Privacy Policy

Underwater Scotland®
Last updated: 24 January 2026

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is handled when you visit https://underwaterscotland.co.uk (“the Website”).

Underwater Scotland is a small, independent project. We collect only minimal personal data and do not track users for marketing or profiling purposes.

This Policy complies with the UK GDPR, EU GDPR, and the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

2. Data Controller

Underwater Scotland®
Email: contact@underwaterscotland.co.uk

3. Personal Data We Collect

3.1 Data you provide voluntarily

If you contact us using the contact form, we collect:

• Name

• Email address

• Message content

This information is used only to reply to your message.
We do not create user accounts, mailing lists, or profiles.

3.2 Data we do NOT actively collect

Underwater Scotland does not:

• use advertising or marketing analytics

• track user behaviour

• create user profiles

• sell or share personal data

4. Automatically Collected Technical Data (Third Parties)

Although Underwater Scotland does not actively track users, technical data may be collected automatically by third-party services required to operate the Website.

a) Hosting provider — Hostinger

Our hosting provider (Hostinger) automatically processes limited technical data such as:

• IP address

• browser and device type

• operating system

• date and time of access

This data is used for security, performance, and server maintenance.
Hostinger acts as an independent data controller.

b) Google Maps (embedded map)

The Website uses embedded Google Maps to display locations. When the map loads, Google may collect:

• IP address

• device and browser information

• cookies and usage data

Google acts as an independent data controller and processes data according to its own privacy policy:
https://policies.google.com/privacy

c) TikTok (embedded or linked content)

Some pages include TikTok videos or links. When you interact with TikTok content, TikTok may collect:

• IP address

• device and browser information

• cookies and interaction data

TikTok acts as an independent data controller.
Privacy policy: https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/row/privacy-policy/

d) Weather data — UK Met Office

The Website displays weather information and a general weather score for map locations.

Weather data is retrieved from the UK Met Office based on the geographic coordinates of listed locations only.

• no personal data is used

• no user GPS or precise location is collected

• no tracking or marketing cookies are involved

Weather data is retrieved server-side.
The Met Office may process limited technical data in accordance with its own privacy policy.

5. How We Use Data

We use data only to:

• respond to messages sent via the contact form

• operate and secure the Website

• display maps, locations, and weather information

We do not use data for advertising or marketing.

6. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR and EU GDPR, processing is based on:

• Article 6(1)(b) — responding to enquiries

• Article 6(1)(f) — legitimate interests (website operation, security, maps, weather)

• Article 6(1)(a) — consent for non-essential cookies and embedded third-party content

7. Data Retention

• Contact form messages: up to 12 months

• Server logs: according to Hostinger’s retention rules (typically 30–90 days)

• Data processed by Google, TikTok, or the Met Office: according to their own policies

8. Cookies

The Website uses cookies in accordance with UK and EU law.

• strictly necessary cookies are used for basic functionality

• third-party cookies (Google Maps, TikTok) are loaded only after consent

A cookie banner allows users to accept or reject non-essential cookies and manage preferences at any time.

Weather data from the Met Office does not use cookies.

For details, see our Cookie Policy.

9. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR and EU GDPR, you have rights in relation to your personal data.

Please note that Underwater Scotland processes very limited personal data, mainly when you contact us directly.

Where applicable, you may request to:

• access the personal data we hold about you (if any)

• correct inaccurate data

• request deletion

• restrict or object to processing

• withdraw consent at any time

In most cases, these rights apply only if you have contacted us, as we do not store ongoing user data.

To exercise your rights, contact:
contact@underwaterscotland.co.uk

10. Data Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures, including:

• HTTPS encryption

• secure hosting

• limited access to data

11. Third-Party Links

The Website contains links and embedded content from third parties. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

12. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated occasionally.
The date at the top shows the latest revision.

13. Contact

For any privacy-related questions, contact:
contact@underwaterscotland.co.uk