Terms of Service

1. Introduction and Acceptance

Welcome to Vivid Fortress. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website at vivid-fortress.com and our Scottish Highland tourism services. By accessing our website or booking our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Vivid Fortress is a tourism company based in the United Kingdom, providing guided Highland tours and related services. Our registered address is Studio 51p Amy Parkway, Leomouth B92 8HS, United Kingdom.

If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our website or services.

2. Definitions

In these Terms:

• "Company," "we," "us," "our" refers to Vivid Fortress
• "Customer," "you," "your" refers to the person booking or participating in our services
• "Services" refers to all Highland tours, activities, and related services we provide
• "Website" refers to vivid-fortress.com and all associated pages
• "Booking" refers to any reservation made for our services
• "Tour" refers to any Highland tour or activity we provide

3. Booking and Reservations

3.1 Booking Process

Bookings can be made through:

• Our website contact form
• Email to [email protected]
• Phone at 08948945981

All bookings are subject to availability and confirmation by Vivid Fortress.

3.2 Booking Confirmation

A booking is only confirmed when:

• We send written confirmation via email
• Required deposit has been received
• All necessary information has been provided

3.3 Minimum Age Requirements

• Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
• Some tours may have higher minimum age requirements
• Children under 8 may not be suitable for certain activities

3.4 Group Size Limits

Tour group sizes are limited to ensure quality experiences and safety. Maximum group sizes vary by tour type and are specified in tour descriptions.

4. Pricing and Payment

4.1 Pricing

• All prices are in British Pounds (GBP) and include VAT where applicable
• Prices are per person unless otherwise stated
• Prices may vary based on season, group size, and specific requirements
• We reserve the right to adjust prices for bookings not yet confirmed

4.2 Payment Terms

• Deposit: 25% of total cost required to secure booking
• Final Payment: Due 14 days before tour departure
• Last-Minute Bookings: Full payment required immediately
• Payment can be made by credit card, bank transfer, or other agreed methods

4.3 Additional Costs

Unless specified as included, the following may incur additional charges:

• Personal insurance
• Additional meals or drinks
• Personal purchases and souvenirs
• Optional activities not included in the tour
• Transportation to/from tour departure points

5. Cancellation and Refunds

5.1 Customer Cancellations

Cancellation charges based on notice period:

• More than 30 days: Full refund minus £50 administration fee
• 15-30 days: 50% refund
• 7-14 days: 25% refund
• Less than 7 days: No refund

5.2 Company Cancellations

We may cancel tours due to:

• Insufficient bookings (minimum numbers not met)
• Severe weather conditions
• Safety concerns
• Circumstances beyond our control

In case of company cancellation, you will receive a full refund or alternative arrangements.

5.3 Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellation, medical expenses, and other unforeseen circumstances.

6. Safety and Participation Requirements

6.1 Health and Fitness

• Participants must be in suitable health for chosen activities
• Medical conditions that may affect participation must be disclosed
• Fitness levels required vary by tour and are specified in descriptions
• We reserve the right to exclude participants deemed unfit for activities

6.2 Safety Requirements

• All participants must follow guide instructions
• Safety equipment must be worn when provided
• Participants engaging in unsafe behavior may be removed from tours
• Emergency procedures must be followed

6.3 Equipment and Clothing

• Appropriate clothing and footwear are essential
• Equipment lists will be provided upon booking
• Some safety equipment is provided by Vivid Fortress
• Personal items should be suitable for Highland weather

7. Liability and Insurance

7.1 Our Liability

Vivid Fortress maintains appropriate public liability insurance and accepts liability for:

• Negligence by our guides or staff
• Failure to provide services as described
• Defective equipment we provide

7.2 Limitation of Liability

Our liability is limited to:

• The total cost paid for the tour
• Direct damages only (not consequential losses)
• Events within our direct control

7.3 Participant Responsibility

Participants are responsible for:

• Their own safety and actions
• Following guide instructions
• Appropriate behavior and conduct
• Personal belongings and equipment
• Damage caused by negligent behavior

8. Weather and External Factors

8.1 Weather Conditions

• Tours operate in most weather conditions
• Severe weather may require route modifications
• Tours cancelled due to extreme weather receive full refunds
• Alternative indoor activities may be substituted

8.2 Force Majeure

We are not liable for cancellations or modifications due to:

• Natural disasters
• Government restrictions
• Transportation strikes
• Terrorism or security threats
• Pandemic or health emergencies

9. Behavior and Conduct

9.1 Expected Conduct

All participants must:

• Treat guides, staff, and other participants with respect
• Follow all safety instructions
• Respect local communities and environments
• Comply with local laws and regulations

9.2 Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors may result in removal from tours:

• Intoxication or drug use
• Aggressive or threatening behavior
• Discrimination or harassment
• Damage to property or environment
• Refusal to follow safety instructions

9.3 Removal from Tours

We reserve the right to remove participants for misconduct. No refund will be provided in such cases.

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 Website Content

All content on our website is protected by copyright and belongs to Vivid Fortress unless otherwise stated. This includes:

• Text, images, and graphics
• Logo and branding
• Tour descriptions and itineraries
• Photography and videos

10.2 Photography and Media

• We may take photographs/videos during tours for promotional use
• Participants consent to such use unless explicitly objecting
• Participants may take personal photographs for private use
• Commercial use of tour content requires written permission

11. Privacy and Data Protection

Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy. By using our services, you consent to such collection and use.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with UK data protection laws.

12. Website Use

12.1 Acceptable Use

When using our website, you agree not to:

• Use the site for any unlawful purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access
• Interfere with site functionality
• Post harmful or offensive content
• Infringe on intellectual property rights

12.2 Website Availability

• We strive for 24/7 website availability
• Maintenance may temporarily affect access
• We are not liable for temporary unavailability

13. Third-Party Services

Our tours may include services provided by third parties such as:

• Accommodation providers
• Transportation companies
• Restaurant and catering services
• Activity providers

While we select partners carefully, we are not responsible for third-party service failures beyond our control.

14. Complaints and Disputes

14.1 Complaint Process

If you have concerns about our services:

1. Raise issues with your guide during the tour
2. Contact us immediately at 08948945981
3. Submit formal complaints to [email protected]
4. We will investigate and respond within 14 days

14.2 Dispute Resolution

Disputes will be resolved through:

• Direct negotiation
• Mediation if required
• UK courts as final resort

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

16. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms periodically. Changes will be:

• Posted on our website
• Effective from the date specified
• Communicated to existing customers

Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

17. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

18. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service:

19. Emergency Contacts

During tours, emergency contact information will be provided. For urgent matters:

• Emergency Services: 999 (UK)
• Highland Rescue: 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue
• Vivid Fortress Emergency: 08948945981

20. Acknowledgment

By booking our services or using our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.

Thank you for choosing Vivid Fortress for your Scottish Highland adventure!