Wild Cairns at Whitekirk Hill named among the Nation's Favourite Businesses

An East Lothian adventure company that set out simply to get people outdoors has been recognised nationally. Wild Cairns, based at Whitekirk Hill near North Berwick, has been selected as part of this year's Nation's Favourite Businesses line-up, the campaign that replaces Small Business Saturday's long-running SmallBiz100.

Wild Cairns was founded by Scott Smith and Gus McLeod and delivers instructor-led outdoor adventure experiences for families, schools, youth groups and corporate teams. As well as activities at Whitekirk Hill, it brings Wild Cairns experiences to venues across Scotland.

The campaign will showcase each chosen business in a countdown to Small Business Saturday on 5 December. Scott said the pair started the business because they wanted to get more children and adults outdoors, active and having fun, and that national recognition meant a huge amount to them and the whole team. He added that small businesses work incredibly hard and that supporting each other can make a real difference.

That spirit is behind the company's Youth and Community Access Fund, launched this summer. It works on a pay-it-forward principle: businesses contribute to a pot that helps charities, youth groups and schools access outdoor activities at Wild Cairns. The aim is to remove some of the financial barriers that stop young people taking part, helping them build confidence, improve communication skills and spend time with friends in a supportive environment.

The Real Mary King's Close, Hargreaves Land, PWB Developments and HPP Macmerry became the fund's first founding supporters. Gus said not every youth group, charity or school has the budget to bring young people along to activities like theirs, so the fund lets businesses pay it forward.

There is always something going on. This Halloween, Wild Cairns is running a Halloween After Dark event on 29 and 30 October, and it sells gift cards for anyone looking for an adventurous present.

For families planning a day on the East Lothian coast, it is an easy way to add some adventure to a trip.

Activities, events and gift cards can be booked on the Wild Cairns website.