Facts About the Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander

The Scottish Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander was built in 1931 and operated as a cargo barge in Holland. She was later converted to an 8-passenger hotel barge cruising the highlands of Scotland along the Caledonian canal.

117 feet long
8 Passengers
5 Crew
1 Twin / Double Suite
3 Twin / Double Staterooms
Centrally Heated
Sundeck
All weather wheelhouse with observation area for guests
8 Touring Bikes
Air Conditioned Minibus

Barge Specifics

• Former purpose: Cargo Barge operating in Holland
• Original year of construction: 1931
• Dimensions: Length 117ft (35.66m) Width 16ft 6" (5m)
• Year converted to a Hotel Barge: 1996
• Generators: 2 x Cummins Onan 27kva generators
• Main engine: Gardner 6LX 127HP
• Maximum speed: 7.5 knots
• Water & fuel capacity: 8 tons of water and 3 tons of fuel

Your Crew On Board

• Crew of 5: Captain, Chef, Tour Leader, Hostess & Deckhand. All staff speak English.

Accommodation On Board

Maximum 8 passengers / 1 Suite and 3 Staterooms

All cabins can be configured with either 2 single beds or a double bed.

All cabins have an en-suite bathroom, wardrobes, drawers and a bedside table with reading light. The fittings are of solid mahogany.

In the 3 staterooms, the top of the beds are positioned in the recess beneath the 2 large picture windows, one of which opens.

The Cameron Suite has 4 porthole windows which all open.

Cabin Sizes

• Cameron Suite (Bow): 148 ft² (13.8 m²)
• Macpherson Stateroom (Mid): 115 ft² (10.7m²)
• Fraser Stateroom (Mid): 115 ft² (10.7m²)
• Mackintosh Stateroom (Mid Stern): 115 ft² (10.7m²)

Bathrooms: The Cameron Suite bathroom measures approximately 4ft 6” (1.4m) x 6ft 2” (1.85m). The stateroom bathrooms each measure 2ft 7” x 4ft 4” (0.8m x 1.3m)

Ceiling height: The ceiling height in the Cameron Suite is 6ft 6” (2m) but gets a little higher in some parts. The height in all the Staterooms is 6ft 9” (2.1m)

Size of the beds:

• In the Cameron Suite, the double bed measures 5ft wide x 6ft 3”(1.5m x 1.92m) or as 2 single beds, each measures 2ft 6” wide x 6ft 3” (0.9m x 2m) with a small gap of 4cm between the beds.
• In the Staterooms, as a double 6ft wide (1.85m) x 6ft 6” (2m) or as 2 single beds, each measures 3ft (1m) wide x 6ft 6” (2m).

All sizes are approximate.

Bathrooms: All cabins have a shower, wash-basin, and WC. The bathrooms are fully panelled & have a heated towel rail, 110v shaver socket and an air extractor fan (except the Cameron Suite which has a porthole). There are no portholes in the stateroom bathrooms. Towels, hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair dryers, slippers and bathrobes are all provided.

Climate Control

The barge has domestic style central heating. Air conditioning unit in Saloon area. Each cabin has a cooling fan.

Computer and Telephone

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on board for guests bringing their own appliances. Connectivity can be limited in remote locations.

There is no passenger telephone on board Scottish Highlander.

Currency

The local currency in Scotland is GBP Pound Sterling. Scottish Highlander is unable to accept credit or debit cards on board.

Cycling & Walking

You are welcome to walk or cycle, using the on board bicycles. Most guests choose not to miss any cruising and tend to cycle or walk when the barge is stationary.

Cycling opportunities can be limited on certain days due to the differing terrain along the cruise route.

There are 4 general purpose and 4 folding bikes on board. Children's bikes, helmets and child bike seats can be arranged if required on request – please notify Paradise Connections at least 8 weeks prior to your departure.

Dining Room & Saloon

20ft long (6.1m) x 12ft wide (3.6m). The ceiling height is 6ft 9" (2.05 m).

Accessed from the main sundeck by a double door and then 5 steps down. The saloon is finished in yew and Brazilian mahogany and there are 7 observation windows. For relaxation there are 2 leather armchairs, 2 Chesterfield sofas, and a coffee table.

In the dining area of the saloon, the dining table seats up to 9 guests. There is a long fully-stocked bar with fridge.

Tartan carpet runs throughout the saloon leading into a corridor accessing the 4 cabins. The dining area has a wooden floor.

The Cameron suite is accessed by 3 steps.

The wheelhouse has a comfortable observation area for passengers to sit and view the passing landscape.

Electricity

The barge is wired for 240 volts with 110 volt sockets in the bathrooms for shaving. We suggest you bring an adapter for your particular appliances, which should correspond to the standard UK 3 pin plug. There are also 2 USB ports in each cabin for re-charging phones, iPads, laptops etc.

