Firm rides in with new plan to boost adventure tourism

Plans by a Kintyre adventure tourism company to create more choice for visitors and extend to year-round operations have secured a £70,000 contribution from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Wilder Ways, based Glen Kerran Farm, Southend, has been offering bespoke horse riding adventures and holidays since 2015 in rural Argyll and other parts of western Scotland.

After buying the Kintyre farm as its home base, the company now plans to develop adventure tourism with new stables, an indoor arena and guest accommodation.

The purchase of the farm and its £250,000 development project will enable Wilder Ways to extend the season into the winter months and introduce new adventure holidays, supporting year-round tourism and employment.

Jobs

The investment is expected to more than double the company’s turnover within three years, secure four full-time jobs and create two additional part-time posts.

It will also cut emissions through less travel, while the horses will be used for conservation grazing to help improve wildlife habitats.

Cara Gelati, director of Wilder Ways, said: ‘After three years operating holidays on a pop-up basis, we are thrilled to have a permanent base in Kintyre.

‘The area offers spectacular offroad riding, which we know will draw in visitors who want to ride on the wild side. An indoor arena gives our business long-term sustainability, will allow us to ride year-round and introduce exciting new products such as horse-back archery and horsemanship clinics.

‘We simply couldn’t have considered this project without the support of Highlnads and Islands Enterprise.’

Morag Goodfellow, HIE area manager for Argyll and the Islands, said: ‘This project will help enhance Kintyre’s appeal internationally as an adventure tourism destination. It will create a valuable venue for sport and leisure.

‘And a move to year-round operations will strengthen job security for employees.

‘The environmental benefits of the project are also important as Scotland moves towards an economy based on net zero emissions.

‘We are pleased to confirm our support and look forward to working with Wilder Ways as it progresses its plans.’

More than 200,000 trips a year are made to the Highlands and Islands for horse riding and related activities, generating an estimated £15m in expenditure.

A study commissioned by the British Horse Society Scotland estimates there are more than 83,000 horses in Scotland, contributing £326m to the country’s economy.

More than half of Wilder Ways’ turnover is from overseas customers.