STRATHBOGIE EXPANDS WITH NEW VENTURE

PICTURED ABOVE: Pete McArthur, director of Strathbogie Scotland and HRN Group's groundcare sales director, Wilson Morrison

Dealership Strathbogie Scotland, with support from Redexim and its Scottish dealer partner HRN Group, is launching a specialist machinery hire service for golf courses and professional sports turf facilities across the north and northeast of Scotland.

Pete McArthur, director, says the move reflects Strathbogie's changing direction. While the business has long been established within forestry and groundcare, its focus is increasingly centred on professional turf management.

"We're focusing much more on professional groundcare now," explained Pete. "Whether it's sports pitches, golf courses or any formal turf surface, that's where we're heading. But our core clients, who have sustained the business for nearly 50 years, remain a hugely important part of what we do and will continue to be. This is about developing our business for the 21st century, and our traditional customer base blends perfectly with our growing professional turf clientele."

The decision to invest in Redexim equipment wasn't one made overnight, says Pete. It began with a conversation almost two years ago between him and Redexim's area sales manager for the North, Allen Whellans. 

"When speaking to greenkeepers and sports turf managers, Redexim was always the name that kept coming up," Pete said. "I started asking people I trust, including greenkeepers at some very prestigious clubs, about the equipment and the feedback was consistently excellent."

Those conversations ultimately led to Strathbogie investing in a fleet of Redexim machinery, including a Verti-Drain 1513, Speed-Seed 1100, Speed Brush, DS800 Top Dresser and Tool Carrier, supplied through HRN Group.

Pete says the investment supports his wider vision of helping clubs that may struggle to justify purchasing specialist equipment outright. "There seemed to be a gap in the market, particularly in the north of Scotland," he explained.

"Not every golf club or sports facility can afford to buy these machines but hiring them makes perfect sense. It gives them access to the right equipment when they need it without the significant capital investment. Some of these machines are only needed a few times each year, so buying them can be difficult to justify. By offering hire, we're helping clubs maintain high-quality playing surfaces while keeping costs under control."

The investment also complements Strathbogie's growing expertise in robotic mowing technology. Rather than replacing greenkeepers, Pete believes automation and specialist machinery allow them to focus on the skilled work that really matters.

"Looking after the health of the turf is where the real expertise lies. Greenkeepers have incredible knowledge of agronomy and turf management. If technology can free up some of their time, it allows them to use those skills where they add the greatest value.

"We're trying to change the way people think. Just because something has always been done one way doesn't mean it's the best way. Technology is moving quickly and the turf industry has a fantastic opportunity to embrace it."

Pete concluded saying he believes Redexim's values align closely with those of Strathbogie Scotland.

"I value heritage. Redexim is a family-owned business and that means something to me. We don't go looking for entry-level machinery. We'd rather invest in specialist equipment that's proven, reliable and respected within the industry. You're buying the best to get the best.