Kiltmaker unveils mini tank obstacle course

They were the ultimate weapon on the battlefields of the World Wars – an armoured killing machine used to devastating effect by armies to plough through enemy lines.

Now an Edinburgh kiltmaker is set to give action enthusiasts the ultimate thrill by allowing them to get behind the controls of their very own miniature tank.

Geoffrey Nicholsby has been granted permission to build a tank obstacle course around the ruins of Duntarvie Castle in West Lothian to house the innovative tourist attraction.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Visitors will be able to drive the tracked tanks, known as Funtrak Panzers, around terrain including river crossings, mud, humps and corners. Some of the vehicles will be fitted with laser guns, allowing drivers to shoot opposition tanks and stationary targets situated around the course.

The tanks are each powered by a 13hp petrol engine. They can be fitted with sensor pads to trigger smoke, flares or to cut out the engine when a hit is scored.

It will be the first attraction of its kind in Scotland.

Half of the venture’s profits will be ploughed back into restoring Duntarvie Castle – a category A listed building that has been left in ruins since last decade. It is estimated it will cost as much as 
£1 million to make the 16th-century building wind and watertight.

Mr Nicholsby, owner of business Highland Crafts, said of the tanks: “They only weigh about half a tonne, but they’re very scaled down to look like the real thing. They drive like a tank – it’s not a steering wheel and the tracks work independently. Children from about eight onwards could quite safely do this. Adults can also go and do it and take a small child with them.

“It’s not just for kids – the adults we’ve put in it have come out with a grin on their face.”

The businessman intends to have the tank battleground running by summer next year. Eight tanks will eventually be situated on site, with separate courses for juniors and experienced tank commanders.

Mr Nicholsby, who owns both the castle and surrounding land, said the venture would be ideal for team building exercises.

He said: “To raise money to do these buildings up, you need to be much more innovative than you used to be in the old days.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The quirky initiative was given the green light by West Lothian Council’s development management committee despite an officer’s recommendation to refuse 
planning permission.

Newton Community Council had also opposed the proposal, arguing the activity was not appropriate for the grounds of an historic building.

Linlithgow ward councillor Martyn Day congratulated the businessman for investing in the fabric of Duntarvie Castle. He said: “The idea’s another outdoor leisure activity and it’ll help boost tourism. It can only be good news and it’s a stone’s throw from Edinburgh, which is a good place to have that kind of business. I hope it works.”

A Historic Scotland spokesman said: “In our comments to the local authority we noted the impact this development would have on the historic setting of Duntarvie Castle. However, having considered all elements of the proposal, including the potential to cross-fund the restoration of the castle, we recognised the merits, in principle, of such a proposal.”