rent a fully furnished property, usually on a weekly basis, for your exclusive use. It is an economical way of going on holiday (or vacation) with your family and friends. Beds are made for you prior to arrival and you are then left to your own privacy. However, if you wish to have a complete break from the daily chores, catering and housekeeping services can be provided, in addition, by arrangement.

Q. What does changeover day mean?
A. Changeover day is the day when one client leaves and the next one arrives. Between these two events, the property is cleaned and prepared for the new arrivals.

Q. Do we add fees or commission to the price of the property?
A. We offer the advertised price as agreed by the owner. In some instances when running promotions we are able to offer a rate below the advertised price which can not be offered elsewhere.

Commission is levied on the price paid to the owner, NOT on what is charged to the client, so there is no advantage (or additional cost) in booking direct with the property

In fact, as we are a professional agency bound by company law, in most cases your legal and fiscal rights are better protected than if you booked through an individual property owner not covered by these legal requirements.

Q. When should we book?
A. The earlier you can book the better especially for peak holiday periods and Christmas and New Year. Although we require a deposit on confirmation of booking, we only require the balance 8 weeks before the start of the holiday.

Q. How do I pay if I live overseas?
A. You can pay with a credit or debit card, or we accept a Bank Transfer, details of which can be supplied on request.

Q. Can you supply a cook?
A. Whilst we cannot actually supply a cook, we can give you the names of catering agencies, or put you in touch via the owners with local cooks.

Q. Standards – what can we expect and how are they maintained?
A. We try and ensure that all our properties are furnished and maintained to the highest standard, and our Property Manager makes regular visits to the properties in our portfolio to check that these standards are being maintained.

We will not hesitate to remove a property from our portfolio should we feel that it has fallen below the internal measures set by our Property Department.

Q. When will I be told the name of the property?
A. Once your booking has been confirmed you will receive further details on the property including travel directions, floor plans where practicable and any other relevant information.

Q. Do you require a deposit or a payment in advance?
A. Yes, we require a 30% deposit on confirming a booking for the property, and the balance is due 8 weeks before the start of your holiday.

Q. Why does SCH need my credit card details?
A. We need your credit card details to act as security for the Good Housekeeping Deposit (GHD). For more details see the Terms and Conditions

Q. How safe are my credit card details?
A. Your credit card details are not recorded on any electronic system, they are kept in your file which is securely locked and then destroyed securely once your holiday has ceased.

Q. What are the check in and check out times of the properties?
A. Generally our properties check in at 4 p.m. and out by 10 a.m. on the morning of departure, and details will be given on the travel directions. In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to alter the times. Please consult the office staff.

Q. What amenities are available at the property?
A. The property will have most of the standard appliances you would expect to have at home. Details of each individual property’s amenities can be found on our web site. You will also find details of local activities and places of interest in the surrounding area.

Q. Is linen included?
A. Linen is included in all properties and the beds will be made up for your arrival. Cot linen however is not provided.

Q. Are any provisions provided on arrival?
A. Generally no, but we are encouraging owners of the properties to provide a welcome hamper. The office staff can help with details of the nearest shops etc.

Q. Can I take an extra person/infant?
A. If the numbers in your party change, you must inform the office staff. Properties generally cannot accept more than the stated number because of fire regulations etc.

Q. How do I know if the property allows pets?
A. Details about pets can be found on the web site of each property. Alternatively the office staff will be able to tell you how many pets are allowed and if there is a charge for them.

Q. How can I tell if a property is suitable for a wheelchair user or a person A. with restricted mobility?
It is best to consult the office staff as some of our properties are very old and have steep staircases and limited access.

Q. When do I get directions to the property?
A. On payment of the final balance (8 weeks before the holiday) details of the directions, keyholder contact details etc will be sent to you. Please make sure you contact the keyholder/owner a week before your arrival to determine a mutually convenient time to hand over the keys and any other necessary information on access to the property.

Q. Is there parking at all properties?
A. Property descriptions on their website will include parking facilities.

Q. What happens if I have to cancel my holiday?
A. It is a condition of booking that you take out Cancellation Insurance either through SCH’s recommended insurer, or alternatively we need proof that you are covered under another scheme.

If you choose to pay for your booking in full the obligation to take out Cancellation Insurance is waived, however, neither the agency nor the owner will be liable for refunding the cost of your booking should you need to cancel for whatever reason.

We therefore highly recommend that you do take out some sort of cover to protect yourself from this unlikely - yet possible - event.

Please read our Terms and Conditions to understand your obligations should you have to cancel your booking.

Q. Can I book a short/weekend break?
A. Most properties will accept short/weekend breaks in the low and mid seasons. Details can be found on the website and the office staff can assist you.