Whisky Tours and Private Tastings by tuigsear

These Terms and Conditions apply to whisky tours, private tastings and related experiences provided by tuigsear.

By making a booking, paying a deposit, making full payment, or attending a tour or private tasting, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.

1. General Provisions

1.1. All bookings for whisky tours and private tastings are subject to availability.

1.2. We reserve the right to modify, reschedule, substitute, or cancel tours or private tastings due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather conditions, safety concerns, road closures, vehicle issues, illness, venue cancellations, operational matters, or circumstances outside our reasonable control. In such cases, guests will be offered suitable alternative arrangements where possible, an alternative date, or a refund where appropriate.

1.3. We take reasonable care to provide safe, professional and enjoyable experiences. Guests must follow all reasonable safety instructions and guidance provided by us, our drivers, guides, distilleries, venues, or third-party providers during the experience.

1.4. Guests are responsible for ensuring that the tour, tasting, route, duration, activity level and whisky-related content are suitable for their own requirements before booking.

2. Health and Safety

2.1. Guests must inform us in advance of any allergies, medical conditions, disabilities, mobility requirements, dietary requirements, or other circumstances that may affect their participation in a tour or private tasting.

2.2. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements where possible, but we cannot guarantee that all requests can be fulfilled, particularly where they depend on third-party venues, distillery layouts, rural locations, historic buildings, uneven ground, stairs, production areas, vehicle access, or health and safety restrictions.

2.3. Guests are expected to act responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws, licensing requirements, venue rules and reasonable instructions. Disruptive, abusive, unsafe, unlawful, or heavily intoxicated behaviour may result in refusal of service, removal from an activity, or termination of the tour or tasting without refund.

2.4. Children and under-18s
Guests bringing children or anyone under 18 should note that some distilleries, venues and licensed premises may restrict minors from certain areas, including production areas, tasting rooms, bar areas and certain tour experiences.

It is the guest’s responsibility to check and comply with any age restrictions notified before or during the tour. We are not liable where a guest or member of their party is unable to participate in an activity due to age restrictions imposed by a third-party venue.

Children and under-18s must remain under the supervision of their responsible adult at all times. We do not supervise unattended children or under-18s.

3. Cruise Ship Passengers

3.1. For guests arriving by cruise ship, we plan itineraries carefully and take reasonable steps to return guests to the agreed port or meeting point in good time.

3.2. While we are proud to maintain an excellent track record of timely returns, we cannot guarantee return times where circumstances outside our reasonable control affect the tour. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, road traffic collisions, adverse weather, road closures, vehicle issues, police incidents, medical emergencies, port changes, cruise ship schedule changes, or other unforeseen events.

3.3. In the rare event that a delay causes a guest to miss their cruise ship, the guest will be responsible for arranging onward travel, which may include meeting the ship at the next port or securing alternative transportation. We are not liable for missed departures or additional travel costs except where caused by our failure to use reasonable care and skill.

3.4. If a cruise ship is unable to dock, tender, or allow passengers ashore due to weather, port restrictions, itinerary changes, or other circumstances outside the guest’s control, we will consider refund, rescheduling, or alternative arrangements in line with the booking terms confirmed at the time of booking.

4. Private Whisky Tastings

4.1. Private whisky tastings must be booked in advance and are subject to availability.

4.2. The number of participants, location, approximate duration, tasting style and any specific requirements should be confirmed at the time of booking.

4.3. Changes or cancellations of private whisky tastings must be communicated to us in writing at least 48 hours before the scheduled start time.

4.4. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled start time may result in loss of deposit, cancellation fee, or loss of the full amount paid, depending on the circumstances and the cancellation policy provided at the time of booking.

4.5. Private tastings are designed for the responsible enjoyment of whisky. We reserve the right to pause or end a tasting without refund if guests engage in disruptive, unsafe, unlawful, abusive, or heavily intoxicated behaviour.

4.6. Guests are responsible for ensuring that the tasting location is suitable, safe and lawful for the tasting to take place. We reserve the right to decline or end a tasting where the location is unsafe, unsuitable, inaccessible, or inappropriate.

5. Liability

5.1. We hold appropriate public liability insurance for the activities we provide. We take reasonable care to provide safe, professional and enjoyable tours and private tastings.

5.2. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits our liability where it would be unlawful to do so, including liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or breach of statutory duty.

5.3. Subject to clause 5.2, we are not liable for any loss, damage, cost, expense, injury, delay, missed connection, missed departure, disappointment, or inconvenience caused by the guest’s own acts or omissions, failure to follow reasonable instructions, unsafe behaviour, late arrival, intoxication, third-party restrictions, or circumstances outside our reasonable control.

