Scotland in Style

Home , Abernethy Forest, Avielochan, Black guillemot, Common chaffinch, Common redstart, Eurasian blue tit

SCOTLAND IN STYLE

Please note this tour may be taken in connection with Wild & Ancient Britain with Ireland cruise , May 11-26, 2020.

Cairngorms National Park © Andrew Whittaker

This short, one hotel tour provides an enormously varied and comprehensive taste of all that the bonnie Scottish Highlands have to offer. During our seven full days based around Strathspey and the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, there will be a varied and flexible daily program of events. Although the main focus is on birding excursions, we will be centrally located to visit many fine castles, battlefields, and sites of historical significance, plus we’ll enjoy a guided visit to a famous Scotch single malt whisky distillery. Scotland in Style, Page 2

The Highlands scenery is the most dramatic in the British Isles: the highest peaks in Britain; extensive remote moorlands; large tracts of ancient woodland of Caledonian Pines; stunning coastal scenery of cliffs, inlets, lochs, and offshore islands; and vast tracts of prehistoric peat bog and fast-flowing, crystal clear rivers. We will target localized and rare specialties such as Eurasian Capercaillie (rare), Black Grouse, Rock Ptarmigan, Willow Ptarmigan (the British subspecies known as Red Grouse, an excellent candidate for a future split and another endemic), the gorgeous Mandarin Duck, the endemic Scottish Crossbill, localized Ring Ouzel, Crested Tit, Horned Grebe, Arctic and Red-throated loon, and raptors such as the striking Red Kite, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Buzzard, and Golden and White-tailed eagle (rare). Most of these breed only within the British Isles, exclusively here in this wild region of Scotland, and we have good chances of seeing most of them. There will, of course, be many other, more widespread species that will be of interest to any birders new to European birding, such as Great Spotted Woodpecker; the famous Common Cuckoo; the lovely Tawny Owl; Eurasian Woodcock; colorful Common Shelduck; Little Grebe; Red-legged Partridge; Great, Blue, Coal, and Long-tailed tits; Goldcrest; Eurasian Treecreeper; White-throated Dipper; Eurasian Curlew; Northern Lapwing; Hooded Crow; Eurasian Siskin; Eurasian Greenfinch; Common Chaffinch; Eurasian Bullfinch and magnificent Goldfinch; Red Crossbill; Common Redstart; Whinchat; Eurasian Stonechat; Wood, Garden, Grasshopper, Willow, and Sedge warbler; Greater Whitethroat; Yellowhammer; Tree and Rock pipit; Gray and Pied wagtail; Black Guillemot; Common Pochard; Eurasian Wigeon; Common and Red-breasted mergansers; and Common Goldeneye. Further opportunities exist for watching exciting coastal sites for many more migrants including Pink-footed Geese, breeding Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Sandpiper, European Golden Plover, Eurasian Oystercatcher, and always a highlight are the scenically stunning seabird cliffs with colonies of Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill, Common Mure, Black Guillemot, Black-legged Kittiwake and Northern Gannet. Scotland in Style, Page 3

The distinctive Scottish race of Willow Ptarmigan (Red Grouse) © Andrew Whittaker

We will also have great mammal opportunities to see the shy Pine Martin, European Badger, European and Mountain hare, charming Red Squirrel, both herds of Red and shy solitary Roe deer, Common and Gray seal, Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbor Porpoise. There is always the chance of some rarity; on past trips we have found Yellow-billed Loon, Baltic Gull, breeding Redwing and a stunning King Eider.

Our specific day-to-day itinerary on this tour will be kept flexible, allowing us to take advantage of local weather and birding conditions. Having such a comfortable base in the midst of so much fine birding gives us leeway in our exact activities and the order in which they will be done.

May 1, Day 1: Travel to Inverness, Scotland. Most transatlantic flights from the United States depart in the late afternoon or evening and arrive at Inverness Airport (airport code INV) the following day.

