How can I book these tours?
You may book online, which guarantees your place.
Are these tours only open to visitors from cruise ships?
Absolutely not. Although our tours have been designed to be perfect for visitors whose cruise ships stop at Invergordon, we welcome any tourist who wants to discover more about local history and the many local, iconic, Scottish sights. Please contact us with your hotel details etc.
Will my Tour Guide be able to speak my language?
All of tours are in English but we do have guides who speak German so they would be able to converse with passengers when being asked questions etc. However, we will provide you with a written translation for you to read at your leisure whilst on your coach or minivan. Brochures are in German, Italian and French, as well as English. You may keep the brochure to remind you of your tour.
What constitutes a child price?
Children under 16 qualify for a child price. Babies or toddlers under 3 can sit on your knee on a bus but in a miinvan we will give them a child seat and they will not be charged, if you are willing to accept this.
Will there be toilet stops?
The coach or vehicle will not be driving for more than 45 minutes at any one time, so toilet stops will be at our venues.
Will refreshments be provided?
Refreshments are available to purchase at our most locations. There will be plenty of choice.
Where will I get onto my coach?
Your tour guides will meet you across from the port gates. This is where the pedestrian crossing traffic lights are located. It is signposted from your ship or just follow everyone else as many independent tour operators work from the port. It will be a short walk or shuttle to the tour coach. If you have booked a private tour in a car of 8 seater they are parked very nearby. If you get lost ask anyone or you may walk to the Thistle Excursions booking office, located at 64 High Street, Invergordon IV18 0LN, the staff will advise you where to pick up your coach, which will be nearby. You just head for the main town street or you can also ask someone or put the address into your satnav on your smart phone.
What if my ship arrives at the Saltburn pier or Quay West, further away from the main berth?
The Port Authority will provide you with a free shuttle to get into the town. Your free shuttle bus stops at the High Street first then second stop is us so look for your Thistle guides wearing purple trouser suits or purple Thistle lanyard If you get lost or cannot find us make your way along the High Street to so our offices at 64 High Street, Invergordon IV18 0LN. Please allow 30 minutes to get from your ship to your coach if you are getting a shuttle, although it may be much quicker. If you are running late please phone us and we will try and hold the coach for you. However, if you are more than 10 minutes late we will have to leave without you and there will be no refund. (07751 227367 or 01349 852852)
What if I change my mind about the tour?
Refunds are only available on the day of the tour if the ship cancels its visit or cannot dock. If you are ill or miss the ship, your travel insurance company might be able to reimburse you. We cannot reimburse on the day of the tour if you have Covid, apologies. If you cancel more than 2 weeks in advance, we will provide a full refund, or if you cancel less than 2 weeks before the tour but up to 3 days, we will refund 50%. If you cancel within 3 days we cannot refund you. Just email us with an explanation.
Do your tours take disabled passengers or passengers in a wheelchair?
We can take you on the coach, but there are walking parts of some tours and also steps, so we would advise that disabled passengers either wait in the coach and listen to music on that particular part of the tour or they wait inside the venue – we will make you comfortable. If passenger is in a wheelchair they can place it in the coach luggage hold and we will assist, but they need to be able to walk up onto the coach to take part. The nature of the tours does mean they are less suitable for disabled passengers, but we will try out best to accommodate you. We cannot take wheelchairs in our minivans, so please email to check that the tour is in a coach rather than a bus. Thanks.
What happens if my cruise ship is cancelled or doesn't arrive on the scheduled day?
We will try to change your tour onto an alternative day when your cruise ship will arrive, however if this is cancelled completely, we will issue you with a full refund as it is not your fault.
How do I contact you?
Email us on info@thistleexcursions.co.uk
Telephone us on 0044 7751 227367 (when in port 07751 227367 or 01349 852852)