Our Policies
At Stilla Finest Scotland Ltd. we care for our impacts on the local environment and our community. In line with many Governmental and Local Institutions campaigns, we share the desire and intentions to keep Scotland as beautiful as ever, for now and for the future generations. We plan our tours keeping in mind what Responsible and Sustainable Tourism means to us and to the country, giving back to local communities, looking after Scotland’s landscapes, and making lasting eco-friendly choices.
GREEN POLICY
PROMOTION OF LOCAL PRODUCE
First of all we strive in promoting locally sourced produce, through an exclusive partnership with Slow Food UK (we are the only local agency in Scotland to do so): by choosing our tours, our guests actively support the conservation of endangered recipes, products and specimens which are tangible proof of the many local sustainable practices of food preservation, production and nutrition Scotland had in the past. We are also actively involved in the creation and continuous development of the Glasgow Sustainable Food Places Directory in cooperation with the Glasgow Food Policy Partnership, listing the most sustainable food shops and places to eat in Glasgow, along with a downloadable leaflet for environmentally-conscious consumers. We also took an active part in the Glasgow City Food Plan Public Consultation.
CAREFULLY SELECTED PROVIDERS
At Stilla we carefully select our providers according to a number of “sustainable” factors which include, but they are not limited to, locally sourced and seasonal food produced by small companies and factories which play a vital role in rural communities. We also strive to make sure our clients adhere to and employ sustainable practices and support the communities they visit (i.e. Visit Scotland Food and Drink Taste Our Best or Visit Scotland Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Campaigns).
ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGNS
We love being involved in no profit projects as long as those revolving around what we care for most; currently, we collaborate with “Cartoline” (italian for “Postcards”) by Instaura, by promoting outstanding small scale examples of Sustainability in Scotland through articles and pictures these beautiful works on our social networks (see our Facebook and Instagram page to learn more about the Blackthorn Sea Salt Tower in Ayrshire, the Crawick Multiverse in Galloway and the Lobster Hatchery in North Berwick just to name a few examples). In 2021, We have been involved in the Glasgow Open Doors Days Festival, teaming up with Slow Food Glasgow to design and deliver free tours of Glasgow’s Old Food Markets.
PROTECTION OF BIODIVERSITY
We are also official partners, as only tour operator,of Sea Watch Foundation UK, a charity promoting, through events and active research, the conservation and protection of Cetaceans. In collaboration with Sea Watch, we designed a unique tour focused on the observation of dolphins and whales in Scotland where the guests have the fantastic opportunity to become researchers themselves as they are encouraged to record evidence of the sightings playing an active role in the data gathering process vital to the Sea Watch’s core mission. We also supported the Slow Food campaign “Adopt an Apple Tree” for a Long Lasting Contribution to the Climate Change topic within the Cop26 initiatives in Glasgow, purchasing rare species of fruit trees which will improve the protection and conservation of local biodiversity. We created and promoted the Scottish Slow Food Ark of Taste Map which is now embedded in the Slow Food Glasgow website.
SUSTAINABLE CHOICES
We care so much about the environment that we made the bold choice to have business cards made exclusively of recycled material as well as we provide our client with a sustainable welcome pack, including a reusable bottle for travellers in order to reduce the use of disposable plastic bottles. We provide Our clients with Audio Systems which are rechargeable and Bluetooth, in order to avoid the use of disposable batterie and ear sets. When we can, we plan trips that include a combination of trekking and public transports and for all our transfers we prioritise the use of electric cars. We also always advice our clients on the attractiveness of our off beaten track destinations in the country and on the advantages on travelling outside peak season months, in order to minimise and counteract the impacts of mass tourism on the Country.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
As a travel company who engage with various stakeholders in tourism, namely consumers, tour guides, travel agencies, hotels, transport companies, restaurants, and attractions, at Stilla Finest Scotland we understand our key role and influence in the sustainable development of tourism. Therefore, we are committed to promoting sustainability. We aim to follow, implement and promote good sustainability practices to maximize positive impacts and minimize negative impacts on tourism of our operations and to influence our clients and partners to do the same.
Our sustainability policy is divided into 10 themes. Each theme consists of a set of principles and practical actions accordingly.
We commit to sustainability management, practiced by these following actions:
We commit to complying with all national legislation, regulations and codes of practice.
We commit to sustainable internal management by having clear written and well-communicated social policy that includes the following principles:
We commit to practice human rights by ensure the enforcement of following practices:
We commit to practice environmental protection and enhance community relations by ensuring the enforcement of following practices:
Based on an inventory of our key partner agencies, we have developed and implemented a policy to improve sustainability of our partner agencies. Our aim is to make sustainable development concrete to each and every partner within our business.
We commit to this by:
We try to ensure that vehicles used on tours do not cause more than average pollution. We believe that transport is an important aspect of sustainable tourism, and we do our best to decrease the average pollution level.
We commit to this by:
We try to achieve a tourism supply chain that is fully sustainable. The partner accommodations play an important role in achieving this, and are stimulated and motivated to adapt sustainable practices.
We commit to this by:
We value animal and community welfare extremely highly and aim at tours that only leave a minor footprint. We are safeguarding the authenticity of the communities and the natural environment, and are strongly against harming wildlife and polluting the environment.
We commit to this by:
We aim at involving as many locals as possible by employing them in the tourism business. We stand for a fair and safe working environment that supports and respects local communities.