5.4. Guests are responsible for their own conduct during tours and private tastings. Where a guest’s behaviour causes loss, damage, injury, additional cost, or disruption, the guest may be responsible for the reasonable costs or losses arising from that behaviour.

5.5. We are not responsible for the acts, omissions, service standards, operational decisions, restrictions, cancellations, closures, delays, or conditions of independent third-party providers, including distilleries, restaurants, attractions, accommodation providers, transport operators, shops, venues, or other suppliers, except where the issue arises from our failure to use reasonable care and skill when arranging the relevant part of the experience.

6. Booking and Payment

6.1. To confirm a reservation for a tour or private tasting, either full payment may be made at the time of booking, or a non-refundable deposit of 25 percent of the total booking value may be paid to secure the date.

6.2. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the remaining balance is payable on or before the day of the tour or tasting by cash, card, or other approved payment method.

6.3. A booking is not confirmed until the required deposit or full payment has been received and written confirmation has been issued.

6.4. Refunds, cancellations and rescheduling requests will be handled in accordance with these Terms and Conditions and any specific cancellation policy provided at the time of booking.

6.5. Pre-booking information
Before payment is made, guests will be provided with, or directed to, the relevant tour description, selected tour tier, price, main inclusions, main exclusions and these Terms and Conditions.

By paying a deposit or making full payment, the guest confirms that they have had the opportunity to review this information and agrees to the booking on that basis.

6.6. Written confirmation
The agreed tour date, duration, vehicle type, group size, selected tour tier, price and any specifically included experiences will be confirmed in writing.

Only inclusions expressly confirmed in writing should be treated as included in the booking.

6.7. Any additional costs, upgrades, extended hours, guest-requested changes, additional third-party experiences, or optional extras not included in the confirmed booking may incur additional charges.

7. Tour Tiers, Inclusions and Third-Party Experience Costs

7.1. Tour tier confirmation
tuigsear offers different tour tiers to reflect different levels of planning, included third-party whisky experiences, access, tastings and overall curation.

The tour tier selected by the guest, together with the agreed price and any specific inclusions, will be confirmed in writing before the booking is finalised. Guests are responsible for checking that the confirmed tour tier and inclusions meet their expectations before payment is made.

7.2. Third-party providers
Distillery tours, tastings, premium experiences, private visits, special access arrangements, meals, venues and other activities are provided by independent third-party providers.

These are subject to availability, opening hours, operational requirements, staffing, licensing conditions, health and safety requirements and the provider’s own terms and conditions.

tuigsear will use reasonable care and skill when planning, arranging and coordinating these experiences, but cannot guarantee access to any specific distillery, host, production area, warehouse, bottle, dram, private room, closed site, or experience unless this has been expressly confirmed in writing.

7.3. Tier 1 – Standard / Private Tour
Tier 1, also referred to as the Standard or Private Tour, includes private guiding, transport, itinerary planning, water, soft drinks, light Scottish snacks and, where appropriate, selected drams from tuigsear’s own whisky collection during scenic stops.

Unless specifically stated otherwise in writing, Tier 1 does not include distillery entry fees, distillery tours, tastings, lunch, meals, drinks, retail purchases, optional activities, or entry fees for non-whisky attractions. These costs are payable separately by the guest.

7.4. Tier 2 – Curated Package
Tier 2, also referred to as the Curated Package, is designed to provide a more seamless and inclusive whisky touring experience.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Tier 2 normally includes one standard guided distillery tour or standard distillery experience, plus up to three additional standard distillery tastings or whisky experiences during the day.

These experiences are selected and arranged by tuigsear according to availability, location, timing, guest preferences, suitability and the best overall flow of the day.

7.5. Meaning of “standard” experiences
For the purposes of Tier 2, a standard experience means a commonly available visitor centre tour, tasting, bar tasting, shop tasting, or comparable public-facing distillery experience at a standard visitor price level.

Tier 2 does not include rare, private, closed-door, limited-capacity, archive, connoisseur, warehouse, manager-led, luxury, exceptionally aged, single cask, high-value, or otherwise premium experiences unless these have been expressly agreed in writing.

If a guest requests experiences above the normal Tier 2 scope, the additional cost will be payable by the guest.

7.6. Tier 3 – Premium Experience
Tier 3, also referred to as the Premium Experience, is reserved for selected full-day 8-hour whisky tours and is designed for guests seeking a more elevated whisky experience.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Tier 3 normally includes one special access, private, closed, rare, premium, or otherwise elevated distillery experience, plus up to three additional premium tastings or whisky experiences during the day.