NIGHT: In transit (overnight flight)

May 2, Day 2: Arrival in Inverness. Participants should make arrangements to arrive in Inverness before noon on May 2. Please note: Our group transfer to Grantown-on-Spey will depart from the Inverness airport at approximately 1:00 p.m. so please plan your arrival accordingly. A transfer will also be provided from Inverness railway station for participants arriving by train on May 2, or overnighting in Inverness on May 1. We will drive 45 minutes to our base in the historic town of Grantown-on-Spey, the capital of Strathspey, in the centre of the Scottish Highlands. It is a traditional Highland town on the River Spey, located on the northern edge of Cairngorms National Park. Grantown-on-Spey is a fine example of a Georgian planned town and one of the first Scotland in Style, Page 4 to be set out in this fashion in the 1760s by Sir James Grant. Grant built mills, factories, a hospital and orphanage at a time when The Clan Grant was established as one of the foremost Highland Clans. It has many historic buildings, a tree-lined square, and striking Georgian and Victorian architecture.

This afternoon we will explore along the scenic nearby River Spey (famous for great salmon fishing and its picturesque historic bridges) where we will have a great introduction to the local avifauna. We hope to see the likes of Ring-necked Pheasant, Red-breasted and Common merganser, Common Sandpiper, Eurasian Collared- Dove, Hedge Sparrow (Dunnock), Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Swift, the enigmatic White-throated Dipper, Gray Wagtail, Eurasian Siskin, Common Chaffinch, Rook, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Blackbird, European Robin and many more.

NIGHT: The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey

A lovely sunset on our fabulous and historic Grand Arms Hotel © Andrew Whittaker

May 3, Day 3: Abernethy Forest Reserve; Strathconon Valley; Black Isle & Chanonry Point. Our hotel is adjacent to the Abernethy Forest Reserve (the largest native forest reserve in Britain), which offers spectacular birding in ancient Scottish Caledonian Pine forest. Abernethy Forest offers a unique mix of woodland and northern bog with a great variety of breeding birds. It is the only area in Britain where Eurasian Capercaillie and Crested Tit occur and is home to the British Isles’ only endemic species—Scottish Crossbill—all of which will be prime targets. If we do not succeed after one try, we will certainly offer some optional pre-breakfast attempts as well. Some years with luck we have seen Capercaillie but this is never guaranteed. Other noteworthy species include Scotland in Style, Page 5

Red Crossbill, Common Goldeneye, Whinchat, Common Cuckoo, and a Black Grouse lek as well as the tiny Roe Deer.

Before breakfast we’ll take a cool, early birding walk here. We hope to see Eurasian Sparrowhawk; Eurasian Capercaillie (with luck lekking at this time of year); Eurasian Buzzard; Tawny Owl; Common Wood-Pigeon; Tree Pipit; Mistle Thrush; Willow Warbler; Goldcrest; Common Redstart; European Bullfinch; flocks of enigmatic tits including Long- tailed, Crested, Coal and Great tit; and many more species.

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we’ll take a breathtaking drive up the remote, rugged Strathconon The cool looking Crested Tit © Andrew Whittaker Valley—set among rich silver birch forests, open moors, and rushing streams—to stunning Loch Beannacharan, where we will probably have a picnic lunch. En route we will search for Golden Eagle, Eurasian Buzzard, Common Jackdaw, the localized Wood or Garden warbler, Common Greenshank, and Red-throated Diver. On the ‘blanket bog’ peatlands, we’ll look out for European Golden Plovers in stunning summer plumage, Common Snipe (a split from your Wilsons Snipe), Redpoll, Merlin, Northern Wheatear, and Eurasian Stonechat. Carnivorous plants such as sundew, butterwort and bogbean, cotton grass, and bog asphodel are special to the area, where herds of magnificent Red Deer are often encountered.

The prime reason to visit the picturesque Black Isle area this afternoon is for the magnificent Red Kites, which were persecuted to extinction throughout the UK during the 19 th century, with the exception of low numbers in

A magnificent raptor— the Red Kite graces the Scottish skies © Andrew Whittaker Wales. In the last two decades, they have been re-introduced to England and Scotland, with magnificent results. This region is the hotspot for these stunning raptors which, as temperatures rise, grace the air soaring and hunting mostly for dead rabbits and other road kill.

