Self catering accommodation in Shetland

GerryJT

We booked self catering accommodation on Shetland from 26th September for two weeks but due to the covid19 have cancelled - the main reason for going was to  attend The Shetland Wool Week which was cancelled in April.  We asked the property owner to transfer our booking to next year, he was happy to do that but would keep the deposit (50% = £1,000) and requested another one for 2021 as long as we booked for next year he would not charge the full amount for this year, if he could not relet the property.  We were not willing to do that, he has now stated that if we do not pay the full amount for this year he will instigate court proceedings.  Under Scottish Law once you have paid the deposit you have contracted to pay the balance and you cannot cancel unless the property is relet.  There were no terms and conditions on the website and he did not send us any.  We are at present waiting to see if he carries out his threat of court proceedings.  We feel that keeping the whole deposit is excessive.  Can any one give us any advice?

martindow

From your post it seems that he has a legal right to keep your deposit and the balance.  Maybe someone who is familiar with Scottish law can confirm this - England and Wales laws do not apply north of the border.  I can quite believe this to be the case as the accommodation is available and you are choosing not to take it up.  

I too would be aggrieved.  A lot of hotels and guest-houses are much more flexible in transferring bookings to next year in part to preserve their reputations.

bradders1983

The fact the event was cancelled is none of his concern and irrelevant to the booking.