Ventures
Businesses at Hedderwick Hill
East Links Family Park
Opened: 2001
Provided: Land
Capital Investment (100%)
Ground Works
Startup Support
In 1995 AP Dale commissioned Alan Nisbet of FBR Kelso to carry out a feasibility study for the possible establishment of a farm park at East Links, Hedderwick Hill.
Outline planning consent was received later that year, and over the next few years AP Dale and the future tenant visited numerous farm parks in Scotland and England, before coming up with the plan for East Links Family Park.
Full planning consent was received in August 1999.
AP Dale paid for all capital expenditure to get East Links Family Park open. This included the purchase of the train, carriages and track from Alton Towers.
eastlinks.co.uk
Provided: Land
Capital Investment (100%)
Ground Works
Startup Support
In 1995 AP Dale commissioned Alan Nisbet of FBR Kelso to carry out a feasibility study for the possible establishment of a farm park at East Links, Hedderwick Hill.
Outline planning consent was received later that year, and over the next few years AP Dale and the future tenant visited numerous farm parks in Scotland and England, before coming up with the plan for East Links Family Park. Full planning consent was received in August 1999.
AP Dale paid for all capital expenditure to get East Links Family Park open. This included the purchase of the train, carriages and track from Alton Towers.
eastlinks.co.uk
Outline planning consent was received later that year, and over the next few years AP Dale and the future tenant visited numerous farm parks in Scotland and England, before coming up with the plan for East Links Family Park. Full planning consent was received in August 1999.
AP Dale paid for all capital expenditure to get East Links Family Park open. This included the purchase of the train, carriages and track from Alton Towers.
eastlinks.co.uk
East Links Family Park
John P Johnston - Furniture
Opened: 2005
Provided: Premises
Supplies: Timber
Formally an arable farmer, John returned home to East Lothian in 2005, where he established his workshop at Hedderwick Hill, Dunbar.
Helping hundreds of clients with highly personal commissions, collaborations with architectural firms, construction companies and interior designers, he works with a wide variety of woods and many different types of furniture, from hardwood staircases to kitchens to stand-alone furniture!
He has received various awards, such as being awarded the winner of CraftEx in 1999. In 2006 he was honoured to be elected to the Membership of The Society of Designer-Craftmen, and served as the Chairman of the Scottish Furniture Making Association from 2010-12, after years of involvement.
johnpjohnstonfurniture.com
Provided: Premises
Supplies: Timber
Formally an arable farmer, John returned home to East Lothian in 2005, where he established his workshop at Hedderwick Hill, Dunbar.
Helping hundreds of clients with highly personal commissions, collaborations with architectural firms, construction companies and interior designers, he works with a wide variety of woods and many different types of furniture, from hardwood staircases to kitchens to stand-alone furniture!
He has received various awards, such as being awarded the winner of CraftEx in 1999. In 2006 he was honoured to be elected to the Membership of The Society of Designer-Craftmen, and served as the Chairman of the Scottish Furniture Making Association from 2010-12, after years of involvement.
johnpjohnstonfurniture.com
He has received various awards, such as being awarded the winner of CraftEx in 1999. In 2006 he was honoured to be elected to the Membership of The Society of Designer-Craftmen, and served as the Chairman of the Scottish Furniture Making Association from 2010-12, after years of involvement.
johnpjohnstonfurniture.com
John P Johnston - Furniture
Foxlake Adventures
Opened: 2012
Provided: Land
Capital Investment (50%)
Ground Works
Startup Support
Foxlake was dug over a 6 week period from late June to early August 2006. 30,000 tons of soil was moved using a 360 degree excavator, D8 Bulldozer and 4 tractors and dump trailers driven by AP Dale and staff.
It was initially stocked with trout for recreational fishing. In 2010, AP Dale and North Berwick based entrepreneurs Duncan & James Barbour came up with the idea for Foxlake Adventures and it opened on 30th June 2012.
AP Dale provided 50% of the loan funding to help get the business established, which is a community interest company. James Barbour has been Managing Director since the opening. Foxlake Adventures CIC and AP Dale have just dug another lake in late February-early March 2023 and the new Aqua Park opened on 5th May 2023.
foxlake.co.uk
Provided: Land
Capital Investment (50%)
Ground Works
Startup Support
Foxlake was dug over a 6 week period from late June to early August 2006. 30,000 tons of soil was moved using a 360 degree excavator, D8 Bulldozer and 4 tractors and dump trailers driven by AP Dale and staff.
It was initially stocked with trout for recreational fishing. In 2010, AP Dale and North Berwick based entrepreneurs Duncan & James Barbour came up with the idea for Foxlake Adventures and it opened on 30th June 2012.
AP Dale provided 50% of the loan funding to help get the business established, which is a community interest company. James Barbour has been Managing Director since the opening. Foxlake Adventures CIC and AP Dale have just dug another lake in late February-early March 2023 and the new Aqua Park opened on 5th May 2023.
foxlake.co.uk
It was initially stocked with trout for recreational fishing. In 2010, AP Dale and North Berwick based entrepreneurs Duncan & James Barbour came up with the idea for Foxlake Adventures and it opened on 30th June 2012.
AP Dale provided 50% of the loan funding to help get the business established, which is a community interest company. James Barbour has been Managing Director since the opening. Foxlake Adventures CIC and AP Dale have just dug another lake in late February-early March 2023 and the new Aqua Park opened on 5th May 2023.
foxlake.co.uk
Foxlake Adventures
Go Train East Rocks
Opened: 2013
Provided: Land
Container Storage
Ground Works
Woodland Management
Promoting a local community of fitness, health and well-being, Go Train East Rocks is unique in the UK being the only totally outdoor Cross Fit Gym.
Go Train East Rocks was founded in 2013 by Lawson Auden, on a site created in a woodland clearing by AP Dale. After Storm Arwen, AP Dale further enhanced the site and fallen tree trunks now line it.
gotraineastrocks.com
Provided: Land
Container Storage
Ground Works
Woodland Management
Promoting a local community of fitness, health and well-being, Go Train East Rocks is unique in the UK being the only totally outdoor Cross Fit Gym.
Go Train East Rocks was founded in 2013 by Lawson Auden, on a site created in a woodland clearing by AP Dale. After Storm Arwen, AP Dale further enhanced the site and fallen tree trunks now line it.
gotraineastrocks.com
Go Train East Rocks was founded in 2013 by Lawson Auden, on a site created in a woodland clearing by AP Dale. After Storm Arwen, AP Dale further enhanced the site and fallen tree trunks now line it.
gotraineastrocks.com
Go Train East Rocks
ReBoot Disc Golf
Opened: 2013
Provided: Land
Container Storage
Ground Works
Woodland Management
ReBoot Disc Golf opened in 2013 and attracts visitors from all over the world. Disc golf, otherwise known as frisbee golf, is a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a target following similar rules to golf.
Being one of the top 10 disc golf courses on the continent, ReBoot at Hedderwick Hill regularly hosts competitions that attract Europe's best disc golfers. Disc golf is great as it is a very affordable sport, with easy to follow rules, and the courses at Bluebell Woods, Foxlake, Dunbar are unique in that they are located entirely in a Woodland setting.
rebootdiscgolf.com
Provided: Land
Container Storage
Ground Works
Woodland Management
ReBoot Disc Golf opened in 2013 and attracts visitors from all over the world. Disc golf, otherwise known as frisbee golf, is a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a target following similar rules to golf.
Being one of the top 10 disc golf courses on the continent, ReBoot at Hedderwick Hill regularly hosts competitions that attract Europe's best disc golfers. Disc golf is great as it is a very affordable sport, with easy to follow rules, and the courses at Bluebell Woods, Foxlake, Dunbar are unique in that they are located entirely in a Woodland setting.
rebootdiscgolf.com
Being one of the top 10 disc golf courses on the continent, ReBoot at Hedderwick Hill regularly hosts competitions that attract Europe's best disc golfers. Disc golf is great as it is a very affordable sport, with easy to follow rules, and the courses at Bluebell Woods, Foxlake, Dunbar are unique in that they are located entirely in a Woodland setting.
rebootdiscgolf.com
ReBoot Disc Golf
John Muir Alpacas
Opened: 2018
Provided: Land
Capital Investment (50%)
Startup Support
After encountering alpacas in the USA and learning all about them, a pair of East Lothian entrepreneurs approached AP Dale with an idea for a unique and sustainable business.
Keeping alpacas offers a multitude of benefits that make them a rewarding addition to the County. One of the remarkable advantages of alpacas is their exquisite fibre, known for its softness, warmth, and hypoallergenic properties. Alpaca fibre is highly sought after by textile enthusiasts and artisans for its luxurious feel and exceptional quality.
Beyond their fibre, alpacas also serve as invaluable therapets in nursing and care home settings. In addition to welcoming lots of charity groups to Hedderwick Hill, the John Muir Alpacas team take the alpacas into schools, nursing homes and respite centres all across East Lothian. Their gentle and calming nature brings joy and comfort to individuals of all ages. Interacting with alpacas has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and even blood pressure, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.