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Chanonry Point is a spit of land extending over a mile southeast into the Moray Firth. The ness projects so far that Chanonry Point actually lies southwest of Fort George, which we will clearly see across on the “south” shore of the Moray Firth. The ferry pier at Chanonry Point dates back to the mid-1700s when the nearby Ferry House was also built. Today, however, it has become a tourist attraction for another reason—to watch the dolphins! The Moray Firth dolphins are justly famous as one of the most northerly resident group of Bottle-nosed Dolphins with some of the largest individuals of their species, as well as Harbor Porpoise and Common Seals too. The bay is also good for sea ducks with flocks of gorgeous Common Eider, Long-tailed Duck, Greater Scaup and some loons too.

NIGHT: The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey

May 4, Day 4: The Famous Culloden Battlefield (National Trust for Scotland) & Loch Garten RSPB Reserve. This morning we’ll visit the famous historic battlefield at Culloden and its high-tech visitor center. Here we’ll learn all about the battle between Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Scottish Jacobites who were defeated on this bleak moor in 1746. Birding the battlefield should also be rewarding and we can enjoy the Skylarks singing from high above, to European Stonechats, Reed Buntings, and Willow and Sedge warbler.

The Loch Garten reserve of RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) is the area where Ospreys first recolonized Britain after almost a century’s absence. This afternoon, we will make a special visit to the information centre and the Osprey Centre to see first- hand the great work the RSPB do for promoting bird conservation and encouraging the public to get involved, especially young children. Here we will find breeding Osprey and often Common Goldeneye (both with live cam video monitoring) and listen and see for ourselves A multi-colored Eurasian Blue Tit with a caterpillar © Andrew Whittaker their fascinating breeding biology, and watch the active feeders where Great Spotted Woodpecker; Eurasian Siskin; Great, Eurasian Blue, and Coal tits; Eurasian Treecreeper; Spotted Flycatcher; and Chiffchaff are all possible. Mammals such as the Red Squirrel and Short-tailed Field Vole or bank vole are often frequent visitors, and the loch can hold Eurasian Wigeon. Once we have even seen the rare Common Otter. At some stage we will also visit the private Loch Avielochan and its well situated blind (hide), offering excellent close looks at stunning Slavonian (Horned) and Little Grebes and is a good site for Golden Eagles and more.

One evening after dinner we will offer an optional dusk trip just down the road to a small close woodlot to encounter and observe the odd Eurasian Woodcocks roding over the forest and meadows; their odd non-birdlike calls have to be heard to be believed!

NIGHT: The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey

May 5, Day 5: The Scenically Stunning Seabird Cliffs of the RSPB Troup Head Nature Reserve. We’ll have an early start with a picnic lunch on hand for our day trip over to the stunning granite cliffs, to visit these Scotland in Style, Page 7 spectacular, towering Scottish sea cliffs. This time of year, they are literally jam-packed with around 130,000 seabirds in full breeding mode and the RSPB has installed a nice new cliffside hide. Seabirds nesting here include the endearing Atlantic Puffin, Northern Gannets (the largest UK mainland colony 2,000 + pairs), Common Murre (Guillemot) with some spectacled forms, Razorbill, Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar, and Mew and European Herring gulls. We will also keep our eyes open birding along the coast for Great Skua (Bonxi), European Shag, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pipit, Yellowhammer, Greater Whitethroat, and more. Finally, along the coastline offshore we should look out for Purple Sandpiper, Black Guillemot, Great Skua as well as the prized Yellow-billed Loons (White-billed Diver) which we have found on previous tours and a few individuals have been found to come here annually to winter (the only site in the UK). Gray Seals, dolphins and maybe even a chance for a rare Basking Shark are possible.