If you wish to use your electrical appliance on board, please ask one of the crew when you arrive on board to ensure that it is suitable to the barge's electrical system.

We cannot be held responsible for unforeseen voltage fluctuations which sometimes occur when swapping from one voltage system to another.

Excursions

The Scottish Highlander barge has a very comfortable 9-seater (including driver) air-conditioned minibus which is used for transfers and excursions.

Seatbelts must be worn at all times when in the vehicle. While the vehicle is always locked when not in use, do not leave valuables in the vehicle. We cannot be held responsible for any theft of personal possessions following a break in.

For charter bookings, the itinerary can be adapted to suit your group’s particular needs. If a destination or excursion is within a reasonable distance of the barge, we will do everything we can to arrange it. Please speak with Paradise Connections in advance of your cruise and we can pre-arrange with the Captain.

Any guests not wishing to participate in an excursion are welcome to remain on the barge.

Facilities On Board

• 8 Bicycles (See Cycling & Walking, above)
• A small library of books and maps
• A collection of board games
• Binoculars for watching the wild bird life
• iPad onboard for use of music
• Wi-Fi internet access is available for passengers bringing their own appliances. (Please see Computer & Telephone, above)
• No televisions on board
• USB port available in all cabins
• There is a compass, depth sounder, chart plotter with AIS in the wheelhouse

Food & Drink

All meals on board are freshly prepared by your chef and most meals are a set-menu (there is no choice available). International and traditional Scottish cuisine is featured.

We are able to arrange special meals, e.g. vegetarian / no fish / vegan etc; and we are able to cater for any preferences or allergies. However, it is most important that we are notified of any specific requirements at least 8 weeks prior to your departure date. Failure to notify Paradise Connections in advance of your cruise may result in disappointment on board.

There is no assigned seating and the dining table accommodates all guests at a single sitting.

Breakfast: Full Scottish cooked breakfast or Continental-style buffet breakfast with toast, fruit, cereals, fruit juices, decaffeinated or regular tea and coffee.

Lunch: Usually a casual meal, bistro style, with refreshing salads or soups depending on the season, followed by local specialities and a selection of cheese or dessert, and accompanied by a selection of quality wines. Occasionally a buffet meal or a picnic will be proposed as an alternative.

Dinner: Always a gastronomic adventure by your talented chef. A taste of regional cuisine by candlelight, harmonizing food and good wines, followed by a selection of regional cheeses, coffee and liqueurs.

Captain's Farewell Dinner: Captain's dinner on the last night of the cruise. Guests may choose to dress slightly more formal.

Drinks included in the cruise price: Non-alcoholic beverages and regular or decaffeinated tea and coffee. There is also a Nespresso Coffee machine available with an à la carte menu of speciality coffees. The well-stocked bar is open 24 hours, which includes wines, spirits, Scottish single Malt Whiskies, beers, and soft drinks. All wines are provided with meals and there is a Champagne welcome on arrival.

Drinks not included in the cruise price: Some champagnes, whiskies and special vintage wines are not included although you may purchase bottles in advance of your cruise at cost if you notify us in advance how many you require. We do not recommend specific beverage ordering unless you are chartering the whole barge.

Hot Air Balooning

The region Scottish Highlander cruises in is not suitable for hot air ballooning.

Laundry

We recommend you bring sufficient clean clothing for your cruise as there are no laundry facilities on board. However, the crew may be able to assist in an emergency on a request basis.

Luggage / What To Pack

Please plan to travel with one suitcase per person. Soft-sided luggage will be easier to store once you have unpacked. There is a limited amount of space on the barge and minibus.

Practical comfort and casual clothing is the norm aboard Scottish Highlander and for most excursions. Dress code for dinner is relaxed and informal. For the Captain's Farewell Dinner on the final evening, guests often dress-up which is optional.

Suggested things to pack:

• A sweater or lightweight jacket for evenings,
• A sun-hat in the summer is recommended.
• During spring and autumn cruises we recommend layered clothing as well as a substantial warm raincoat.
• Comfortable walking shoes with low or no heels and textured non-slip soles.

Umbrellas are available on board.

Medical

Please let us know in advance of your cruise if you require frequent or ongoing medical attention.

The crew are unable to administer medicines but can accompany you to a chemist for you to purchase any necessary medicines. Due to your cruise often being in a rural location, we recommend you bring all necessary medication with you. Doctors are usually not far away for an urgent consultation and the Emergency Services can be called if required.

Problem During Your Cruise

If you have a problem during your cruise, please give us the immediate opportunity to make things right. Please bring any concern to the private attention of your Captain who will often be able to solve any issue immediately.

Restricted Mobility

Please let us know in advance of your cruise if you have a physical disability and require any assistance.

Our barges are generally not suitable for passengers with significant mobility problems or disabilities. If in doubt, please consult Paradise Connections.