We commit to this by:
We aim to maximize positive impacts and minimize negative impacts at destination to ensure the sustainable development of the places that we operate in.
We commit to this by:
Customer welfare and information are very important to us. At Stilla Finest Scotland, we ensure clear and constant communication and high protection to our clients.
Prior to booking, we commit to this by:
After booking and during holidays, we commit to this by:
After holidays, we commit to this by:
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
This document is in line with the Scottish Tourist Guides Association’s Health and Safety Policy and Requirements.
1. STATEMENT OF GENERAL POLICY
2.MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION AND ARRANGEMENTS
Introduction
3. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Director
Director and Staff
Safety Officer
4. HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT PROCESS
5. HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE GUIDELINES
6. IDENTIFICATION OF HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARDS – ANNUAL AUDIT AND REGULAR RISK ASSESSMENTS
8. TRAINING
9. MONITORING
10. REPORTS TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE
13. FIRST AID
14. FIRE
17.NON-SMOKING ON COMPANY PREMISES
19. COMPUTER INSTALLATIONS AND VISUAL DISPLAY UNITS
20. CONTROL OF WORKING TIME
21. HEALTH AND SAFETY AND THE INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE
22. PEOPLE WORKING ON COMPANY PREMISES NOT EMPLOYED BY THE COMPANY
23. VISITORS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
24. CONTRACTORS
SUSTAINABLE EXCURSION POLICY
At Stilla Finest Scotland, we are committed to promoting sustainable tourism and minimizing our environmental impact. As part of this commitment, we have developed a Sustainable Excursions Policy to outline the standards and expectations for our activity providers.
This policy outlines the key sustainability principles that we expect our activity providers to adhere to. By working together, we can ensure that our tours and activities have a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
Boat-Based Marine Wildlife Viewing
For more information, see the following page: ATTA’s partner in sustainability education and certification for tour operators.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CLIENTS AND GUIDES
VisitScotland and the STGA (Scottish Tour Guides Association) encourage visitors to be responsible and respectful when visiting Scotland by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This code applies to most land and inland water in Scotland. It’s based on three principles: respecting others, caring for the environment, and behaving responsibly:
Specific Guidelines:
By following these guidelines, we can all help to ensure that everyone can enjoy Scotland’s beautiful outdoors for generations to come.
Appendix on illegal souvenirs:
While Scotland offers a wealth of unique souvenirs, it’s important to be aware of items that are illegal to purchase or export. Here are some examples of illegal souvenirs in Scotland:
To avoid purchasing illegal souvenirs, it’s important to be mindful of where you are buying items and to ask questions about their origin. If you’re unsure about the legality of a particular souvenir, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid purchasing it.
Sustainability Codes of Conduct for Consumers for each type of activity / excursion are available in the following documents:
PRIVACY POLICY
Stilla Finest Scotland is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data.
Information We Collect:
We may collect personal information from you, such as your name, contact information, travel preferences, health conditions (when relevant to the trip planning). This information is collected through various channels, including our website, email communications, and booking forms. All payments are made online through a Secure Payment Link (Go Cardless, Dripe, Xero), so we do not access or store your banking details or information.
How We Use Your Information:
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
Data Security:
We implement robust security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:
Data Retention:
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by law. We will securely delete or anonymize your data when it is no longer needed.
Your Rights:
You have the right to access, rectify, or erase your personal data. You may also have the right to restrict processing, object to processing, and data portability. To exercise these rights or for any privacy-related queries, please contact us at stillafinestscotland@gmail.com.
Changes to This Policy:
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on our website, and we may notify you via email.
By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy.
For further information, please visit the this page.
AWARDS
The popular online travel platform Evaneos, awarded Stilla with the prestigious “Local Hero Award” as a tour operator in Scotland which combines sustainability and environmental awareness in all its trip offers, adhering to a very strict Code of Conduct.
We have also been awarded with the Gold Green Tourism Award for Scotland and we are constantly working in order to develop our Green Action Plan in order to reduce Stilla’s Carbon Footprint. In November 2021, we have been awarded the Second Prize as Best Newcomer at the Scottish Italian Awards.
Stilla Finest Scotland is happy to announce that we have engaged with the Travelife for Tour Operator & Travel Agents scheme. Travelife for Tour Operators and Travel Agents is internationally recognized and supported by the global travel industry as the preferred sustainability training, management and certification program for sustainability in tourism. Moreover, Travelife standards are formally recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Travelife is a three-stage certification program for tour operators and travel agents: (1) Travelife Engaged; (2) Travelife Partner and (3) Travelife Certified. We are at stage 1 – Travelife Engaged. We are working to move forward to stage 2 – Travelife Partner. To reach the Travelife Partner, we must meet the standard of over 100 sustainability criteria that can be grouped into five key areas: Office operations; Product development; Working with suppliers; Customer relations and destinations.
Through regular training, raising awareness among our staff & our suppliers, and developing a culture of sustainable management and practices, Stilla aims to achieve the certification Travelife Certified, the third and highest level of the Travelife certification scheme by 2025.
Our aim is to strengthen our commitment to sustainability management and to turn it into consistent sustainable business practices in tourism. From an industry ethical perspective, we believe sustainability statements should be third-party justified and certified. That’s why we chose Travelife for Tour Operator & Travel Agents for our sustainability engagement.