NIGHT: The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey

A magnificent Northern Gannet at Troup Head RSPB Nature Reserve © Andrew Whittaker

May 6, Day 6: Cairngorms Mountains; Optional Hike; Loch Lochindorb and Optional Nocturnal Mammal Excursion to a Private Reserve in the Cairngorms National Park. One of the tour highlights will be our excursion to Aviemore and Cairngorms National Park. Key birds we will be searching for, such as Rock Ptarmigan, Eurasian Dotterel (rare) and Snow Bunting. Around the lower parking lot, we will keep our eyes open for the migrant Ring Ouzel, Northern Wheatear, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, and the feral Reindeer flock. Scotland in Style, Page 8

European Badger— a highlight on our mammal dusk trip © Andrew Whittaker

In the afternoon we will have a scenic bird and drive around Lochindorb—excellent for both Red-throated and Arctic loon (Black-throated Diver) in full breeding plumage, Redshank, Dunlin, nesting Common (Mew) Gulls and other moorland species such as Red Grouse, Graylag Goose, Common Cuckoo and Meadow Pipit.

For those interested, we will have a late evening optional mammal trip; (exact date dependent on availability for our group; you will be informed closer to the trip departure date) to visit a private plush & heated mammal hide, for a chance to see the rare and poorly-known Pine Martin, and an amazing European Badger family too.

NIGHT: The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey

Eurasian Oystercatcher are common breeders in fields here. © Andrew Whittaker

May 7, Day 7: Black Isle; Cawdor Castle; Glenfarclas Whisky Distillery. Black Isle also holds extensive areas of mudflat, saltmarsh and wet grassland on the south and north sides of Cromarty Firth. We’ll plan our visit here to the RSPB reserve and hide at Udale Bay to coincide with high tide, with the hope of seeing large numbers of wildfowl and shorebirds including flocks of Pink-footed Geese feeding up to migrate back to breed in Iceland and Eastern Greenland, Gray Heron, Mute Swan, Eurasian Kestrel, Common Shelduck, Eurasian Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Whimbrel, Ruddy Turnstone, Dunlin, Common Ringed Plover, Common Tern, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Cormorant, etc. Scotland in Style, Page 9

The iconic and popular Cawdor Castle and forested grounds © Andrew Whittaker

On the way back from Black Isle, we’ll stop off at the lovely Cawdor Castle for a tour of its amazing lush interior and some birding in the beautiful gardens and wonderful wooded grounds. Here an active feeder often boasts the very localized Eurasian Tree Sparrow while the wondrous Mandarin Duck often haunt the small pool or wooded river. The males are truly fabulous! We will also bird the woods here for the resident Tawny Owls, Goldcrest and Treecreepers too.

Shakespeare’s Macbeth has ensured that the name of Cawdor Castle is almost universally known. Shakespeare tended not to let historical detail get in the way of a good story, so the fact that Cawdor Castle was built more than 300 years after Macbeth died has not stopped the two forever being tied together in popular imagination. Cawdor Castle dates from the late 14th century and was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor. Although the House has evolved over 600 years, later additions, mainly of the 17th century, were all built in the Scottish vernacular style with slated roofs over walls and crow-stepped gables of mellow local stone. This style gives Cawdor a strong sense of unity, and the massive, severe exterior belies an intimate interior that gives the place a surprisingly personal, friendly atmosphere with good furniture, fine portraits and pictures, interesting objects and outstanding tapestries. The castle has all the essential ingredients—drawbridge and portcullis, minstrel’s gallery, old towers, hidden trapdoors, dungeons—and of course, ghosts. Two ghosts are said to haunt Cawdor Castle; one a lady in a blue velvet dress, the other is thought to be John Campbell, the first Lord Cawdor. Scotland in Style, Page 10

Male Mandarin Duck in all its full glory © Andrew Whittaker

This afternoon we’ll also tour the home of one of the world’s famous single malt Scotch whiskey distilleries. Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the fascinating distilling process, culminating in sampling several of their finest years of whisky when we all will be invited to down a wee dram (except me and my co-leader who are driving)!