All Tier 3 experiences are subject to availability, suitability, advance arrangement and third-party confirmation.

7.7. Meaning of “premium” and “special access” experiences
For the purposes of Tier 3, a premium or special access experience may include, depending on availability, a private tasting, closed-door visit, hosted experience, rare dram tasting, higher-value distillery experience, private-room tasting, specialist-led experience, warehouse-style experience, or other elevated whisky experience arranged specifically for the guest.

Tier 3 does not guarantee access to every requested distillery, person, warehouse, production area, private collection, rare bottle, closed site, or specific dram.

Where a requested experience falls outside the agreed Premium Experience scope, any additional cost will be discussed and agreed before being incurred.

7.8. Meaning of “up to”
The phrase “up to” reflects what may be possible within the agreed tour duration, route, distillery availability, lunch arrangements, travel time, guest pace and the practical structure of the day.

The number of stops, tastings, drams, or experiences may vary depending on these factors.

tuigsear will use reasonable care and skill to deliver the agreed tour tier and, where necessary, to arrange suitable alternatives within that tier.

7.9. Changes to included experiences
Where an included distillery experience, tasting, visit, or third-party arrangement becomes unavailable due to circumstances outside tuigsear’s reasonable control, including but not limited to distillery cancellation, operational changes, staffing issues, road closures, weather, late arrival, extended lunch, guest preference, or changes in opening hours, tuigsear will make reasonable efforts to arrange a suitable alternative within the agreed tour tier.

No refund or price reduction will normally be due where a suitable alternative is provided, or where the change results from guest choice, guest delay, third-party operational restrictions, or circumstances outside tuigsear’s reasonable control, except where required by law.

7.10. No cash equivalent or unused allowance
Tour tier prices are fixed private tour prices and are not calculated solely on a per-person basis or as a cash allowance for individual experiences.

Where a tour operates with fewer guests than the maximum group size, or where fewer experiences are possible due to timing, route, availability, guest preference, or other practical factors, there is no cash refund, credit, or unused allowance due in respect of included distillery fees, tastings, experiences, transport, planning, or guiding, except where required by law.

7.11. Complimentary extras
Complimentary tastings, additional drams, personal collection pours, informal samples, special access, upgrades, or gestures offered by distilleries, venues, hosts, or tuigsear are discretionary and are not guaranteed inclusions unless expressly confirmed in writing.

They do not reduce the tour price and cannot be exchanged for cash, credit, alternative experiences, or refunds.

7.12. Exclusions unless confirmed in writing
Unless expressly stated in writing, tour prices do not include lunch, meals, additional drinks, retail whisky purchases, bottle purchases, postage or shipping, non-whisky attraction entry fees, accommodation, flights, ferry costs, helicopter transfers, additional transport, extended hours, or any third-party costs not specifically included in the agreed tour package.

7.13. Guest-requested upgrades or changes
Any guest-requested additions, substitutions, upgrades, extended hours, additional distillery experiences, premium tastings, rare drams, special access arrangements, or itinerary changes that fall outside the confirmed tour tier may incur additional charges.

Such charges will be communicated and agreed before being incurred wherever reasonably possible.

8. Changes and Cancellations

8.1. Changes or cancellations by us
We reserve the right to modify, reschedule, substitute, or cancel tours or private tastings due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather conditions, safety concerns, road closures, operational issues, venue cancellations, illness, vehicle issues, or circumstances outside our reasonable control.

Where we cancel a booking and cannot provide a suitable alternative, guests will be offered an alternative date or a refund of the amount paid to us for the cancelled service.

8.2. Changes or cancellations by the guest
Guests who wish to cancel or reschedule their booking must notify us in writing at least 48 hours before the scheduled start date and time.

Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled start time are not eligible for refund, except where required by law or where otherwise agreed in writing.

Any refund or rescheduling option will be considered in line with the cancellation policy provided at the time of booking.

8.3. Late arrival or guest delay
Guests are responsible for being ready at the agreed start time and location.

Late arrival, delayed departure, extended lunch, additional stops, or changes requested by the guest may reduce the time available for the itinerary, tastings, visits, scenic stops, or other experiences.

No refund or price reduction will normally be due where the itinerary is shortened or adjusted due to guest delay or guest-requested changes, except where required by law.

8.4. Third-party cancellations or changes
Where a distillery, venue, restaurant, attraction, or other third-party provider cancels, changes, delays, restricts, or refuses an experience, we will make reasonable efforts to adjust the itinerary or arrange a suitable alternative where possible.

We are not liable for third-party cancellations, restrictions, closures, service changes, or operational decisions, except where caused by our failure to use reasonable care and skill when arranging the booking.

