Entrance to Dunnottar Castle together with its surrounding grounds (the “Castle”) is strictly in accordance with the terms and conditions set out below. By purchasing an admission ticket and entering the Castle, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
The Castle is owned by The Dickinson Trust Limited (Company No. 00214811), Trustee for the Dunnottar Trust and operated on behalf of the beneficially entitled party (“we” or “us”).
1.1 Admission Charges
Current admission charges are contained in the current season’s publicity. We may vary these from time to time and reserve the right to increase the admission charges without notice if, for example, there is a special event being held in the Castle.
1.2. Concession
We may request sight of valid ID to show eligibility for concessions. Failure to do so may result in admission being refused without refund. We reserve the right to limit the number of concessions available.
1.3. Entrance
We reserve the right to refuse admission in our sole and absolute discretion without assigning any reason therefore, to any person or group of people. Furthermore, visitors found causing damage, who breach these terms and conditions or, who behave offensively may be required to leave the Castle. Visitors should not behave in any way which, in our opinion, is likely to cause damage or is deemed to be dangerous to either themselves or others, and any visitor so behaving may be asked to leave the Castle.
1.4. Refunds
Admission tickets are non-refundable. No refunds will be made in respect of inclement weather or the condition of the Castle.
1.5. Receipts
Visitors should ensure they obtain and keep an admission ticket as proof of payment of the admission charge. We may carry out random checks from time to time and any visitor not in possession of an appropriate ticket may be required to leave the Castle.
1.6. Opening Dates
Annual opening dates and times of the Castle are published in advance and are contained in the current season’s publicity. Public admission to the Castle is not allowed outside those periods other than by prior arrangement.
We reserve the right to vary the opening dates and times of the Castle. Furthermore, we reserve the right to close the Castle without notice.
1.7. Access to the Castle
Payment of the appropriate admission charge entitles you to have access to all parts of the Castle open to the public on a given day within the published opening times.
Where you purchase your ticket at the Castle, then your ticket will be valid only on the day of purchase.
Access to the Castle must be taken by the clearly identifiable paths and tracks provided. Public entrance to the Dunnottar Castle itself is ONLY through the main pedestrian entrance door at the north side of the Castle.
We reserve the right to close all or part of the Castle without notice in the event of severe weather or if underfoot conditions render access to certain areas inadvisable. We also reserve the right to close all or part of the Castle without notice for the purpose of carrying out necessary repairs or if a special event is taking place at the Castle.
1.8. Parking
Visitors may park their cars in the private car park reserved for Castle visitors for half an hour before and after opening hours only.
Parking at the Castle is at your own risk. We shall not be responsible for any theft of or damage to any vehicle parked at the Castle.
1.9. Use of facilities
While in the Castle, you are entitled to use the facilities available, for example toilets and the information room. We reserve the right to close any facilities without notice in unavoidable circumstances.
Whilst we welcome all visitors to the Castle, please be aware that due to steep gradients within the Castle and over the cliffside approaches, the Castle is generally unsuitable for those who have difficulty in walking over rough or steep ground.
3.1 Compliance with the Castle staff’s instructions
You will comply with instructions provided to you by the Castle staff.
3.2 Safety of Visitors
You are responsible for ensuring that you wear footwear suitable for walking in the Castle and that you are fit enough to undertake a visit which involves steep gradients. You are also expected to exercise due diligence and care when going round the Castle bearing in mind the condition and the variety of surfaces and gradients that may be encountered.
You will not stray from the clearly identified paths and areas of mown grass.
You will comply with all notices.
You are prohibited from crossing any fences or barriers.
We reserve the right to limit items which may be brought into the Castle and to search bags, and persons before granting entry. Persons entering the Castle agree to such searches and we reserve the right to refuse entry to, or to eject from the Castle, anyone refusing to submit to such a search.
3.3 Children
All children must be properly supervised and parents / guardians shall be held responsible for their children.
3.4 Dogs
Dogs must be kept on short leads at all times while in the Castle and owners shall respect the considerations of other visitors to the Castle. Owners must clear up after their dogs and dispose of the waste in suitable bins.
3.5 Litter
You shall not leave litter within the Castle. Litter should be taken away with you, or placed in the receptacles provided by the car park.
4.1 Filming/Photography
You may not film or photograph for commercial purposes in the Castle without first obtaining the appropriate permit from the Estates Office.
4.2 Alcohol
You are prohibited from taking into and consuming alcohol at the Castle.
4.3 Smoking
Smoking is not permitted within the Castle.
4.4 Metal Detectors
The Castle is a scheduled ancient monument and as such, the use of metal detectors within the grounds is prohibited under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
4.5. Cuttings and removal of stone and other items
The taking of cuttings or plants (or the removal of any form of plant materials or labels or the intentional or reckless damaging of turf or plants), or the taking of any stone or any other item or “souvenir” from the Castle, is prohibited and may be a criminal act. We reserve the right to report all such matters to the police.
You may be held liable for any damage, loss or destruction caused by you or any person or animal under your control to the Castle and / or its contents, or for any injury caused by an act or omission on your part to any of the Castle staff or other visitors to the Castle.
Nothing in these terms and conditions is intended to affect your statutory rights. Save in relation to liability for death or personal injury, The Dickinson Trust Limited (Company No. 00214811), Trustee for The Dunnottar Trust and/or the beneficially entitled party and their respective employees and agents will not accept liability for any damage or loss howsoever caused to the property or animal(s) of any person who enters the Castle, or parks their vehicle within the Castle grounds.
We will collect, use, store and disclose your personal details in accordance with our privacy notice, a copy of which is available on our website or at the Castle.
These terms and conditions shall be governed in accordance with the laws of Scotland and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts.
10 December 2019