NIGHT: The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey

May 8, Day 8: Black-Grouse Lek; Findhorn Valley; Loch Ruthven RSPB Reserve. We’ll have an early pre- breakfast start this morning to observe the fascinating local Black Grouse lek. After a full breakfast, we’ll visit the scenically breath-taking Findhorn Valley with its crystal-clear rivers, rich oak forests, barren moors, and many great birds. A drive through this glaciated valley is truly spectacular! We expect to find Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Short-eared Owl, Northern Wheatear, Ring Ouzel, Redwing (a rare breeder), Meadow Pipit, Song Thrush, Eurasian Stonechat, House Martin, Raven, Eurasian Curlew, Common Merganser and many more. With luck we could find Mountain Hare and roaming herds of wild Red Deer.

Then we’ll drive over the wild grouse moors to the secluded RSPB reserve of Loch Ruthven for a picnic and enjoy the lovely hide there with many birds. Loch Ruthven is a beautiful, tranquil loch surrounded by silver birch trees and is the most important Marvellous breeding plumaged Horned (Slavonian) Grebes site in the UK for breeding Horned © Andrew Whittaker (Slavonian) Grebes. They look their best Scotland in Style, Page 11

early in the spring with gorgeous red, black and gold plumage. Other wildlife present includes Osprey, Red-throated and Arctic (black-throated) loons, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Lesser Redpoll, Common Cuckoo, Reed Bunting, European Robin, Chaffinch, Sedge, and we can hope for an early Grasshopper Warbler.

NIGHT: The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey

May 9, Day 9: Fort George and the Rich Moray Coast Trail; Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness. We will make an early start to explore the rich Moray Firth along the charming coastal trail, visiting the strategic point with Fort George. This indented coast is rich feeding grounds for shorebirds and A stunning male Black Grouse displaying at its lek on the Scottish moors © waterbirds alike: Brant (light-bellied form), Red Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Ruddy Turnstone, Ringed Plover, sea ducks and an assortment of gulls too. We will also stop off at the harbour of the charming Findhorn Village.

The famous Urquhart Castle and mysterious Loch Ness © Andrew Whittaker

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In the afternoon we’ll visit the famous Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness. Urquhart Castle is a classic “romantic ruin.” Its intriguing shape reflects the irregular outcrop of rock on which it was built. What makes Urquhart Castle the definitive romantic ruin is the possibility that the 600-foot-deep waters surrounding it on three sides may suddenly ripple, then part, as something completely unknown to science emerges to confound a skeptical world. The myth of the Loch Ness Monster (“Nessie”) is a powerful draw to the visitors who flock to the area every year. Although Loch Ness has roads on both sides, access to the loch is relatively limited, so the fine view of the Loch from the stunning set of ruins of Urquhart Castle makes it even more of an attraction.

NIGHT: The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey

May 10, Day 10: Departure for Home or Continue on to Wild & Ancient Britain with Ireland . We will transfer this morning to the Inverness airport where the tour ends. Please do not schedule any outbound flights prior to 12:00 noon. For those continuing on to Wild & Ancient Britain with Ireland, you will depart for London and upon arrival, you will have the rest of the time at leisure until you meet up with the incoming cruise participants on May 12.

TOUR SIZE: The tour will be limited to 14 participants.

TOUR LEADERS: Andrew Whittaker and John Poyner

Andrew Whittaker was born in England but considers himself to be Brazilian, having moved to this biodiverse country in 1987 to work for the Smithsonian Institution, banding and studying Amazonian rainforest birds in Manaus. His passion for birding and all aspects of natural history began in the UK at the early age of seven, thanks to his father. Andy has worked around the world studying (through banding) bird migration at observatories in Israel, Borneo, Canada, and the UK. As a senior leader for Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, he has led tours throughout most of South and Central America, Europe, and the Antarctic. With almost three decades of experience, Andy is one of Brazil’s most experienced tour leaders, and is well-known for his intimate knowledge of bird voices which has enabled him to discover and describe several species new to science (such as the Cryptic Forest-Falcon in 2003) and rediscover others thought to be extinct. Andy’s special interest is bird vocalizations and, along with colleagues, in 2010 he produced a DVD-ROM of songs, calls, and photos of 1,250 species of Brazilian birds. Andy immensely enjoys sharing his fascination and knowledge of Neotropical birds, animals, and their conservation, and has become one of the most popular bird guides in the country. Andy was a consultant for the prestigious Life of Birds series by Sir David Attenborough, and is considered an authority on Amazonian birds, having authored numerous technical publications on the region’s avifauna. At present Andy is working with Kevin Zimmer on a comprehensive field guide to the birds of Brazil to be published by Princeton University Press. Andy is a member of the Brazilian Records Committee, an associate researcher at the Museum Emilio Goeldi from Para, and is an active conservationist living with his partner Jaqueline in southern Brazil, close to a main migratory bird route.

