Terms & conditions

Last updated: 26 January 2023

Please note: Programmes refer to our workshops / events and trainings whether online or onsite.

Please also see our Privacy Policy and Data Protection Policy.

1) These Terms and Conditions relate to bookings for Findhorn Foundation workshops / events / retreats and trainings (collectively known as programmes), both onsite and online. Unless otherwise stated, all points are relevant to all guest / participant visits, online and onsite.

These do not relate to Erraid programmes – their bookings and Terms and Conditions can be found here.

If booking a programme run in partnership with the Findhorn Foundation, please also see the partnership Terms and Conditions.

2) Payment of a deposit / booking fee (sometimes included in the full payment) constitutes accepting these Terms and Conditions.

3) All bookings are provisional until confirmed by us via email.

4) Venues

• The Findhorn Foundation, the educational charity within the Findhorn Ecovillage Community, has four sites: The Park, within the Findhorn Ecovillage / Cluny Hill in Forres / Traigh Bhan on Iona and The Isle of Erraid off Mull. Most programmes take place in either The Park, or at Cluny Hill. Please check the venue / accommodation of your programme at the point of booking. We reserve the right to alter the venue for any workshop / event at any time.

5) Personal wellbeing

• Participants are responsible for maintaining their own wellbeing and must inform us of any pre-existing medical, physical, emotional, mental health, or addiction conditions so that together we can assess whether the programme environment is suitable for participation.
• Participants agree to continue to take any medication prescribed for them by a medical practitioner for the duration of the programme.
• We are not a healing or therapy centre. Findhorn Foundation programmes are not intended to be therapy or to replace any therapeutic treatments.
• Full participation is required for programmes so please ensure you are able to make the time commitment and demands of being intensively with others.
• See also Refusal of admission / requests to leave section.
• See also Liability section.

6) Refusal of admission / requests to leave

• We reserve the right to refuse admission to our programmes, if on or prior to arrival / the start date, participation appears to be inappropriate.
• We also reserve the right to ask any participant to leave the programme if their behaviour is disruptive to the function of the Findhorn Foundation and associated Community or interferes with the rights of others. This includes, but is not limited to, speeding, nuisance noise, use of firearms, abusive / threatening behaviour, abuse of legal or illegal substances and alcohol.
• No refund will be given.

7) Liability 

All information included in any of our publicity is correct at time of going to press, and is subject to change. Whilst every effort is made to provide the programmes and services as advertised, The Findhorn Foundation, its employees and volunteers do not accept liability for:

• Cancellations or changes caused by unavailability of staff, low bookings, weather conditions, maintenance work, pandemics, acts of God, acts of Government or any other authorities.
• Any situations beyond our control or subsequent to participation in one of the programmes.
• Participants’ medical / health or psychiatric conditions which may exist or which may arise or seem to arise during or as a consequence of / subsequent to participation in one of our programmes.
• Damage to, or loss or theft from, any accommodation or other property of the personal property of our participants.
• Any injury, accident or mishap on the site, unless the same be caused or contributed to by the negligence or default on the part of the Findhorn Foundation, its employees and volunteers.
• In the final instance, all matters arising from a dispute are subject to Scottish law and are subject to the jurisdiction of the Scottish courts.
• All participation is at participants’ own risk.
• We are not liable for / do not have responsibility for affiliate organisations and their programmes and procedures.
• For programmes run in partnership with the Findhorn Foundation, we accept no liability for any act, omission or negligence on the part of the partnerships.

8) Visa / Passport Requirements

• It is the responsibility of each person visiting the Findhorn Foundation to ensure that they have the correct visa issued by UK authorities for entry to the UK, to attend onsite recreational Findhorn Foundation programmes, including partnership programmes.
• If you possess a visa to remain in the UK on a long term basis a copy must be provided when confirming your booking.
• If you do not possess a visa then you may be required to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa through UKVI. You must ensure that you have the correct visa status when attending any recreational programme.
• The Findhorn Foundation holds no responsibility and cannot advise you in respect of visa applications.
• Your attendance at any recreational programme does not amount to sponsorship.
• At the time of registration on arrival you will be asked to present your passport and visa status, and / or your proof of indefinite leave to remain, pre-settled status, or settled status. Please also bring a separate copy for us to retain. This will be held for 1 year and then destroyed.

