Scottish Segway Centre Opens

After the months of meetings, planning and talk about Segways and setting up The Scottish Segway Centre, it was really good to see the Segway UK van pull up the drive at Dragon’s Tooth Golf Course.  And to witness the first of the fleet of seven Segways come down the ramp.

Not only a sense of relief that something was happening at last, but also a feeling of real excitement; we were about to ride a Segway!  Eleven of us had gathered to be part of this moment, and all were eager to see a Segway first hand – and to get on one and to glide away just asap. The group comprised the three Directors of Glencoe Activities Limited (the company acquiring the Segways), plus two members of the Vertical Descents team (the company that will operate the Segways) and David Lawrence (Head Greenkeeper)/Robert Morrison (Assistant Greenkeeper), along with Fiona and Glenn from the Club House and Pete from SeaXplorer.  Pete was joined by another local, Jonny Henshaw and the two of them will hopefully become the core of a wider team of Segway Guides.

As David from Segway UK rolled the first Segway off the van, conversations dropped and the group grew quieter.  They closed in to take a closer look and then fell silent as David began his introduction.  First, a quick overview of the technical bit – not really much to say; few moving parts, lots of hi-tech wizardry and all easy and simple to maintain.  Then, on to the ride.  Well, the glide really, because “you glide a Segway .  Relax, loosen those hands, stand straight.  Press gently on the toes and the Segway goes forward.  A little pressure on the heels, and the Segway slows”. 

WOW!  What a sensation!  Stepping up on the Segway is slightly un-nerving at first, but it’s quick to get balanced and once grasped, seems to come instantly every time.  And it’s extraordinarily true, this really is “like nothing you have done before!”.   Something in between floating on air on the one hand, and sense of freedom of riding a bike on the the other.  As one glides away, with the silent platform below, there’s a feeling of liberation, anticipation and pleasure.  Somehow it bubbles up as a smile of pleasure “Ah! There’s the Segway Smile”.

We made a video of David’s first tour with us, and it’s here onYouTube.  A memento for us of the memorable arrival of Segways at the fledgling Scottish Segway Centre, and perhaps a useful introduction to those who will come to Glencoe, to experience the fun of a Segway Tour for themselves.

Highland Golf renaissance with Barclays Scottish Open Golf at Castle Stuart

It's good to see the growing excitement and hype around the upcoming Barclays Scottish Open.  Castle Stuart seem happy with the support they are getting from all quarters. Grant Sword says "The response from everyone we have approached for help in staging this event has been overwhelmingly positive" - and Castle Stuart have indeed approached lots of people, and done so much pro-active engineering behind the scenes.

Even Highland Council get strong praise for their active support!  Certainly, the recent announcement of £33k of financial support from the Council will be well received; given the likely visitor numbers, and the huge worldwide exposure, this seems a wise marketing spend.  Inverness City should benefit hugely, and the City Fathers + Councillors are working to ensure the place is smart and attractive for tall the visitors.

The event is likely to have a "wash" that spreads right across the Highlands - bringing economic benefit now, and in years to come.  And who knows, the really discerning golfers will come South to The Dragon's Tooth Golf Course www.dragonstooth.co.uk and find the hidden joys of true, rural Highland Golf that lie just south of Fort William!!