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Scotland resident John Poyner has worked locally as a professional wildlife tour guide and freelance ornithologist for the last 20 years. He spent 12 years guiding tours for two of Scotland’s leading wildlife holiday companies throughout the Scottish Highlands and Islands as well as abroad, while simultaneously performing ornithological survey work. In 2012, John launched his own company, Highland Nature, while also working as a wildlife expert and guide for the Birdwatching and Wildlife Club (BWWC) and the Grant Arms Hotel in Grantown-on-Spey. In recent years, he has guided alongside the well-known faces of Nick Baker, Iolo Williams, Mike Dilger, and David Lindo on the Grant Arms “Celebrity Weeks.”

John holds a Bachelor of Science (honors) degree in Environmental Science & Ecology. He has extensive experience with upland windfarm survey work, working in Scottish mountain environments during the winter months as well as in the summer breeding season, and other standard bird survey methodology.

Prior to working as a professional guide, John moved to Scotland in the early 1990s, where he worked for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) as a volunteer at Loch Garten and Insh Marshes. Thereafter, he spent a season building footpaths in the Cairngorms Mountains before becoming assistant warden at RSPB’s Loch of Strathbeg Reserve, where he spent the next two years. John has also worked as a seasonal countryside ranger for Aberdeenshire Council. Later, he spent time teaching in the Czech Republic before returning to the Highlands to become a full-time wildlife guide.

John is a competent and experienced ornithologist as a well as a keen amateur naturalist. An active birder for over 35 years, he administers the local Bird News Facebook page and Highland Bird Forum, which he set up in 2006. John is based in Nethybridge, at the heart of the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, where he resides with his wife, Lucka, and sons, Mattias and Jakub.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: The fee for the tour is $3,845 per person in double occupancy from Inverness. This includes all meals from dinner on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 10, accommodations as stated in the itinerary, ground transportation during the tour, entrance fees to bird reserves and historic sites, and guide services provided by the tour leaders. The tour fee does not include airfare from your home to Inverness and return, airport departure taxes, alcoholic beverages, special gratuities, phone calls, laundry, or items of a personal nature.

The single supplement for this tour is $325 . You will be charged a single supplement if you desire single accommodations, or if you prefer to share but have no roommate and we cannot provide one for you.

REGISTRATION & DEPOSIT: To register for this tour, please contact the VENT office. The deposit for this tour is $1,000 per person. If you would like to pay your deposit using a credit card, the deposit must be made with MasterCard, Visa, or American Express at the time of registration. If you would like to pay your deposit by check, money order, or bank transfer, your tour space will be held for 10 days to allow time for the VENT office to receive your deposit and completed registration form. The VENT registration form (available from the VENT office or by download at www.ventbird.com ) should be completed, signed, and returned to the VENT office.

PAYMENTS: All tour payments may be made by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express), check, money order, or bank transfer (contact the VENT office for bank transfer information). These include initial deposits, second deposits, interim payments, final balances, special arrangements, etc. Full payment of the tour fee is due 150 days (December 3, 2019) prior to the tour departure date.

CANCELLATION & REFUNDS: Refunds are made according to the following schedule: If cancellation is made 180 days or more before the tour departure date, a cancellation fee of $500 per person will be charged unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another VENT tour that will operate within the next 12 months, in which case the cancellation fee will be $100 per person. If cancellation is made between 179 and 151 days Scotland in Style, Page 14 before departure date, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded. If cancellation is made fewer than 150 days before departure date, no refund is available. This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre- and post-tour extensions. For your protection, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance that covers trip cancellation/interruption.

