In early 2025, Tobermory Play Area (located on the Isle of Mull in the Scottish Hebrides) was due a thorough extension, and we were eager to take on the project. This picturesque waterfront town, well-known for its attractive coastline and multicoloured houses, has famously offered excitement for generations of children – it was the filming location for the BBC show Balamory, and further back, it even gave its name to one of the Wombles! We were thrilled to work with Argyll and Bute Council to design and install a new play space on the island that lived up to this fantastic legacy of fun, for the benefit of every local family.
Planning For Play!
We began by conducting a thorough site survey, before finalising a design which corresponded to all elements of the brief. As well as being just a short distance from a small rural housing community, the playground would also be situated to the rear of a local primary school, and therefore needed to offer a huge variety of engaging play opportunities for children of all ages.
For visitors of toddler age, our design delivered an array of exciting experiences including balancing, rocking, climbing and spinning, and we also ensured that the finished site would feature a strong element of challenge for older children, with a more taxing trim trail-style area which was sure to test their co-ordination and agility.
All of the new equipment would sit atop new grass mat surfacing, providing a safe foundation for play whilst integrating over time with the grassland terrain. We also included a new dust pathway around the playground, as well as a grass mat path leading directly into it, both of which would increase accessibility for visitors, whilst easing the process of carrying out maintenance.
Although we had quickly developed the ideal design for this project, the installation had the potential to be less straightforward, with the island’s location presenting a unique challenge for our team. Access was restricted to ferry crossings at certain times, which increased our travel times, and impacted our ability to carry out our work. In the face of these obstacles, however, a combination of careful planning and effective time management allowed us to deliver the project on time, under budget, and to a very high standard, and the finished play area now provides a vibrant mixture of equipment for all.
Fun For All!
One of the most notable new additions comes in the form of our Bramble multi-play unit, an outdoors-themed piece with 20 dynamic play features including a stainless-steel slide, themed play panels, and an inclined climbing ramp with acorn foot and hand holds. It is thematically complemented by our Nature Activity Centre – a single post unit with eight activity zones offering 12 play elements, including a spider’s web pathway maze, a set of revolving flowers, and two falling leaves play panels.
Nearby, another colourful climber brings additional fun, with our Hop & Climb’s 7 activities designed to encourage elementary balance and co-ordination for users aged 2 to 5, including a climbing wall, wriggler balance pods, and a Braille snake activity area.
A range of smaller standalone pieces solidify the space’s appeal to younger visitors. Our colourful Ladybird Springie brings plenty of bouncing fun for all, whilst its ergonomic upright rubber handles and open fronted design ensure excellent grip and easy access. Similarly, our Inclusive Dish Roundabout provides good body support for up to four users, including those with limited mobility, and enables them to enjoy the rotating motion together; it is also set at an appropriate height for wheelchair side transfer.
Meanwhile, we’re delighted that Tobermory is one of the first projects to feature our brand-new Communications Panel, designed for children who find difficulty in verbal expression. Based on an NHS-approved system, the panel features a grid of play-related symbols and phrases, which children can use to convey messages to their peers or parents/carers.
Elsewhere, the abilities of older children are put to the test with a selection of challenging, trim-trail style apparatus; our Ladder Wall, Hand Over Hand, Chin Up Bar, Roll Over Bar, and Stepping Pods all test users’ balance and physical dexterity, and will help to inspire a healthier future for all in Tobermory.
Exceeding Expectations!
Paul Quigley, Sutcliffe Play Territory Manager for the North of Scotland, said: ‘I’m pleased to see this fantastic project come to fruition after many weeks of hard work, and proud of the way our team adapted to the challenging conditions that arose from the play area’s island location. I have no doubt that this playground will offer fun for local children for generations to come.’
Since we completed this challenging project, we’ve been delighted to see the new space helping families to create lasting memories every day. Our hard work here has given a major boost to this playground and to the local community, and we’re proud to have added our own special chapter to the long and varied story of Tobermory!