AP Dale and the two entrepreneurs worked with Tyne-Esk LEADER, to launch the John Muir Alpacas project to further diversify the farm, create a new tourist attraction and increase local employment. This was funded, in part, with a grant from the Scottish Government and European Union Tyne-Esk Leader 2014-2020 Programme.
johnmuiralpacas.co.uk
Provided: Land
Capital Investment (50%)
Startup Support
After encountering alpacas in the USA and learning all about them, a pair of East Lothian entrepreneurs approached AP Dale with an idea for a unique and sustainable business.
Keeping alpacas offers a multitude of benefits that make them a rewarding addition to the County. One of the remarkable advantages of alpacas is their exquisite fibre, known for its softness, warmth, and hypoallergenic properties. Alpaca fibre is highly sought after by textile enthusiasts and artisans for its luxurious feel and exceptional quality.
Beyond their fibre, alpacas also serve as invaluable therapets in nursing and care home settings. In addition to welcoming lots of charity groups to Hedderwick Hill, the John Muir Alpacas team take the alpacas into schools, nursing homes and respite centres all across East Lothian. Their gentle and calming nature brings joy and comfort to individuals of all ages. Interacting with alpacas has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and even blood pressure, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.
AP Dale and the two entrepreneurs worked with Tyne-Esk LEADER, to launch the John Muir Alpacas project to further diversify the farm, create a new tourist attraction and increase local employment. This was funded, in part, with a grant from the Scottish Government and European Union Tyne-Esk Leader 2014-2020 Programme.
johnmuiralpacas.co.uk
Keeping alpacas offers a multitude of benefits that make them a rewarding addition to the County. One of the remarkable advantages of alpacas is their exquisite fibre, known for its softness, warmth, and hypoallergenic properties. Alpaca fibre is highly sought after by textile enthusiasts and artisans for its luxurious feel and exceptional quality.
Beyond their fibre, alpacas also serve as invaluable therapets in nursing and care home settings. In addition to welcoming lots of charity groups to Hedderwick Hill, the John Muir Alpacas team take the alpacas into schools, nursing homes and respite centres all across East Lothian. Their gentle and calming nature brings joy and comfort to individuals of all ages. Interacting with alpacas has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and even blood pressure, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.
AP Dale and the two entrepreneurs worked with Tyne-Esk LEADER, to launch the John Muir Alpacas project to further diversify the farm, create a new tourist attraction and increase local employment. This was funded, in part, with a grant from the Scottish Government and European Union Tyne-Esk Leader 2014-2020 Programme.
johnmuiralpacas.co.uk
John Muir Alpacas
Ocean Vertical
Opened: 2018
Provided: Premises
Capital Investment (20%)
Startup Support
Ocean Vertical was established in 2018 by architect and mountaineer Adrian Boot, veteran adventure instructor Stevie Boyle, and later joined by Mollie Hughes, a British sports adventurer and explorer who in 2017 broke the world record for becoming the youngest woman to climb both sides of Mount Everest, and in 2020 became the youngest woman to ski solo to the South Pole.
To allow the business to grow, AP Dale provided premises, support and assistance with the aim of helping them become Scotland's leading Ethical Adventure Company. Hedderwick Hill's location is perfectly situated for sea and coastline based adventures. With some support and a suitable location, Ocean Vertical's customer reach was able to extend across the UK and Internationally.
oceanvertical.com
Provided: Premises
Capital Investment (20%)
Startup Support
Ocean Vertical was established in 2018 by architect and mountaineer Adrian Boot, veteran adventure instructor Stevie Boyle, and later joined by Mollie Hughes, a British sports adventurer and explorer who in 2017 broke the world record for becoming the youngest woman to climb both sides of Mount Everest, and in 2020 became the youngest woman to ski solo to the South Pole.
To allow the business to grow, AP Dale provided premises, support and assistance with the aim of helping them become Scotland's leading Ethical Adventure Company. Hedderwick Hill's location is perfectly situated for sea and coastline based adventures. With some support and a suitable location, Ocean Vertical's customer reach was able to extend across the UK and Internationally.
oceanvertical.com
To allow the business to grow, AP Dale provided premises, support and assistance with the aim of helping them become Scotland's leading Ethical Adventure Company. Hedderwick Hill's location is perfectly situated for sea and coastline based adventures. With some support and a suitable location, Ocean Vertical's customer reach was able to extend across the UK and Internationally.
oceanvertical.com
