Cookie Policy

How we use cookies and similar technologies on our website.

Last updated: 5 June 2026

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and supply information to the website owners.

2. How We Use Cookies

Hirsiset Scotland ("we", "us", "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on hirsisetscotland.com (the "Website") for the following purposes:

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the Website to function correctly. They enable core features such as security, session management, and accessibility. You cannot opt out of these cookies as the Website would not work properly without them.

Cookie NamePurposeDuration
PHPSESSIDMaintains your session while browsingSession (deleted when browser is closed)
cookie_consentStores your cookie consent preference365 days
csrf_tokenProtects forms from cross-site request forgerySession

2.2 Analytical / Performance Cookies

These cookies allow us to recognise and count visitors and to see how visitors move around the Website. This helps us improve the way the Website works. These cookies are only placed if you give your consent.

Cookie NamePurposeDuration
_gaGoogle Analytics — distinguishes unique users2 years
_ga_*Google Analytics — maintains session state2 years
_gidGoogle Analytics — distinguishes users24 hours

2.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering your preferences. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these features may not function properly.

2.4 Marketing / Targeting Cookies

We do not currently use marketing or targeting cookies. If this changes in the future, this policy will be updated and your consent will be sought before any such cookies are placed.

3. Your Choices & Consent

When you first visit our Website, a cookie banner will ask for your consent to non-essential cookies. You can:

  • Accept all cookies — all cookie categories will be enabled.
  • Reject non-essential cookies — only strictly necessary cookies will be used.
  • Change your mind later — you can withdraw or change your consent at any time by clearing your browser cookies and revisiting the site, or by clicking the cookie settings link in our website footer.

4. How to Control Cookies via Your Browser

Most web browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings. You can usually find these in the "Options" or "Preferences" menu of your browser. The following links may help:

Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of this and many other websites you visit.

5. Third-Party Cookies

In some cases, we use trusted third parties to serve cookies on our behalf. Third-party cookies are governed by the third party's own privacy and cookie policies. We have no control over the setting of these cookies.

6. UK GDPR & PECR Compliance

This cookie policy is provided in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR). We ensure that:

  • Non-essential cookies are only placed after you have given clear, affirmative consent.
  • You are provided with clear information about each cookie before consenting.
  • You can easily withdraw your consent at any time.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us: