Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to Glencoe Cottages. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in a safe and responsible manner. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you use our website or book accommodation through our services.

Glencoe Cottages is operated by Holiday Homes Amble. By using our website or services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you make a booking or inquiry, we may collect the following personal information:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Postal address
• Payment and billing information
• Booking preferences (dates, number of guests, special requirements)
• Any other information you voluntarily provide in communications with us

Technical Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Cookie data (see our Cookie Policy below)

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Booking Management: To process and manage your cottage bookings, send confirmation emails, and provide customer support
• Communication: To respond to your inquiries, send important updates about your booking, and provide information you request
• Payment Processing: To process payments and prevent fraudulent transactions
• Service Improvement: To understand how visitors use our website and improve our services
• Marketing: With your consent, to send you promotional materials, special offers, and newsletters about Glencoe Cottages and Holiday Homes Amble properties
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and resolve disputes

Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

• Contract Performance: Processing is necessary to fulfill our booking contract with you
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our services, prevent fraud, and ensure website security
• Consent: For marketing communications, where you have given explicit consent
• Legal Obligation: Where required by law (e.g., tax, accounting)

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data with:

• Property Owners: We share necessary booking details with cottage owners to facilitate your stay
• Payment Processors: Secure third-party payment providers to process transactions
• Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist with email delivery, website hosting, and analytics (all bound by confidentiality agreements)
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Secure payment processing through PCI-DSS compliant providers
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Restricted access to personal data on a need-to-know basis

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Typically:

• Booking data: 7 years (for tax and accounting purposes)
• Marketing consent data: Until you withdraw consent
• Website analytics: 26 months

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal requirements)
• Right to Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected].

Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality (e.g., session management)
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how visitors interact with our site (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Marketing Cookies: To deliver relevant advertisements (with your consent)

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., tourism boards, local attractions). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such data, please contact us immediately.

International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily processed within the United Kingdom. If we transfer data outside the UK/EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (e.g., standard contractual clauses).

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0) 1397 700123
Address: Glencoe Cottages, Unit 4B, An Aird Business Park, Fort William, PH33 6AN, Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe your data protection rights have been violated:

ICO Website: https://ico.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 123 1113