Last updated: 2nd September 2026

These terms are between you (the lead guest, on behalf of your booking party) and Glen Dessary Estate, Grants of Dalvey, Alness, Ross-Shire, IV17 0XT. By placing a booking with us you and your booking party agree to the following terms and conditions as set-out. During your stay you agree to abide by the subsequent conditions as set-out below.

1. Booking and Payment

• A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation.
• The balance must be paid 30 days prior to arrival. For bookings made within 30 days of arrival, full payment is required at the time of booking.
• If the balance is not paid by the due date we may treat the booking as cancelled by you, and the cancellation terms below will apply.
• Payments can be made via bank transfer or online payment portal.
• Any charges raised against us by our banks for handling dishonoured payments, must be reimbursed by the lead guest within seven days of any request to do so.

2. Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made 30 days before arrival: Full refund of deposit minus admin fee of £250.
• Cancellations made within 30 days of arrival: No refund.
• In the unlikely event we need to cancel your booking with us, please be aware that we cannot be held liable for circumstances beyond our control and that our liability to you is limited to the refund of any payment already made.
• We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.
• We reserve the right to cancel any booking without compensation, refund or reimbursement if the terms of these conditions are breached.

3. Amendments to Activities and Sporting

• Activities, sporting days and the number of beasts to be taken must be finalised at least 30 days before arrival.
• These arrangements cannot be reduced within 30 days of arrival.
• Anything confirmed will be charged in full, whether or not it is taken up.
• This includes cancelling an activity or a sporting day, reducing the number of guests taking part, and reducing the number of stags or hinds.
• Additions inside 30 days are subject to availability.
• Activities we are unable to provide ourselves are not charged, and our liability to you is limited to that charge.

4. Check-in / Check-out

• Check-in: Between 4pm and 8pm on the day of arrival.
• Check-out: By 10am on the day of departure.
• Late check-out may incur an additional charge and must be arranged in advance.

5. Access and Travel Considerations

The lodge is located in a remote area. Guests are responsible for ensuring their vehicle is suitable for rural travel, especially in adverse weather conditions. Directions will be provided, and GPS may not be reliable. A 4x4 vehicle may be necessary in winter months. We are not liable for delays caused by road closures, weather, or transport disruptions.

6. Occupancy and Guest Conduct

• Maximum occupancy: 15 guests in Glen Dessary Lodge, 6 guests in Glen Dessary Bothy. Exceeding this may result in eviction without refund.
• The lead guest must be over 21 years old and is responsible for the conduct of all members of the party.
• Parties, events, or loud music are not permitted unless pre-approved in writing.
• All guests agree to respect the privacy and peace of the owners at all times. We reserve the right to cancel a booking with immediate effect if guests are not honouring this agreement or causing a disturbance / nuisance to others, neighbours or the owners.

7. Wildlife and Environment

• The lodge is situated in a natural setting. Wildlife sightings (deer, birds, etc.) are common. Do not feed or approach animals.
• Glen Dessary’s terrain and climate can be challenging, and guests are responsible for bringing suitable clothing and footwear.
• Leave gates as you find them and respect local farming and wildlife areas.
• Open fires and fireworks are not permitted.

8. Damage and Liability

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for fraud.

Guests are liable for any damage caused during their stay. Please report any accidental damage promptly. Guests accept that they park their vehicles at their own risk. A valid credit card in the lead guest's name is required to hold the damage deposit, and card details may be taken at or before check-in. We may hold or charge up to £1,000 against that card. Any amount taken is limited to the cost of making good damage to the property or of excessive cleaning, and we will tell you what has been charged and why. The hold is released after departure once the Lodge and Bothy have been checked.

Guests acknowledge that they are responsible for their own safety and well-being during their stay at Glen Dessary Lodge. By entering into this agreement, guests agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Lodge, its owners, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from personal injury, death, or loss of property, except where such injury, death, or loss is caused by the negligence of the Lodge or its employees acting within the scope of their employment.