If you cancel: Your refund will be: 180 days or more before departure date Your deposit minus $500* 179 to 151 days before departure date No refund of the deposit, but any payments on the balance will be refunded 150 days or less before departure date No refund available

*Unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another VENT tour that will operate within the next 12 months, in which case the cancellation fee will be $100 per person. To qualify, cancellation must occur 180 days or more before departure date; deposit transfers must be made at the time of cancellation; and one transfer per deposit.

Upon cancellation of the transportation or travel services, where you, the customer, are not at fault and have not cancelled in violation of the terms and conditions of any of the contract for transportation or travel services, all sums paid to VENT for services not received by you will be promptly refunded by VENT to you unless you otherwise advise VENT in writing.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours is not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business has a bond issued by Travelers in the amount of $50,000. CST #2014998-50.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: To safeguard against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. VENT has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Through Redpoint, we recommend Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance TM . Designed for all types of travelers, Ripcord is among the most highly regarded travel insurance programs available.

Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include a completely integrated program with a single contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims; medical evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice; comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption , primary medical expense coverage, and much more. Waiver for pre-existing conditions is available but must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit. Optional expanded insurance coverage is available and includes items such as security evacuation coverage in case of a natural disaster or other security events, and a “Cancel for Any Reason” clause (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit). Ripcord is available to U.S. and non-U.S. residents.

For a price quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please visit: ripcordrescuetravelinsurance.com/ventbird; or click the Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance TM logo on our website (click Help and Trip Insurance); or call +1- 415-481-0600. Pricing is based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.

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EXCHANGE RATE SURCHARGES: In the erratic global financial markets of today, it is difficult to predict foreign currency exchange rates over the long term or at the time of operation of a tour or cruise departure. Tour prices are based upon the rate of exchange at the time of itinerary publication. If exchange rates change drastically, it may be necessary to implement a surcharge. If a surcharge is necessary, every effort will be made to minimize the amount. In many cases, these additional foreign exchange rate surcharges are passed to VENT by its vendors and suppliers.

FUEL AND FUEL SURCHARGES: In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult – if not impossible – to predict fuel costs over the long term, and more specifically, at the time of operation of this departure. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of itinerary publication. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge.

AIR INFORMATION: Victor Emanuel Travel is a full-service travel agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT). Victor Emanuel Travel will be happy to make any domestic or international air travel arrangements from your home and return. Please be sure to check with the VENT office prior to purchasing your air ticket to confirm that the tour is sufficiently subscribed to operate. VENT cannot be responsible for any air ticket penalties.

CLIMATE & CLOTHING: Spring in the Scottish Highlands can be variable, but the scenery is fine regardless of what the weather deals us. Come prepared for everything from cool temperatures in the 50s, clouds, rain, snow flurries, and wind, through to dry, beautifully sunny weather with temperatures in the high 60s. Bring warm, light, layered clothing to allow for all eventualities of temperature, wind, and precipitation. Gore-Tex, fleece and windproof/waterproof outer clothing and walking shoes/boots are advised. Though we do not anticipate long, arduous, or muddy hikes, there is an opportunity for the keen to go further in search of some of the more upland species such as Eurasian Dotterel and Rock Ptarmigan. Dress is casual throughout.

DOCUMENTS: For United States and Canadian citizens, a passport valid beyond your planned departure (with one blank page for entry stamp) is required for entering the UK. We recommend that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Visas are not required for entry by U.S./Canadian citizens for stays under 90 days. Non-U.S./Canadian citizens should check with their consulate/embassy for instructions.

EQUIPMENT: You should bring a pair of binoculars that are in good condition, along with a belt pack or day pack (for carrying books, sunscreen, camera, etc.). As a precaution, it is a good idea to pack your binoculars, a change of clothing, toiletry items, medications, and travel documents in your airline carry-on bag. Your leaders will have spotting scopes, but if you have one and wish to bring it, please feel free to do so.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: There are no required immunizations for this tour. Bring an adequate supply of all personally required medications with you, though similar products should be available to purchase if needed. There is generally a high standard of hygiene in Scotland, and we should be generally safe from stomach upsets. Water is safe to drink.

