Scottish island holiday, change of accommodation at short notice and now self catering

cmayflower

This is the detail of a holiday we booked some time ago, but 12 days before we were due here the organiser said he may not be able to make the holdiday due to a family emergency and that another couple were transferring their holiday to another trip.  Having asked where that leaves us as we were already in Scotland (Orkney Island) as it's a long way home to then join another trip we are booked on for the following week on another scotland island trip with the same person the reply was no problem still going to Uist if you are ok with that, to which we i said we still want to go to Uist, even if we are on our own.

Two days before we arrive on Uist we are told that a stunning cottage all on one floor on Benbecula has been booked for us and the night before we get the ferry we are given the address. 

So now we are sat in a pokey one room sitting/dinning/kitchen area having to move furniture to sit at the table, self catering (not full board) as as far as we are aware no boat trip as advertised. 

We have not as yet been offered any refund due to the significant changes to our holiday, what would be a reasonable amount to ask for? we are thinking half the cost. sorry for the lengthy post, just feeling very flat on what should be a lovely holiday  

Holiday details as advertised
North Uist, Berneray, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay

Uist is made up of six islands all connected by causeways and include Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay

North Uist is a paradise for wildlife and lies between Harris and Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides and is characterised by its 'drowned landscape' of peat bogs and lochans, and its string of bountiful beaches.

There are several prehistoric sites,such as the huge chambered burial cairn of Barpa Langais.

Wildlife abounds amongst the island's unusual landscape of tidal strands, lochans, bogs and flowery machair. Otters enjoy the peace and quiet, which is broken on summer nights by the rasping call of the male corncrake - one of Britain’s rarest birds. They are easy to hear, yet notoriously difficult to see. Every year around 9,000 grey seal pups are born on the Monach Islands off the west coast of North Uist, the largest breeding colony in Europe.

The UK’s largest bird the white-tailed eagle can be seen, as well as many other raptors such as the long and the short eared owl, hen harrier, merlin and golden eagle. From raptors to small birds, the smallest bird in the UK, the gold crest live here too, a tiny bird weighing the same as just a twenty pence piece

Our accommodation is truly unique down a private track, close to the sea and shrouded in trees, you will find yourself at the foot of this magnificent property situated in Claddach Valley with huge windows and a grey wood exterior, it oozes opulence and emerges from the treeline with impressive architecture, creating the perfect getaway to explore the wild frontier of the Outer Hebrides.

We will also be taking a wildlife boat trip on one of the days which is spectacular.

We will be there for a week from the 24th to 31st May 2025

As always all meals are included as well as support with equipment settings techniques and editing etc.

flaneurs_lobster

This sounds like specialist (wildlife? birding?) trip that's been organised by a small (maybe even 1 person) company?

If you are mid-holiday I can well understand why you might not want to give details of the organiser, but without sight of exactly what terms were agreed when booking (with particular reference to changes) then advice can only be general.

You must make representation as soon as possible, by email or some other recordable form and obviously preserve any responses. Don't wait until the holiday is over.

Document with photographs exactly what the accommodation consists of and how services (or lack thereof eg meals) differ from the original proffer.

Can't offer advice as to level of refund you might seek. Is the property you are now in listed online as a holiday let or AirBnb etc, might give you some idea as to difference over what you have paid.

Sorry the weather has turned just as you've arrived. 

teaselMay

I don't know about the refund etc but if you have a vehicle the whole of Uist, from Eriskay to Berneray is eminently accessible from where you are, you can probably get across to Barra and Harris if ferry space available too. Don't miss out on exploring the most beautiful of places. 

sheramber

Have you contacted the  organiser about the accommodation and boat trip?

you say you have a trip  the next week with the same guy. Have you checked that that is going to happen?