9. Age Verification and Alcohol

9.1. The legal drinking age in the UK is 18. tuigsear operates a Challenge 25 approach in line with common industry practice.

9.2. Guests who appear to be under the age of 25 may be required to provide valid photographic identification before participating in any alcohol-related activity.

9.3. Failure to provide suitable identification may result in refusal of alcohol service or refusal of participation in alcohol-related activities. No refund or price reduction will normally be due where participation is refused because a guest cannot provide valid identification, except where required by law.

9.4. Guests are expected to drink responsibly. We reserve the right to refuse alcohol service or end alcohol-related participation where a guest appears heavily intoxicated, acts unsafely, or behaves inappropriately.

10. Personal Property

10.1. Guests are responsible for their own personal belongings during tours and private tastings.

10.2. We are not liable for loss, theft, or damage to personal property unless caused by our negligence or breach of statutory duty.

10.3. Guests are encouraged to take care with valuable items, purchases, bottles, luggage and personal effects during the experience.

11. Photography, Video and Marketing

11.1. We may take photographs or videos during tours and private tastings for our records, guest memories, or marketing purposes.

11.2. We will not knowingly use identifiable images or videos of guests for public marketing without their consent.

11.3. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, or do not wish images of you to be used publicly, please let us know before or during the experience.

12. Force Majeure and Events Outside Our Control

12.1. We will not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations where that failure or delay is caused by events outside our reasonable control.

Such events may include, but are not limited to, severe weather, road closures, traffic incidents, accidents, natural disasters, fire, flood, illness, strikes, civil unrest, terrorism, government restrictions, venue closures, ferry disruption, flight disruption, vehicle breakdown, or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

12.2. Where an event outside our reasonable control affects a booking, we will make reasonable efforts to provide a suitable alternative, reschedule the experience, adjust the itinerary, or provide a refund where appropriate and where required by law.

13. Accuracy of Information, Website Descriptions and Statutory Rights

13.1. Information on our website, tour pages, proposals, emails and booking confirmations is provided in good faith and is intended to describe the nature, style and expected content of the experiences offered.

13.2. Where there is any difference between general website wording and the specific written booking confirmation issued for a guest’s tour or tasting, the written booking confirmation will set out the agreed date, duration, vehicle type, group size, selected tour tier, price and specifically included experiences.

13.3. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions affects any statutory rights that cannot legally be excluded or restricted.

14. Travel, Accommodation and Package Arrangements

14.1. Unless expressly confirmed in writing, tuigsear does not arrange flights, accommodation, ferries, helicopter transfers, onward travel, or other travel services outside the confirmed tour or tasting.

14.2. Where we provide suggestions for accommodation, restaurants, transport, shops, attractions, or other third-party services, such suggestions are provided in good faith for guest convenience. Unless expressly confirmed in writing, the guest is responsible for making, managing and paying for those arrangements directly with the relevant third-party provider.

14.3. Any third-party service booked directly by the guest is subject to that provider’s own terms and conditions.

14.4. Where a bespoke arrangement involves additional travel services, accommodation, ferry travel, helicopter arrangements, or multi-day planning, any specific inclusions, exclusions, supplier responsibilities and payment arrangements will be confirmed separately in writing.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

15.1. These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising from them or from a booking with tuigsear, shall be governed by the laws of Scotland.

15.2. Guests and tuigsear agree that the Scottish courts shall have jurisdiction, except where consumer protection law provides otherwise.

16. Contact Information

16.1. For questions, booking changes, cancellations, or additional information, please contact us using the contact details provided on our website or in your booking confirmation.

By booking with tuigsear, you confirm that you have had the opportunity to review these Terms and Conditions and agree to them as part of your booking.

We look forward to providing you with a memorable, carefully planned and enjoyable whisky experience.

This Privacy Policy explains how tuigsear collects, uses, stores and protects personal information provided through this website, by email, by enquiry form, during the booking process, or in connection with our whisky tours, private tastings and related experiences.

For the purposes of UK data protection law, tuigsear is the data controller for the personal information we collect and use directly.

Our website is hosted by Squarespace. Squarespace may collect and process visitor data in order to securely operate, deliver and improve this website. This may include information about your browser, device, IP address, website usage, pages visited, referring websites, links clicked and other technical information connected with your visit. Visitors should also be aware that Squarespace and any third-party tools used on this website may process data in accordance with their own privacy policies.

When you contact us, make an enquiry, request a booking, pay a deposit, join a tour, attend a tasting, or otherwise communicate with us, we may collect personal information such as your name, email address, telephone number, booking details, group size, tour preferences, dietary requirements, accessibility requirements, accommodation or cruise ship details, payment-related information, correspondence and any other information you choose to provide.

tuigsear does not sell personal information.