Scottish Highlander has boarding steps with 2 handrails from the bank to the main deck. The gradient can sometimes be steep.

There are 5 wide stairs from the main deck down to the saloon with handrails on both sides. The staterooms are on the same level as the main Saloon. To access the Cameron suite, there are 3 stairs down from the stateroom corridor with a single handrail.

Please note that there are no toilet facilities on the upper deck and passengers will need to return to their cabin to use the bathroom.

We are able to hire wheelchairs locally – a charge may apply. Please notify Paradise Connections at least 8 weeks prior to your departure. Please note wheelchairs are not suitable for use on board. Passengers must be accompanied by someone who is able to push the chair as the crew are unable to assist.

Safety & Security

Once you are on board, your Captain will talk you through the Cruise Safety Procedures. Safety Instructions are detailed below.

Please note that we cannot be responsible for any valuables that you bring on board. We strongly recommend that you do not bring valuables with you unless required and that you ensure that all valuables are covered by your travel insurance.

There is a safe located in each cabin. Cabin doors are not locked for safety reasons.

Smoking

Scottish Highlander has a strict non-smoking policy for safety reasons and for the comfort of your fellow passengers.

Sundeck

There is an outside deck area at the Bow of the barge with a large table and seating for 8 guests.

Tipping

Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare. Tipping is entirely discretionary but is greatly appreciated by the crew if you would like to acknowledge the standard of service.

As a guideline, the recommended industry standard is between 5 and 10% of the cruise fare if you are fully satisfied with the service you have received.

The usual way to give the tip is to give the amount in cash as one lump sum to the Captain / Cruise Director on the last day of the cruise. They will distribute the amount equally amongst the crew.

Gratuity in Pounds Sterling are very appreciated. ATMs are accessible for cash withdrawal on most itineraries during the cruise and the crew can advise where these are located.

If you have any questions on the above, please speak to the Captain.

Transfers

The usual pick up and drop off point for Scottish Highlander is The Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness. Alternative pick up points may be possible for Charter groups by advance request. Transfers will usually be in the barge vehicles (Please see "Excursions" above). The approximate transfer duration is 15 minutes or 2 hours depending on the cruise route.

It is usually possible to make your own way to the barge but this must be arranged in advance through Paradise Connections.

Water

Tap water in Scotland and on-board Scottish Highlander is potable, but we advise guests to use the bottled water provided in each suite.

Safety Instructions On Board Scottish Highlander

On arrival the Captain will talk you through the Cruise Safety Procedures on board.In addition, it is important that all passengers are familiar with the safety instructions detailed below.

• Please follow the instructions of the Captain and crew at all times.
• Remember that decks can be slippery. Please wear non-slip shoes and do not run or jump whilst on board.
• Do not walk on the side or rear decks or outside the guard rails.
• Passengers are not permitted in the engine rooms, technical areas or crew accommodation at any time, or in the galley or wheelhouse unless accompanied by a crew member.
• Do not embark or disembark the barge unless the gangplank and handrail are in place or the crew have advised that it is safe to do so. Never do so when the barge is moving.
• Be careful when the vessel is being moored up with the barge ropes. In particular do not step into a loop in the rope or try to release the mooring rope from a bollard.
• Keep clear of any overhead obstructions and remain seated if on deck whilst the barge passes under bridges with restricted headroom.
• Do not attempt to touch the sides of any lock or bridge.
• Do not open lower deck portholes whilst the barge is moving. Lower deck portholes must be securely closed whilst moving.
• Life jacket preservers are located in designated lockers in your cabin or in designated deck lockers. Once on board, please take the time to identify their location and read the instructions.
• For fire safety reasons, smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the barge.
• The barge's equipment such as bicycles can only be used when prepared by the crew. Use of the bicycles is at your own risk.
• There is an open bar policy on board. However, excessive alcohol consumption can be dangerous, particularly in a warm climate and in proximity to deep water and the Captain has the discretion to withhold alcohol if safety to passengers or crew is at risk.

In an emergency:
• Keep calm. Do not return to your cabin to recover your possessions.
• If you discover a fire on board, sound the fire alarm and notify a crew member immediately. If possible, close doors behind you to confine the fire. Please take the time to identify the location of fire alarms and fire extinguishers.
• If the alarm sounds or you hear repeated continuous blasts on the barge horn, you must, if possible, assemble on the sundeck for further instructions.
• If you discover water below deck, notify a crew member immediately and go to the sundeck to await further instructions
• If you are in your cabin and the way to the sundeck is obstructed, follow the signs to the alternative fire exit. Please take the time to identify all fire exits.
• Your vessel is equipped with a defibrillator for use in case of cardiac arrest. Instructions in English are given automatically by the machine.
• The emergency number for fire, police or medical assistance on all public phone networks is 999.

Please ask a member of the crew on board if you require any further safety advice

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