Answers to questions about cruising aboard Scotia W
We have provided answers to some of the questions that we thought you might have about cruising with Scotia Charters. Should you have any other questions, please contact us.
Is Scotia W only available to charter?
Scotia W is currently available exclusively for charter and comes fully crewed with a skipper, cook and two crew members.
Are land transfers available?
We operate a mini-coach which is ideal for transferring guests when on shore on the mainland and the Isle of Skye. Land transfers can be arranged to convey guests from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Prestwick airports. As part of the transfer we can incorporate into your itinerary visits to places of interest en route. If land transfers are required on other islands these will be arranged.
Are there railway stations close by?
Start points for our cruises include Inverness, Kyle of Lochalsh, Fort William, Oban, Ardrossan and Troon. All of these locations can be reached by train, so are ideal for guests who don’t want to fly.
Fort William, Inverness and Glasgow can all be reached from London Euston by an overnight sleeper service. Reaching Kyle of Lochalsh involves changing trains in Inverness, while train travel to Oban, Ardrossan and Troon requires changing at Glasgow Central Station. It is worth noting that the train journey from Glasgow to Fort William has been named as one of the most scenic in the world!
Railway fans may also be interested to know that during the summer a steam train, The Jacobite, runs from Fort William to Mallaig offering a fantastic trip. The Jacobite stars in the Harry Potter films as the ‘Hogwarts Express’ and the Fort William to Mallaig route crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, also made famous by the Harry Potter films.
There are many fantastic railway journeys in Scotland and we can incorporate some of these into your holiday itinerary. Please get in touch to discuss in more detail.
What is the maximum number of people Scotia W can accommodate?
Scotia W has been designed to accommodate up to eight guests in four twin en-suite cabins.
What facilities are onboard?
Scotia W has a total of four en-suite cabins that are designed for twin occupancy. She boasts a large dining and lounge area that provides a comfortable and relaxing area from which to enjoy the views. The lounge features a large plasma TV screen to which laptops can be connected. A large upper aft deck is an ideal area for alfresco dining or simply relaxing and appreciating the stunning scenery. Guests are also encouraged to spend time in the wheel house and experience life at the helm of Scotia W. Our cook provides a full range of meals from the galley, and refreshments are available throughout the day. The vessel has central heating throughout, ensuring that even on cooler days it remains warm onboard.
Can I get internet access onboard?
Internet access is available onboard, but is reliant on mobile telephone coverage. Scotia W is fitted with Icomera’s Moovbox M220 device which allows us to offer mobile broadband. The system means that Internet access is only available wherever carrier networks provide coverage, which may be patchy along some parts of Scotland’s West Coast.
How spacious are the cabins?
Scotia W is converted from a traditional Scottish fishing trawler, therefore, accommodation is not as roomy as in a purpose-built hotel. All the cabins have been designed to maximise the space available on this size of vessel, and are designed as twins and fitted with standard size single beds. Each cabin has ample storage space and an en-suite shower room.
Will I get cold?
Scotland’s weather is famed for its contrasts – a result of the country’s unique geography and the Atlantic weather systems. In the height of summer Scotland boasts very long days and can get very warm on a sunny day. We advise that you come prepared for your trip aboard Scotia W and suggest a couple of warm layers, a waterproof jacket, some light clothing, and shorts and sunglasses! The boat has central heating throughout, so even on the cooler days we’ll make sure it is cosy aboard. Our links page has links to some weather forecasting websites.
Can I tailor my itinerary?
In conjunction with our skipper, we are happy to tailor our itineraries to meet your specific requests. It may not be possible to accommodate all your requests due to distance, tides and time, but we’ll do our best.
How active do I need to be?
It is entirely up to you; after all it’s your holiday. We’ll tailor your itinerary to suit your needs, whether it’s playing at least two golf courses a day, heading ashore to explore Scotland’s history and culture, or simply relaxing on deck enjoying the scenery and wildlife. We berth in a local harbour or mooring each night and encourage you to go ashore and experience the local hospitality.
I have restricted mobility, can I cruise with you?
Accommodation on Scotia W is based on three decks with stairs connecting each deck. Each staircase has handrails on either side. All our cabins are located below deck and access to them is by a 10-step staircase. Access to shore is normally by fixed gangplank, but occasionally you may be transferred to shore by tender boat. Therefore, you will need to be able to step in and out of our tender boat and climb two fixed steps, with the aid of crew members. If you are unsure, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise.
I have dietary requirements?
Our cook will cater for all dietary requirements. We ask that you advise us in advance of any dietary requirements so that we can tailor meals accordingly and ensure we have plentiful supplies of any specific ingredients.
Can I fish from Scotia W?
Fishing from the vessel is permitted and our cook will be happy to cook and serve your catch. We carry rods and tackle onboard, but you are welcome to bring your own and try your luck while we are at anchor.
What are my chances of seeing wildlife?
Scotland has an abundance of wildlife and there are strong chances that you will see some wildlife on your cruise with us. The types of wildlife that you see will vary depending on the cruise area and also the time of year. On our Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness cruises you may see red deer, red squirrels, otters, pine martens, and many species of bird, including birds of prey. You might even catch a glimpse of Nessie! Our Moray Firth and West Coast cruises are likely to provide opportunities to see bottlenose dolphins, porpoise, seals, sea eagles, puffins and other seabirds. We carry binoculars onboard, but if you are keen we recommend you bring a pair.
Will midges be a problem?
The Highland Midge is a species of small flying insect that is common to the West Coast of Scotland and is known to bite humans. They tend to be most widespread in July and August, and in the evening rather than during the day, as they prefer cooler conditions. Midges are also more commonly found near water, but are less active if there is a bit of a breeze. However, midges are not found at sea. They can be kept at bay with the help of insect repellent and a number of specialist midge repellents have been developed.
Am I likely to get seasick?
Scotia W was originally designed to tackle the forbidding North Sea, so in the sheltered sea lochs and inland lochs of our main cruising areas she is a very stable vessel and provides comfortable cruising. If we head further from shore – crossing The Minch, in the Irish Sea or heading into the Atlantic to reach St Kilda – the seas will get choppier. Therefore, if you or a member of your party suffers seasickness we recommend an itinerary that is tailored to coastal or inland waters. If we do get bad weather, we head for more sheltered waters and will reassess your itinerary. We always keep an eye on the forecast and alter the itinerary if necessary. There are various precautionary medicines and devices available to fight seasickness – including homeopathic medicines, acupressure bracelets and natural oils.
Are children allowed onboard?
Children are allowed onboard, but parents or guardians must ensure their safety at all times. When on deck, children must be supervised and adhere to the vessel’s safety rules. A full safety briefing is given at the start of each cruise.
Are pets allowed onboard?
Pets are welcome onboard subject to discussion with the skipper.