Guests are advised to take reasonable care while on the premises and to follow all safety instructions provided by the Lodge. The Lodge recommends that guests obtain appropriate travel insurance to cover any unforeseen incidents during their stay.

Lost property found after a stay will be held for one month. We will make reasonable efforts to return it, and will decide in each case whether return is practical, as size, weight and the nature of the item may prevent it. Some items cannot be sent at all, including firearms, ammunition and anything else whose carriage is restricted by law or by the carrier. Where return is not practical, collection can be arranged. Any cost of return is at our discretion. We accept no responsibility for replacing lost items, and guests should check they have all their belongings before leaving.

9. Outdoor Activities

Participation in outdoor activities, including but not limited to fishing from banks or from a boat, Argocat (amphibious all-terrain vehicle) trips, clay-pigeon shooting and hiking, involves inherent risks. By taking part in these activities, you acknowledge and accept the following:

• You understand that these activities may involve exposure to unpredictable weather, rough terrain, deep or fast-moving water, and physical exertion. Risks may include, but are not limited to, slips, falls, equipment malfunction, capsizing, drowning, personal injury, or exposure to natural elements.
• It is your responsibility to ensure you are physically and mentally fit to participate. You must follow all safety instructions provided by staff or guides and wear any required safety equipment (e.g., life jackets, helmets). Failure to comply may increase your risk of injury and may result in being denied participation.
• We are not responsible for the loss or damage of personal items during any activity. It is advised to leave valuables in a secure location or waterproof container.
• Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
• Please respect wildlife, waterways, and the natural environment. Littering, disturbing wildlife, or damaging vegetation is strictly prohibited.
• By participating, you agree to release the organizers, property owners, staff, and associated parties from any liability for injuries, losses, or damages sustained during the activity, except in cases of negligence.

Participation implies agreement with the above terms. If you do not accept these conditions, please refrain from joining the activity.

10. Wild Swimming

• Wild swimming in the rivers and lochs is an unaccompanied activity. It is not supervised by the Estate and guests swim entirely at their own risk.
• Only competent swimmers should enter the water.
• The water is very cold all year round and carries a real risk of cold water shock, which can incapacitate even a strong swimmer within moments.
• Guests must not swim alone. At least one other competent swimmer must be present.
• Guests must tell the Lodge before going swimming, and are encouraged to take a two way radio with them.
• Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

11. Facilities and Utilities

Glen Dessary Lodge is off-grid. Power and water supply are typically reliable but may be subject to interruptions beyond our control.

• Wi-Fi may be limited or unavailable due to the remote location. Guests accept to use access to the Internet fairly and appropriately. We may monitor network performance and user usage in order to maintain a fair and high level of service.
• The Internet access provided is intended for general use such as access to the world wide web, email, messaging, social media, light video / music / media streaming. It is not intended or ideally suited for heavy media streaming, online gaming, extensive downloads / uploads. Access to illegal activity or use of our network for illegal activity is prohibited and will be reported to local authorities.
• There is no mobile phone signal on Glen Dessary Estate.

12. Smoking

• Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the lodge.
• Smoking outside is allowed only in designated areas. Guests must be responsible with cigarettes at all times and must use the ashtrays provided.
• Cigarettes must never be discarded on the ground or into vegetation, given the wildfire risk set out in the clause below.

13. Fires and Barbecues

• No barbecues, bonfires, campfires, fire pits or uncontrolled fires of any kind are permitted anywhere on the Estate. This applies to guests and to members of the general public alike, and includes disposable barbecues.
• The glen's grasses dry quickly and carry a serious risk of wildfire. A single stray spark can endanger the lives of anyone on the hill and threaten the Lodge, the Bothy and neighbouring properties.
• Anyone found with a fire will be asked to extinguish it immediately. Guests who breach this clause may be required to leave without refund and may be held liable for any damage caused.

