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Bird Guide: To tip or not to tip? (1 Viewer)

Kathi Hutton

Active member
I have hired a bird guide for a day trip in the Cairngorm area this autumn. He has quoted me a price for the full day, including picking me up in Inverness and bringing me back. In the USA, we sometimes tip our bird guides over and above the agreed-upon fee. Often, this is because the guide is working for a company, and relies on tips as part of his income. However, as I understand it, one generally does not tip the owner of a business, which is the case here. My guide is independent, not an employee. In reading up on social behavior in Scotland, I find that tipping is done less often and at a lower rate than here in the USA.

What is the right thing to do? Should I tip my guide or not? And if so, what would be a correct amount?

Thanks for your advice,
Kathi, counting the days till her Highland holiday
 
I would say tip if you think it's particularly merited but don't feel obliged to do so. If you do tip, it should be more about expressing thanks than about augmenting their income. The guide should be charging enough already for their income, at least in this case.
 
Im a bird guide in the Highlands, some people tip others do not. It is a farly even split. As Andrew says the price quoted is the price qouted and a tip not a necessity and I certainly do not expect a tip. In saying that when I use guides abroad I do tip!! :) Hope you have a great holiday whatever you decide.

Regards

Dave
 
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