9) Payments

• We prefer payment by card. We accept most credit or debit cards but not American Express. Please do not send cash in the mail. Payment should be in pounds sterling (GBP £). It is also possible to pay using a bank transfer – please contact the Bookings office for bank details if you wish to use this method of payment.
• When you book online and we do not accept your booking then we will refund any payment including the deposit at the earliest possible time.
• Wait for your confirmation email before making travel arrangements as we cannot guarantee bookings for any given week. Please allow 1–2 weeks for confirmation, although we will endeavour to contact you well before this.

10) Pricing

Different prices reflect different standards of accommodation, as well as whether it is a hosted programme

• For on-site programmes (apart from self-catering retreats at The Park, quoted prices are fully inclusive of participation in the programme and accommodation in our participant rooms (including towels and linen) as well as all meals and refreshments (unless otherwise stated).
• All prices include full access to  our meditation sanctuaries. Some community facilities, like our saunas and hot tub, ask for a donation for use.

11) Accommodation

All our rooms and accommodation are simply furnished – towels and bed linen are provided:

• Programme accommodation ( apart from self-catering retreats at The Park ) is in shared rooms, double, twins and single rooms. These are available on a first come first served basis according to availability. Some ensuite / private bathrooms are available at each site. – For self-catering retreats – entire accommodations are available for rent on a self catering basis. There is no shared accommodation with strangers. Any persons other than members of your party must not use our accommodation or facilities. There is a cafe servicing light lunches at The Park as well as a grocers / gift shop. Larger supermarkets are 5 miles away in Forres.
• Before occupying our accommodation, participants should satisfy themselves that the accommodation is in good condition. By occupying the accommodation, the participant accepts responsibility for the accommodation and its equipment throughout the programme period. Participants will be charged for any damage or breakages.
• Participants must undertake to keep their accommodation in a clean and tidy condition during the period of their occupation, and upon departure. If the accommodation is not left to a satisfactory standard a minimum charge of £60 will be made.
• Smoking is not permitted in any of our venues / properties.  Any breach will result in a fine of up to £250 for cleaning.
• Barbecues / bonfires / open fires are not permitted.
• Under no circumstances may more than the maximum number of persons stated on our website occupy the property / allocated rooms. We reserve the right to refuse admittance or require you to leave our accommodations if this condition is not observed.

12) Meals / dietary requirements

• Where meals are included, our kitchens provide primarily vegetarian food. Vegan, wheat-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives can be requested on arrival. While we can prepare dishes without these ingredients, we aren’t able to guarantee non-cross contamination in the kitchen. With this in mind, unfortunately we are unable to cater for guests with serious or life-threatening food allergies / multiple food intolerances, nor guests with more specialised dietary needs.

13) Children (under 18s)

• All programmes are for 18 and overs (apart from self-catering retreats at The Park), unless otherwise specified.
• Self-catering retreats at The Park
  • • Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children and all minors around The Park, Findhorn Foundation and facilities at all times.
    • Bookings for 18-21 year olds must have written approval from Management.

14) Dogs

• Cluny Hill – Dogs are not permitted at Cluny Hill, unless in circumstances such as for medically necessary support dogs.
• The Park, Traigh Bhan (Contact Erraid separately if you wish to visit them with your dog)
  • Self-catering retreats at The Park– Dogs are not permitted in certain properties.
    • There will be an extra charge of £25 per week or part thereof for dogs (maximum 2 dogs per property).
    • Dogs must be house-trained, kept under proper control and not allowed on the furniture, and especially the beds, nor left unattended in the property.
    • Dogs must be kept under control at all times, and on a lead when outside in the Park and the woods.
    • Pet owners are responsible for clearing up any dog fouling.
    • Pets are not permitted in communal buildings.
  • For all other programmes at The Park and Traigh Bhan – dogs are not permitted in shared accommodation.

15) Use of Likeness and Photography

• The Foundation or its agents may video, photograph or digitally record online and in person programmes, which will include its participants, some of which will be used for promotional or informational purposes in our brochures, website and newsletters, as well as recorded training material.
• We will always endeavour to inform you of this beforehand but by participating in a programme you agree that the Foundation or its agents may take photographs that include your image and also may record your image / voice and you agree to the Foundation’s usage of these for promotional, informational and training purposes without compensation of any kind.

16) GDPR

As a participant with us, the Foundation and/or your course facilitator may contact you with information about other events, courses and programmes of interest. You can easily unsubscribe from these emails, using the link at the bottom of all marketing messages.

17) Covid-19 guidance

Please read this information as this contains important information about covid protocols as well as cancellations due to Covid-19.

18) Cancellations & refunds / transferring your booking

We strongly recommend you arrange holiday insurance that covers booking cancellations for UK holidays in case of cancellation by yourself or the Findhorn Foundation. This will give you the peace of mind that you will get your money back if you need to cancel your holiday. If you choose not to, then you accept responsibility for any loss that you may incur due to cancellation. Although we sympathise, we cannot be liable for changes in your personal circumstances.

• Participant cancellations – onsite programmes
  • Cancellations up to 29 days from the start of your programme – refund of payment minus the non refundable booking fee.
  • Cancellations within 28 days of the start date of your programme – no refund available. For Findhorn Foundation programmes only* – non refundable credit towards a future workshop to be booked at the time of the cancellation. Any credit transferred remains non-refundable and can only be transferred to another programme once. Credit is not transferable to another person.
  • *No credit can be transferred for any partnership / affiliate workshops, including Festival of Sacred Dance and The Game of Transformation.
  • Cancellation on arrival day, no show, early departure – no refund available.

• Participant cancellations – onsite Festival of Sacred Dance, Music and Song
  • Payment is due 56 days prior to commencement of the Festival.
  • Cancellations up to 57 days from the start date of the Festival – refund of payment minus the non refundable booking fee.
  • Cancellations within 56 days of the start date of the festival – no refund available.
  • Cancellation on arrival day, no show, early departure – no refund available.

• Participant cancellations – onsite Transformation Game Facilitators Training
  • The booking fee includes a £400 fee for the course manual sent out before the start of the Training.
  • Payment is due 56 days prior to commencement of the Training.
  • Cancellations up to 57 days of the start date of the Training – refund of payment minus the non refundable booking fee. Refunds include £400 manual fee if not been issued.
  • Cancellations within 56 days of the start date of the Training – no refund available. £200 manual fee will be refunded on return of the manual.
  • Cancellation on arrival day, no show, early departure – no refund available.

• Participant cancellations – online workshops
  • ​Cancellations up to 72 hours before the start date of the online course or workshop – full refund.
  • Cancellations within 72 hours of the start of the online course or workshop – no refund available. If you are unable to attend then the recordings will still be available to you.
  • Cancellation on start day, no show, early departure – no refund available.

• The Findhorn Foundation reserves the right to cancel a programme at any time. We will do our best to notify you of this beforehand.
  • Onsite programmes –  If cancelled before the start date you will receive a full refund. We do not accept any liability for any travel expenses incurred and strongly advise travel/holiday insurance.
  • Online – If we have to cancel an online module due to facilitators incapacity or illness we reserve the right to reschedule or appoint a different facilitator.

• Covid-19 cancellations / outbreak – please see our Covid-19 Guidelines

• Transferring your booking to another date – a £25.00 administration fee is payable for all booking transfers

19) Complaints

If you are unhappy about any aspect of your experience with the Findhorn Foundation, please bring it to our awareness, so that we can take action in the most supportive way possible. If you feel the issue has not been dealt with appropriately, you may make a complaint to the appropriate person and we will endeavour to resolve this to your satisfaction. Please indicate the circumstances and details of your complaint clearly and what resolution you would welcome.

If you feel strongly that your expectations have not been met adequately, you may then make a formal complaint, by contacting [email protected] with as much detailed information of the concern as possible. Your complaint will be acknowledged within five days and we will then get back to you and discuss the most appropriate way of taking the matter forward. Our commitment to all complainants is to try and resolve complaints informally to the satisfaction of all parties wherever possible.

20) Alterations to T&C’s

We reserve the right to amend our Terms and Conditions at any time as we deem necessary.