If you are taking prescription medication or over-the-counter medicine, be sure to bring an ample supply that will allow you to get through the tour safely. Please consult your physician as necessary. Remember to pack all medication in your carry-on baggage, preferably in original containers or packaging. As airline baggage restrictions can change without warning, please check with your airline for procedures for packing medication.

As standard travel precautions, you should always be up to date with tetanus shots, and strongly consider inoculations against hepatitis types A and B.

In addition to your physician, a good source of general health information for travelers is the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. The CDC operates a 24-hour recorded Travelers’ Information Line at 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636) or you can check their website at www.cdc.gov/travel . Canadian Scotland in Style, Page 16 citizens should check the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/new_e.html (click on travel health).

MISCELLANEOUS: Electricity – 220 volts; European style 3-pin square plugs are standard throughout Time – Scotland is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Saving Time. Language – English is spoken throughout (but you may have fun trying to decipher some of the local Scottish dialects and hear Gaelic being spoken at times!). Currency – £ Pound Sterling, most easily obtained using the many ATMs. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Complimentary WiFi access is available throughout the Grant Arms Hotel. The Grant Arms Hotel has a guest laundry room, free of charge to guests.

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation will be in comfortable, roomy minivans. The distances we travel each day may vary from 50-200 miles round-trip. The scenery alone should make the traveling worthwhile! We’ll carry a supply of snacks and drinks.

SUGGESTED READING : A number of traditional booksellers and online stores list excellent inventories of field guides and other natural history resources that will help prepare you for this tour. We recommend www.amazon.com which has a wide selection; www.buteobooks.com and www.nhbs.com which specialize in ornithology and natural history books; and www.abebooks.com for out-of-print and hard-to-find titles.

Field Guides:

Jonsson, Lars. Helm Field Guides: Birds of Europe with North Africa and the Middle East . Published by Christopher Helm in UK, 2005. Excellent illustrations and comprehensive.

Svenson, Mullarney, Zetterstrom & Grant. Collins Bird Guide: The Most Complete Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe . Second edition, 2009. This field guide has received excellent reviews for its identification detail and illustrations. The most updated & Highly recommended!

Also available as an App

App edition produced in partnership by: NatureGuides, William Collins, Bonnier Fakta and Gyldendal Price: £12.99 / € 14.99 on Google Play/Playstore Recordings:

Sample, Geoff. Collins Field Guide: Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Northern Europe. 1996.

Kettle, Ron and Ranft, Richard. British Bird Sounds on CD: The Definitive Audio Guide to Birds in Britain. British Library, 2006.

TIPPING: Tipping (restaurant staff, porters, drivers, local guides) is included on VENT tours. However, if you feel one or both of your VENT leaders or any local guides have given you exceptional service, it is entirely appropriate to tip. We emphasize that tips are not expected and are entirely optional. Tips should be given directly to your tour leader; they should not be sent to the VENT office.

RESPONSIBILITY: Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, Inc. (VENT) and/or its Agents act only as agents for the passenger in regard to travel, whether by railroad, motorcar, motorcoach, boat, or airplane and assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. VENT and its agents can accept no Scotland in Style, Page 17 responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. The right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes in air schedules. The right is reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved to substitute leaders on any tour. Where this is necessary, notification will be given to tour members. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The prices of the tours are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect as of July 19, 2019, and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. The right is reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of any tour. Baggage is at owner's risk entirely. The airlines concerned and their agents and affiliates are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their aircraft. The passenger ticket in use by said airlines, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of these tickets and/or passenger. The services of any I.A.T.A.N. carrier may be used for these tours, and transportation within the United States may be provided by any member carrier of the Airline Reporting Corporation.

SOT:20200501 05/30/19-AW 7/29/19-MA/RS