A Proud Outdoor Tradition | The Abernethy Story

A History of Our Christian
Outdoor Activity Centres

2011 | Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence

Abernethy has 40 years experience in providing exciting adventure courses for groups, families and individuals – here’s a summary of how each of our centres started out – it is noteworthy that all of our properties have been gifted by those who have felt led to make a difference in people’s lives. We are grateful for their incredible generosity.

1964
Norman Walker has a vision for setting up a Christian Outdoor Centre in Scotland to offer exciting & challenging courses in a healthy Christian environment.

1970
Norman purchases House of Abernethy in Nethybridge for £12,000 for the purpose of running Christian adventure holidays & courses. Abernethy Outdoor Centre opens its doors.

1971
The ‘Abernethy Trust’ is set up in order that the Outdoor Centre ministry is run in an efficient and businesslike way. A board is appointed and a management structure is put in place. The Centre and facilities are extended and developed to accommodate more and more groups.

1981
Mary Currie donates her hotel, The Hamilton Arms in Shiskine on the island of Arran to be used as another Outdoor Centre. Arran Outdoor Centre is born!

1984
Mr & Mrs Barratt gift Brae Lodge on the South Bank of Loch Tay to be used as a Christian Outdoor Centre. Ardeonaig Outdoor Centre opens its doors…

1991
Mr & Mrs G Burns make it possible for Ardgour Outdoor Centre to be established at Kilmalieu Estate in Ardnamurchan – the fourth Abernethy Centre and now the base for the Abernethy School of Adventure Leadership.

1996
A new corporate image is launched under the name ‘Abernethy Trust’ to emphasise that all Abernethy Centres are operated as a group, with the same shared vision for excellence.

1997
The Abernethy School of Adventure Leadership is set up, to provide courses for people wishing to develop a career in Christian Outdoor Education.

2001
Abernethy Trust takes on the ownership and management of Barcaple Christian Outdoor Centre – Abernethy Trust Barcaple is born. That same year, it was apparent that the vital work of the Trust on Arran, after 20 years of ministry, had reached the end of its period of effective service. It was subsequently sold and proceeds were used in the further reinvestment at the other four Centres.

2007
Abernethy Trust gets another makeover – the brand is re-launched with a bright new logo and sharp new corporate image, and the name is shortened to ‘Abernethy’.

2011
We are celebrating our 40th year! Norman Walker’s original vision is still being realised – over 12,000 people come through our doors and enjoy the Abernethy experience each year! Will you be one of them?

31/01/2012
DofE & JOHN MUIR AWARD NEWS
The Scottish Government is currently looking at linking DofE and the John Muir Award to the STACS exam reporting process, both of which we can offer to visiting groups... LEARN MORE

28/01/2012
BARCAPLE NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE
There have been so many developments at Barcaple this winter that we have produced a newsletter to keep you up to date... LEARN MORE

25/01/2012
WEEKENDS BOOKLET OUT NOW!
After a lot of work and research we have finally produced a great weekends booklet. LEARN MORE

24/01/2012
NEW QR CODE LAUNCHED
For those of you with a Quick Reader app for your phone we have an exciting new addition... LEARN MORE

16/01/2012
ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS DATES OUT!
Abernethy Barcaple has released its 2012 Adventure Holidays dates so have a look and book now! LEARN MORE

12/01/2012
BURSARY FUND UPDATE
The Bursary Fund which was established as part of last year's 40th anniversary celebrations has reached a staggering £125,000, thanks to your generosity. LEARN MORE

12/01/2012
2nd HYDRO SCHEME AT ARDGOUR
Following the great success of the 1st Hydro electric scheme at Abernethy Ardgour, work has started on a 2nd scheme on the Kilmalieu Estate. LEARN MORE