How many people are in a group? Our holiday groups are small (up to 9 people).

How much walking is there? This varies but may be 6-9 miles on rough tracks. A certain amount of fitness is necessary but on some trips it is possible to return to the Land Rover if you have had enough. If you are in doubt just ask.

Who will be our guides? Grace and Paul Yoxon established the Skye Environmental Centre in 1984 and founded the International Otter Survival Fund in 1993. They are personally responsible for leading the wildlife trips, which they have been doing since 1985. For his PhD, Paul carried out detailed studies into the use of the coastal habitat by otters and he therefore has considerable experience in field techniques and otter survey work. Grace is largely responsible for the wild animal hospital care as well as education. Their work has been featured on television programmes such as Blue Peter, BBC Wildlife on One, Countryfile and Animal Hospital Roadshow.

Where do we stay? We stay in hotels or guesthouses, some of which have en-suite rooms, but this is not guaranteed. All accommodation chosen is warm, comfortable and friendly with excellent home cooking.

I have a special diet – can you arrange this? If you are vegetarian or have a special diet for medical reasons this can easily be arranged – just let us know when booking.

Is it possible to join for just a part of a week? If you are not able to spend the full time on one of our holiday trips it may be possible to join for just a few days at an adjusted price. Please phone to discuss this.

What does the price include? The Hebridean trips are based on bed and breakfast only and you will be responsible for your own lunch and dinner. All prices include wildlife trips, guides and training if necessary, VAT and service. All transport is provided once you have reached the "Meeting Point". VAT is based on the current rate of 17.5% but if this is increased by Government, then we will have to add a surcharge to our trips accordingly. Otherwise there are no surcharges.

Are children welcome? On holiday trips, yes or course. Over the years, our youngest guest has been six months and the oldest 84 years so we are sure you and your family fit in somewhere! Children’s reductions are available but vary according to destination, so please ask.

I would like a single room. Single rooms are limited and so we do have to charge a single room supplement of £10 per night.

What about insurance? This is not included and we would recommend that you arrange for cancellation and personal insurance to cover against personal injury/illness or loss/damage to your property. We can accept no responsibility for loss or damage to guests’ personal belongings. If you are joining one of our Hebridean trips from outwith the UK please check you have medical cover for this country.

How do I book? Simply fill in the booking form and send with your deposit of 20% of the cost of the holiday – we are sorry but this is non-returnable. Telephone bookings can only be kept for seven days awaiting the booking form and deposit unless this is paid by credit card. The balance of the cost should be paid at least six weeks before the trip begins – in order to keep administration costs down no reminders for the balance will be sent.

What happens if I have to cancel? We do hope this won’t happen but if necessary you should telephone immediately and confirm in writing. Unfortunately we do have to impose cancellation charges which are based on the balance of the holiday price. The deposit is non-returnable and the cancellation charges are in addition to the loss of deposit:

Period before start of the holiday: 6-4 weeks – 20% of balance cancellation charge

4-2 weeks – 40% of balance cancellation charge

2-1 week – 60% of balance cancellation charge

less than 7 days – no refund available

We reserve the right to change or cancel a holiday trip if there are too few applicants or if political reasons make it unwise to travel and a full refund will be given as necessary without any further liability whatsoever to Skye Environmental Centre Ltd. If, for any reason, the ferries are not running to the other islands an alternative programme will be run on Skye. If, for any reason, ferries are late back to the place of departure at the end of a trip, Skye Environmental Centre will not be liable for any expense incurred in respect of onward travel.

What do you mean when you say my money goes into conservation? It is true – all profits from the holidays DO go into conserving the wildlife and areas you visit: