What you need to know

A

ACTIVITIES

Fort Augustus has an abundance of outdoor/indoor activities & centres to visit.  Activity leaflets & a folder are available for viewing at Reception. Also see the Things to do and Lovat Events sections of this site.

ASSISTED FACILITIES

Two bedrooms (room 36 and room 37) & one public bathroom are available for use with those requiring assisted facilities.

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BABY CHANGING

A mobile changing unit is available for use downstairs or in the bedroom

BABY FACILTIIES

A sterilising appliance & bottle warmer are available from Reception.

BABY LISTENING

Due to thick walls, a listening device is often difficult to use throughout the hotel.

BABY’S MEALS

Freshly, made to order vegetable, fish & meat purée is available for your baby on request.

BANK

Bank of Scotland
Monday, Thursday & Friday
9:30am – 12:30pm
1:30pm – 4:45pm
The bank is situated on Station Road, to the back of the hotel.  Please note that there is no ATM machine at this bank.  ATMs can be found at the petrol station & outside the newsagent/Post Office.

BAR

The Hotel Bar offers a range of malt whiskies, wines & ales.  Alcohol is available from 11:00am – 11:00pm on a normal basis.  The Bar is located on the ground floor.

BIKE SHED

Storage space is available for push bikes

BLANKETS

If you would prefer blankets on your bed instead of a duvet, please just ask.

BOOK ONLINE

Book online for even lower offers. The first night’s stay is required as confirmation or additional reductions can be found when full pre-payment of longer stays are arranged.

BREAKFAST

Breakfast is served in the main Dining Room at the bottom of the hotel staircase from 8:00am – 9:30am Monday – Saturday & 8:30am – 10:00am on Sunday (8:00am – 10:00am in the Summer months).  Please inform us if you would like your breakfast at an earlier time as cooked can be offered from 7:15am.  Cooked meals are not served in the bedroom however continental is available.

BUREAU DE CHANGE

This facility is available at the Post Office located by the canal in the newsagents or at the Bank of Scotland.

BUS SERVICE

A bus service operates through Fort Augustus to Inverness & Fort William.

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CANCELLATION POLICY

If you have to cancel your holiday for whatever reason, the Lovat will apply the following cancellation charges:Cancellation after the booking is made, the full deposit will be charged.Cancellation made within 0-1 weeks prior to departure, 50% of the full holiday price will be charged.Cancellation made within 24 hours prior to departure, 100% of the full holiday price will be charged.In any event we will do our best to try to re-sell the room, however we strongly advise you to take out holiday insurance.

CAR PARKING

It is not possible to leave a vehicle in front of the main hotel entrance for fire safety reasons so please park in the car park at the side of the hotel.  Please note that the hotel accepts no responsibility or liability for any damage or theft of any vehicles/contents whilst parked in the car park.

CENTRAL HEATING

The central heating is provided by our biomass wood chip burner.  Wood chips are delivered weekly from Raddery Sawmill located on the Black Isle.
The central heating system is all computerised by a bespoke programme made specifically for the Lovat so the temperature in the bedroom & bathroom is not adjustable from the hotel bedroom.  When not occupied, the hotel bedroom is set at a default temperature of 12 degrees.  When occupied during the day, the temperature will rise to 21 degrees.  Over night the temperature will reduce to 18 degrees.  There is also a frost protection safe guard in place if the outside temperature drops below 2 degrees.
The bathrooms are kept at a higher temperature than the bedroom for your comfort & convenience so please try to keep the bathroom door closed to maintain this balance.
If you are at all wishing to increase or decrease the bedroom temperature please inform us so we can make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Temperatures & time clocks may vary weather dependant.

CHILDREN’S MEALS

Children’s meals are available from 6:30pm – 8:30pm (5:00pm – 9:00pm in the Summer months) or earlier on request.

CHILDREN’S POLICY

Please see our Children’s Page for further details.

CHURCH

Church of Scotland
Sunday service is either at 10:00am or 12:00noon dependant on the month & is held at the local church adjacent to the hotel.
Catholic Church
Saturday service is at 6:00pm & Sunday service is at 10:00am beside the Fort Augustus Abbey.  Times again may vary, dependant on the month.

CLOTHING

Jumpers, shirts & umbrellas are for sale at Reception.

CONFIRMATION

All bookings made by telephone will be, where possible, confirmed by us via e-mail or your choice of communication.  Bookings made on-line from this site will be confirmed by us via e-mail.

CURRENCY CONVERTER

Currency Converter

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DEPARTURE

We kindly ask guests to have vacated their rooms by 11.00am on the morning of their departure.  If you plan to check-out very early, a continental breakfast can be ordered from Reception & delivered to your bedroom.
Contact us for assistance with your luggage & if you would like to leave luggage at the Hotel after 11:00am, please inform us.

DINING & DINING TIMES

Evening meals are served in the Brasserie 6:00pm – 9:00pm with the choice of an à la carte menu Sunday – Saturday. It is advisable to pre-book & please note that times may vary dependant on the season.
The main Dining Room is available for private events.
Breakfast is served in the main Dining Room:

08:00am – 09:30am Monday – Saturday
08:30am – 10:00am Sunday (8:00am – 10:00am in the Summer months)

If you require breakfast earlier please inform reception.
Tea & Coffee are available all day, please ask at Reception
Snacks are available during the day, please ask at Reception
Afternoon Tea is available often including homemade scones, cakes & shortbread.

DISCOUNTS

Further reductions available for longer stays – please visit the secure online booking system to benefit from our special offers & attractive seasonal packages!

DOCTOR

The Fort Augustus Medical Centre is located adjacent to the Hotel car park.  Please ask us for opening times & appointment details.

DRYING ROOM

We have a small drying area in which to dry outdoor clothes.  We suggest the best method for drying your boots is to fill them with newspaper & place in front of the Main Hall fire when lit.

DRESS CODE

There is no specific dress code for dinner or whilst in the hotel.  However, please switch off mobile phones in the main Dining Room.

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EARLY MORNING CALL

An alarm call can be set from your bedroom telephone.

EMERGENCY

In the event of an internal emergency please dial O from the hotel telephone.  In the event of an external emergency please dial 9 then 999.

ENVIRONMENT

Green Tourism Policy Statement

We acknowledge & consider it essential to monitor our performance in all areas that affect our health, habitat & life style.  The Lovat operates a policy of continuous improvement & development towards reducing the impact on the environment.  To this end we aim to be recognised as a leading representative of good practice in Green Tourism for the benefit of our company, guests, staff, the community & our unique & fragile landscape, which in itself is vital to our business.  Our environmental policy is available for viewing at Reception with some key points highlighted on the sign in your bathroom.

See our page on reducing our footprint.

EVENTS

Please ask us for any events local to the area during the month of your stay. Also see our What’s on page.

Exclusive Use

The size of the hotel lends itself to being hired exclusively. 28 bedrooms, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Reception area, Bar & Restaurant. Please see our Private Hire page

F

FAX MACHINE

Our Fax machine is available to receive & send messages.  Charges are as follows:
UK – 25p per sheet
Europe & Overseas – 40p per sheet.
Incoming Fax – 20p per sheet

FIRE

The hotel has been fitted with the latest fire alarm system.  It is addressable, meaning with over 80 detectors we can pin-point exactly where a fire or fault occurs in the building.  The fire alarm system is in 8 zones & makes a continuous loop around the hotel seeking a fire/fault from all detectors, reducing any fire risk.

All public rooms & bedrooms are non smoking – the detectors are very sensitive so may go off if guests smoke in the bathroom or bedroom.
Smoking in enclosed public places has been illegal in Scotland since March 2006.  The Hotel is duty bound to enforce this law.  Please note that anyone failing to comply will be charged 50-100% of the price of an additional one night’s accommodation.

THE FIRE ALARM IS TESTED WEEKLY ON A MONDAY, AT 12:00noon.

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GARDEN LAWN

This is for your enjoyment as well as your pets.  We just ask that any of your litter or pet fouling is removed.  Drinks & meals can be served here if so wished.

GIFTS

A small selection of gifts is often available whether professional photographs or local books as well as other items such as films & batteries from Reception.

GLASSES

Forgotten your glasses?  A spare pair is available from Reception.

GOLF COURSE

Fort Augustus Golf Course has 9 holes with the option of 18 from different tees.  The course is located about 1 mile from the Hotel car park.  Contact us for details on opening times, or go to their website: Fort Augustus Golf Course

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HAIRDRESSER

A local hairdresser can be arranged to come to the hotel if required.  Please ask us for details, times & costs.

HAIRDRYERS

A hairdryer is available in each bathroom.  If you would prefer a mobile hairdryer to use in the bedroom please just ask.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Therapeutic massages for relaxation & sport injuries are available through Elaine, our in-house, professional.  Please see our Well Being page for further details.
Beauty therapy is also available through Amanda.  Please see our Beauty page for more details.

HOT WATER

The hot water system is operated by the biomass wood chip burner maintaining the buffer tanks at a temperature of 60 degrees.  When water is being drawn from the tanks the water temperature is maintained at 80 degrees to provide an efficient service for the hotel.
The hot water system is computerised by a bespoke programme made specifically for the Lovat.  A time clock ensures that hot water is provided at varying times throughout the day.
Each bath tap, shower unit & basin tap is fitted with a thermostatic control to avoid scalding.

I

INSURANCE

We strongly advise guests to take out travel insurance against unforeseen cancellation.

INTERNET

Direct broadband is available in each bedroom through the data point located beside the telephone socket.  Wireless connection (WIFI) is available in the Bar area.

IRON & IRONING BOARD

Each bedroom is kitted with an iron & iron board with a trouser press available on request.

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LAUNDRY

A laundry service is available with a small load at £6.50 & a large load at £8.50.  A dry cleaning service is not available.  Please note that we cannot accept responsibility for shrinkage or spoiling.

LIFT

A lift suitable for a maximum of 6 persons operates to all 3 floors.  In the event of a fire alarm, DO NOT use the lift.  The lift is situated:
Ground Floor – outside the Drawing Room
1st Floor – outside Room 9
2nd Floor – outside Room 25

LOCAL SERVICES

For details about the local Doctor, Dentist or Bank, please contact us as opening times often alter seasonally.

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MAGIC EYE

Each television is fitted with a magic eye so that the remote control can operate the TV.  In case this fails, point the remote control at the SKY box, located in/on the wardrobe or on the table shelf.

MIDGES

During the summer months you may have the pleasure of meeting the midge.  They are small insects & can be a pest.  We recommend that you do not leave your window open at night with the light on.

MOBILE PHONES

We respectfully ask all guests not to use mobile phones in the main Dining Room.

MORNING TEA

Facilities are available in the wardrobe area for making tea & coffee however, if you would prefer for morning tea to be delivered to your room, this is available at £3.00 per person.  It is advised that this is ordered at Reception the night prior.

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NEWSPAPERS

Should you require your own newspaper please ask at the Reception the night before & this can be collected by a staff member.  If you would like to purchase your own newspaper, the local newsagent/Post Office by the canal sells newspapers from Monday – Saturday with the Petrol Station selling Sunday newspapers.

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PACKED LUNCHES

A packed lunch form is available at Reception.  It is advised to order this the night prior to it being required.  A packed lunch is at £7.50 per person.

PAYMENT

Your account may be settled by cash, Sterling Traveller’s Cheques, Switch, Delta, Visa, Amex, Mastercard or a personal cheque drawn on a British Bank.

PETS

Please see our separate page on the hotel and pets.

PORTERAGE

If you would like assistance with your luggage on the morning of check out please dial O from the bedroom telephone.

PRICES

All prices on our website are subject to change & we reserve the right to amend them at any time. Rates are per room (two sharing) per night & inclusive of VAT at 17.5%. Service is not included. Please note that there may be restricted availability & a change in the above rates during bank holiday periods, speciality weekends, Christmas & Hogmanay.
Special breaks do not apply to group bookings.

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ROOMS

All hotel bedrooms have modern domestic facilities & appliances: flat screen TVs; Internet access; SKY free-view channels; iron & ironing board & an hospitality tray.

ROOM RATES

Rates are per room (two sharing) per night & inclusive of the current rate of VAT. Service is not included.  See our current room rates.

Please note that there may be restricted availability & a change in rates during bank holiday periods, speciality weekends, Christmas & Hogmanay. Special breaks do not apply to group bookings.
All prices on our website are subject to change & we reserve the right to amend them at any time.

RESERVATIONS

A credit or debit card is required to secure the booking. We respectfully remind our guests that a booking represents a contract between themselves & the Lovat.  In the event of cancellation or curtailment a charge will be incurred unless we are able to re-sell the room.

RECYCLING

The Lovat operates a recycling system – glass, aluminium/tin, paper & cardboard.  Help us to help the environment by disposing of your recycling material in the box provided by the main entrance. See our footprint to learn more about our environmental impact reduction.

ROOM SERVICE

Room service is available during service so please dial 0 & contact Reception from your bedroom telephone.  We do not have the facilities to serve hot food in the bedrooms.  A room service menu is located in the folder.

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SAFE DEPOSIT

Although we cannot accept liability for lost or stolen items we are happy to hold money & items of value in our safe.

SHEETS

Each bed is made up with a base sheet.  If you require an additional sheet on the bed please contact Reception.

SPECIAL DIETS

Please let us know of any special dietary requirements so we can accommodate you & adapt the menus to suit.

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TAXI & BAGGAGE TRANSFER

A taxi & baggage transfer service is available.

TELEPHONE SYSTEM

To make an outside call, Dial 9 to obtain the outside line followed by the required number. All National landline calls will be charged at 25p per minute with most International calls charged at 75p per minute.

TELEVISION

SKY television is available in each hotel bedroom through a SKY box, which provides the option of watching all free view channels.  For ease of use, the most frequently watched free view channels are programmed into ‘Favourites’ (blue button on the TV Guide’s Main Menu). Each television is fitted with a magic eye so that the remote control can operate the TV.  In case this fails, point the remote control at the SKY box, located in/on the wardrobe or on the table shelf.

TENNIS

The Fort Augustus tennis court is available for use – please ask at Reception for details.

TOILETRIES

Scottish Fine Soaps provide our toiletries to offer a Relaxing, Replenishing & Reviving experience.  This Sea Kelp range draws on the healing powers of ancient spa therapies, taking nutrient-rich sea kelp & blending it with wild herbs, fruit extracts & minerals. This indulgent, freshly scented range will leave you feeling (supposedly!) totally at one with the world.
If you have forgotten your toothbrush, toothpaste, comb etc we have a small selection of toiletries so please contact Reception.

TRAVEL AGENTS

Amadeus (1A)            = YX INVLAH
Sabre (AA)                 = YX 77364
Galileo/Apollo (UA)    = YX 90140
Worldspan (TW)         = YX INVAH
Pegasus (WB)            = YX  21369

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UMBRELLAS

Please ask at Reception for the use of our umbrellas during your stay.  If you would like to purchase an umbrella please contact reception.  The price is £35.00 per item.

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WATER SUPPLY

Our water is drawn from Loch Tarff however does undergo some treatment in a local plant, in line with EU regulations.   Despite this fact, the water is safe to drink.

WALKERS

Although we realise that you may be experienced & fully equipped whilst walking in the Highlands, mishaps do occur.  Please inform us if you plan to go off walking or mountaineering during your stay with us.

WHISKY

Single & blended malt whiskies are available in the Bar.  Tasting notes & staff are on hand to assist you with your choice.  Please also ask us for details on the distilleries local to the Lovat.