A leap into the unknown has proved to be a money spinner for a fledgling Highland Perthshire firm.
Almost 4,000 thrill-seekers have flocked to Scotland’s first permanent bungee platform near Killiecrankie in the last six months.
This has far exceeded the expectations of the directors of Highland Fling Bungee, who originally predicted it would take twice as long to attract that many customers.
By the beginning of this month 3,800 jumpers had flung themselves 40m towards the River Garry from the purpose-built pod at Garry Bridge.
Co-director John Mason-Strang told The Courier: ”When we were going through the relevant planning processes all projections for the company were based around a target of attracting 4,000 customers in the first year of operation.”
He added: ”What has really hit home to us, pleasantly, is that there are no specific groups who want to do it.”
It has taken four years for Highland Fling Bungee, part of the Nae Limits adventure sports group based at Ballinluig, to make their dream a reality.
The £200,000 platform has already led to the creation of five full-time and 12 part-time jobs, with independent analysis predicting a £7.5m economic boost over two years.
Since its launch, the attraction has formed a partnership with the National Trust for Scotland and is run from the charity’s visitor centre at Killiecrankie.
A percentage of all jump sales also goes towards NTS’ conservation of the area.
Highland Fling Bungee is finding new thrills to offer customers and has recently launched Europe’s first outdoor night-time jump.
Mr Mason-Strang added: ”We are constantly looking at what we can do to add to our clients’ experience and cater for the demand for new adventures.
”For example, we have recently introduced a brand new product called ‘Double Dare’ where customers can bungee jump as part a package which also includes white water rafting.”For more information visit www.bungeejumpscotland.co.uk