The 1-minute punctuality guarantee
We respect your schedule. Our operations run on a strict punctuality standard. If your driver is not at the agreed pickup location within one minute of the scheduled time due to our own operational fault, your transfer fee is waived up to the first full hour of service. This applies to all Orkney tours, airport transfers, ferry connections, and pre-booked accommodation routes.
Upfront Hourly Pricing
We do not provide generic quotes or estimates that change depending on the weather. We work strictly on a fixed hourly rate agreed in advance for your dedicated calendar slot at £70 per hour based on true operational time.
Direct Communication
Your driver will be in touch the day before your hire to touch base. No call centres, just direct contact with the person behind the wheel.
Extensions
Subject strictly to driver availability. If the driver has another booking immediately after yours, the service ends at the pre-agreed time. Any driver-agreed extra travel time on the road is subject to our standard displayed rates.
Pickup time and scheduling
Pickup time means pickup time. Your driver is scheduled at that exact time. If you are unsure of a time, get in touch before booking.
The cruise-free operational rule
To maintain our unmatched reliability record for core Orkney transport logistics and critical connections, we do not pick up from the cruise docks. For Orkney shore excursions, passengers must take the connection shuttle to the Kirkwall Travel Centre. This policy keeps our vehicles completely out of port congestion, ensuring we are on time for your run and remaining available for the rest of the island’s core infrastructure.
Booking & Deposits
Scheduling Care
All bookings are vetted to ensure the timing is realistic for Orkney roads, weather, and ferry links.
Booking & Payments
Bookings require clear agreement on timing and logistics. Electronic invoicing and cash are both fully accepted for your convenience.
The Late Guarantee
If we are late by more than one minute by our own fault, the trip is on us up to the first full hour of travel.
Orkney private hire and transfers: terms and conditions
1. Accountability
We deliver on time without excuses. If a third-party event such as a delayed flight, cancelled ferry, road closure, or severe weather causes disruption to your schedule, we will help you adapt where fleet capacity allows, but we are explicitly not liable for any consequential losses or onward travel costs.
2. Fleet standards
Every hire utilises high-spec modern vehicles built to meet high emissions standards, backed by local safety vetting, PVG disclosure clearances, and specialised commercial insurance. Everyone delivering transport services has been hand-picked, personally vetted, and insurance-verified.
3. Dedicated calendar slots and true operational time
You are purchasing a dedicated time slot. Fares cover operational time, including positioning and waiting within the booked window.
Short runs: All transfers and point-to-point runs are subject to a strict 30-minute operational minimum (£35).
Route allocations: Longer routes are billed based on the full operational hours reserved to secure the vehicle for your window, regardless of whether actual wheels-in-motion transit time is shorter.
4. Standard working hours and out-of-hours definition
Standard service operates from 09:00 to 19:00. Early morning airport runs or late ferry arrivals depend on availability and carry a £20 unsociable hours surcharge.
5. Route verification and vetting
We do not auto-accept bookings. Every enquiry is checked against island geography and ferry timetables. If an itinerary threatens a critical connection, we will suggest a safer adjustment or decline the booking.
6. Secured commitments and payments
Fares are fixed. Payment is handled via electronic invoice or cash. Any unscheduled route deviations or additional drop-offs automatically constitute a change in scope and must be agreed by the driver.
7. Weather protocol
Notify us immediately if winter weather delays your transport. We will reroute if capacity allows, but extreme cancellations remain outside our liability.
8. The punctuality guarantees and client window
Our guarantee: If we are late by one minute or more by our own fault, the fee is waived up to the first hour of travel.
The client window: Vehicles operate on a strict 10-minute waiting window at the pickup point before departing to keep the transit grid on schedule.
9. Cruise and capacity boundaries
Cruise-related transfers start at the Kirkwall Travel Centre. Standard capacity is one to four passengers. Large groups or specialised luggage must be arranged in advance.
10. Definition of service
Once a driver is scheduled, your payment is allocated. We always do whatever we can to assist in the event of third-party issues, but travel delays, cancellations, or sleeping in are matters for a travel insurer. Our contract is to be there ready to deliver the agreed service at the agreed time. Drivers may offer leeway as a gesture of goodwill, but prior commitments to other contracts take precedence on any reschedule.
11. Governing law and jurisdiction
These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Scots Law. The Scottish Courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any such dispute or claim.