We use personal information to respond to enquiries, arrange and manage bookings, provide our services, communicate with guests, process payments, meet legal and accounting obligations, maintain appropriate business records, improve our services, and, where consent has been given, use photographs, reviews or marketing communications.

We only use personal information where we have a lawful basis to do so. This may include where processing is necessary to respond to an enquiry, take steps before entering into a booking, perform a booking contract, comply with a legal obligation, protect our legitimate business interests, or where you have given consent for a specific purpose.

Payment information is processed securely by our payment provider. tuigsear does not receive or retain full card details.

We may share limited information with trusted third parties where necessary to provide our services, such as distilleries, venues, restaurants, payment processors, website providers, email providers, accountants, professional advisers, insurers or legal authorities where required. We only share information where it is necessary, appropriate, or legally required.

Some third-party providers, including website, payment, analytics or email service providers, may process personal information outside the United Kingdom. Where this applies, we rely on the safeguards used by those providers, such as appropriate contractual protections, recognised transfer mechanisms, or other safeguards required by data protection law.

We delete or anonymise personal information when it is no longer needed for the purpose it was collected. Some limited information may be retained where necessary for legal, tax, accounting, insurance, dispute-handling, fraud prevention, or legitimate business record purposes.

If an enquiry does not become a booking, we aim to delete unnecessary personal information once the enquiry has concluded, unless there is a lawful reason to retain it for a limited period.

If a booking is made, we may retain limited booking, invoice, correspondence and transaction records for as long as reasonably necessary to meet legal, tax, accounting, insurance, dispute-handling and business record requirements.

You have rights in relation to your personal information, including the right to be informed, the right of access, the right to correction, the right to deletion in certain circumstances, the right to restrict or object to processing in certain circumstances, and the right to withdraw consent where consent is relied upon.

You have an absolute right to object to your personal information being used for direct marketing. If you ask us not to use your information for direct marketing, we will respect that request.

For information about cookies and similar technologies used on this website, please see our Cookie Policy.

For questions about how we handle personal information, or to exercise your rights, please contact us using the contact details provided on this website.

If you are unhappy with how your personal information has been handled, you can contact us so that we can try to resolve the issue. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office, the UK regulator for data protection.

This Cookie Policy explains how the tuigsear website uses cookies and similar technologies.

Cookies are small files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help websites function properly, remember certain preferences, understand how visitors use the site, and, depending on the tools used, support analytics, embedded content or marketing features.

Our website is hosted by Squarespace. Squarespace uses certain necessary cookies and similar technologies to securely serve this website, allow it to function correctly, and provide core website features. These essential cookies are required for the website to operate and cannot usually be switched off through the website.

This website may also use non-essential cookies, such as analytics, performance, functionality, advertising or third-party cookies, depending on the features enabled on the site. These may help us understand how visitors interact with the website, improve the visitor experience, view general site activity, measure performance, or support embedded third-party features.

Where required by law, non-essential cookies will only be used after you have given consent through our cookie banner or cookie settings.

Cookies and similar technologies used on this website may include:

Strictly necessary cookies
These are required for the website to work properly. They may support security, page loading, form functionality, consent preferences and other essential website operations.

Analytics and performance cookies
These help us understand how visitors use the website, such as which pages are visited, how visitors move around the site, traffic sources, general site activity and website performance. These cookies help us improve the website and visitor experience.

Functionality cookies
These may help remember choices or preferences, or support enhanced website features where available.

Third-party cookies and embedded content
Some third-party services used on this website may place cookies or collect visitor data. This may include, depending on the features enabled, services such as embedded maps, videos, booking tools, payment providers, enquiry forms, email marketing tools, analytics tools, social media integrations or advertising platforms. These third parties may process data in accordance with their own privacy and cookie policies.

Advertising or marketing cookies
If used, these may help measure advertising performance, understand visitor interactions, or support relevant marketing activity. tuigsear does not sell personal information. Any advertising or marketing cookies should only be used where consent has been given, where required by law.

You can accept, reject or manage non-essential cookies through the cookie banner or cookie settings available on this website. You can also control cookies through your browser settings, including deleting existing cookies, blocking future cookies, or setting preferences for different websites.

Please note that blocking or deleting some cookies may affect how the website works. Strictly necessary cookies are required for the website to function and cannot usually be disabled through the website.

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes to our website, Squarespace settings, third-party tools, legal requirements, or how cookies are used.

For information about how we handle personal information more generally, please see our Privacy Policy.