Perthshire businessman and long-time owner of St Johnstone FC Geoff Brown has set up a charitable trust with the emphasis on supporting local projects with a sporting theme.
Already, the recently opened Riding for the Disabled Association-approved stables at Kinfauns are making a difference to the lives of families.
Perth-born housebuilder Mr Brown, 72, who established GS Brown Construction after serving his time as a joiner, explained: “I want to leave a legacy for future generations.
“I am passionate about supporting the Riding for the Disabled facility we have created with invaluable support from a team of volunteers. But in the longer term I am looking to broaden it out through the Gesby Charity, oiling the wheels of other sporting projects and perhaps helping the next generation of businessmen and women advance their entrepreneurial ideas.
“Sport and business have been very much part of my life and that is reflected in the aims of the charity.”
Mr Brown has been delighted with the early impact made by the riding school but stressed there is scope for even more use of the indoor and outdoor set-up on the outskirts of the Fair City.
“We are up and running and, amazingly, we have a pool of 55 dedicated volunteers. The support we have enjoyed has been amazing.”
The Kinfauns facility is being used by the disabled, 20 children from Perth Autism, Navigate and also the Kinnoull group, with everyone from pre-school kids to 80-year-old novices signing-up.
While seven of the horses and ponies are ideal for the Riding for the Disabled ring, another three are perfect for hacking on picturesque Kinnoull Hill.
The facility is open to all and Saints legend Roddy Grant is just one of many who have taken to the saddle.
“We want to make the most of the facility,” added Mr Brown. “Unlike many riding schools it can be used year round and the wider community is being made very welcome.”
Mr Brown, who threw himself into the project after recovering from triple heart bypass surgery, said: “We were also gifted individual horses and more than 20 saddles.
“People have been very generous.
“We have riders coming here who have lost horses of their own or have outgrown them.
“But I take the most pleasure from seeing the faces of kids light up when they get in the saddle for the first time.
“It is so rewarding.”