14. Drugs and Alcohol

• There is a zero tolerance policy for illegal drugs anywhere on the estate. Possession or use of illegal substances will result in immediate eviction without refund and may be reported to the authorities.
• Excessive alcohol consumption, drunk or disorderly behaviour or behaviour that puts guests, staff or property at risk will not be tolerated.
• We reserve the right to ask any guest or group to leave immediately if behaviour is considered unsafe, aggressive, irresponsible or disruptive. No refund will be issued in these circumstances.

15. Behaviour Towards Staff

All guests must treat estate staff, guides and contractors with courtesy and respect. Abusive, threatening or aggressive behaviour towards any member of staff will result in the immediate termination of the stay without refund. Guests may also be refused future bookings at Glen Dessary.

16. Drones

• Drones are permitted for personal recreational use, but all flights must be agreed with the Estate prior to flying.
• The surrounding airspace forms part of a designated low flying zone (LFA 14), where military jets may operate down to 200 feet and helicopters to ground level. During periods of military activity the area becomes an active no fly zone for drones and you must not fly. Guests must check the official timetable and review the current NOTAMs on a recognised drone airspace map before any flight.
• Drones must never disturb, chase or interfere with deer, wildlife, stalking parties, walkers, livestock or other guests.
• No commercial drone filming or photography is permitted unless agreed with the Estate beforehand.
• All drone flights must comply with CAA regulations, including Article 241 of the Air Navigation Order, requiring pilots to operate safely and avoid endangering people, animals, property or aircraft.
• The Estate may revoke permission to fly a drone at any time and for any reason. If asked to land, you must do so immediately and safely.
• All drone operators must hold valid insurance that covers recreational or commercial drone operations, as appropriate.
• Any drone incident, accident or near miss must be reported to the Estate without delay.

17. Dogs

• Dogs only. We are unable to accept other pets.
• A charge of £25 per dog is made for the duration of the stay.
• The charge applies to every dog staying on the Estate.
• Dogs must be well behaved. Any damage caused by a dog will be deducted from the damage deposit.
• A dog that is not well behaved may be asked to stay in the Estate kennels for the remainder of the stay.
• Dogs are strictly confined to designated communal areas only. They are not permitted in bedrooms or any carpeted areas of the Lodge.
• Dogs must be kept under control at all times while on the Estate and must not disturb wildlife or livestock.
• All fouling must be cleaned up and disposed of responsibly.
• Estate kennels are available on request.

18. Deer Stalking

• All guests participating in deer stalking must read and agree to the Estate’s full Stalking Terms and Conditions before taking part.
• These terms cover safety requirements, firearms rules, guest responsibilities, fitness expectations, environmental considerations and conduct on the hill.
• By booking or joining a stalk, guests confirm they have reviewed and accepted the Stalking Terms in full.
• The complete Stalking Terms and Conditions can be found here

19. Force Majeure

• Neither party is liable for a failure to perform caused by events beyond their reasonable control, including severe weather, flood, fire, landslide, road closure, failure of power or water, epidemic or pandemic, government restriction or civil emergency.
• Where such an event prevents us from providing your stay, you may choose either alternative dates within the following twelve months, subject to availability, or a refund of all sums paid for the nights affected.
• Where such an event prevents you from travelling but we remain able to provide the stay, the cancellation terms in clause 2 apply. We recommend travel insurance for this reason.
• Where such an event interrupts a stay that has already begun, we will refund the nights not taken.
• We will tell you as soon as we reasonably can if an event of this kind affects your booking.

20. Complaints

• If something is not right, please tell us during your stay if you can, so that we have the chance to put it right at the time.
• If a matter cannot be resolved on the Estate, please write to [email protected].
• We will acknowledge your complaint within five working days and aim to give a full response within twenty-eight days.

21. Governing Law

These terms are governed by Scottish law. Any disputes shall be resolved in Scottish courts.