A show for Scotland

/in /by

A show for Scotland: Scott MacCallum applauds the vision which has introduced a trade show for Scotland, by Scotland, to replace a lamented event which closed over a decade ago.

It takes foresight, imagination and determination to launch a trade show in our industry, but with The Scots Turf Show, which has quickly become a feature of the Scottish amenity turf scene, it also took a visit to the Golden Arches.

A show for Scotland

A show for Scotland

That is where Richard Heywood and Alan Thomson, both well known figures within the Scottish scene, came up with the idea of launching a Scottish-based show to fill the void left when the original Scotsturf closed its doors over 10 years ago.

“It was back in 2019 and we were having one of our regular catch-ups.

We got chatting about trade shows and we got on to wondered if we could bring something back for the Scottish market,” recalled Richard, of the pair’s meeting in the McDonald’s close to Ibrox stadium, in Glasgow,

“We really missed the old IOG Scotsturf Show and we thought that there must be a way of doing something which would bring back the sense community within the Scottish turf scene,” said Richard.

Richard and Alan, while never having been with the same company have worked alongside each other for many years, wanted to see if there was an appetite to do something along those lines. If there wasn’t, they would console themselves with the fact that they’d given it a try.

The chat continued and what came out of it was an Open Day held at Falkirk Tryst in 2019.

“The only way that we felt we could make it work was to get some companies interested in the idea and work together. That is what we did and that first Open day worked really well.

We thought it was a tremendous and were planning a bigger show for the next year. Then along came Covid,” recalled Alan.

After the enforced lay-off Richard and Alan returned with what they also called an Open Day, this time at Hamilton Racecourse.

“We really didn’t want to go to Edinburgh or Glasgow, as traffic can be an issue, but while considering potential venues, Hamilton Park Racecourse became a possibility,” said Alan, whose day job is UK & US Sales Manager for SIS Pitches.”

“We paid a visit, walked around the site with Mark Bemrose, who was Head Groundsman at the time, and we also met with the caterers, Sodexo.

We looked at each other and thought this place is absolutely perfect,” said Richard, whose day job is Product Specialist for Campey Turfcare.

“That year, 2023, it was effectively the 12 companies who we’d already working closely with at Falkirk Tryst. There has continued to be a group of us that gets together once a year and looks at the direction we should be going,” said Alan.

A show for Scotland

A show for Scotland

That first Hamilton event was a huge success with excellent speakers delivering interesting talks in front of a large and appreciative audience. Over 300 people attended and immediately plans were put in place for the next year – what the guys call the first The Scots Turf Show.

Well 2024 went from 12 companies to just over 60. Then last year, when the rain gods paid a visit, there were over 70 companies in attendance.

“This year we are looking to be pushing beyond those 2025 numbers,” said Richard.

One nagging issue that was at the back of their minds was what the GMA might think of the Scotsturf name being taken, tweaked slightly and becoming The Scots Turf Show.

Those concerns were quashed when Richard bumped into Jason Booth, the GMA’s Operations Director, at a Saltex a couple of years ago.

“I saw Jason walking towards me and my first thought was ‘Oh no, what is he going to say?’. But he was brilliant, very positive and full of encouragement,” recalled Richard.

Jason’s message was to go for it and if it was successful he’d be absolutely delighted.

“We’re actually paying homage to what it once was, and I think the GMA appreciated that,” said Alan.

The original Scotsturf, had been a fixture on the Scottish turf calendar for many years.

“It was great for bringing together everyone from the Scottish side of the industry. Initially it was a one day show and there was a real buzz about it,” said Richard.

“There were buses coming in, the place was rammed. It was just a brilliant occasion, almost like a mini Harrogate. It had that same kind of vibe about it.

“Then it moved to two days and transferred from the Lowland Hall into the Highland Hall but the show just wasn’t big enough to fill it and it just seemed to lose momentum,” he added.

While accepting that they are not in the same league at the UK’s bigger shows the guys want their show to aspire to be a little like that other recently launched show – GroundsFest, with a blend of fun and business.

But visitors to this year’s show – on March 4th – will see the developments that have been introduced since the 2025 edition.

“We’re going to try and have badges printed off so that people will have lanyards and badges so that we know who people are when they’re walking around the show field.

“Last year it was just swing the doors open and let everybody in. We gave away food vouchers which gave us an idea of the numbers coming through the gates,” said Alan.

“We’re also increasing the value of the food vouchers which will add to the visitor experience,” he added.

Another important element of the day is the education and, again, they are hoping to build on what they had delivered in previous years.

A show for Scotland

A show for Scotland

“We’re going to take more control of the presentations. Last time we gave exhibiting companies slots and told them that they could talk about whatever they wanted..

“This year it will be a lot less commercial and we’re taking control of who’s going to be talking and what they’re going to be talking about. Listen to top professionals within our industry imparting their knowledge should be a draw to people to come and listen,” said Richard.

The layout this year will be more compact and give it a definite feel of walking into an event.

We’re not a GMA, we’re not a BIGGA and both of these organisations have a wealth of experience, a wealth of knowledge, and are really geared up towards putting on events. We’re not, and we don’t profess to be, so we ask all our exhibitors to help promote the show. We provide email headers and footers for them to include in their correspondence to customers and suppliers,” said Alan.

The only other help that the Show gets is from Campey Turfcare, who offer admin support, but the guys are keen to stress that The Scots Turf Show is very much independent.

Looking down the line and to the future of The Scots Turf Show Richard is honest

“I don’t know where we want to take it. It’s down to the visitors. We could get a year where nobody wants to exhibit and then the show dies. We could get a year when nobody comes to visit and the show dies. So we’re really driven by what people want.”

On the other hand, they have to consider how to grow the Show if the momentum that has been created continues. “We are restricted by Hamilton Park, particularly the outdoor areas as there is a limit to the hard standing they can offer us. We’re also restricted by the car parking.

“At the moment, the outdoor areas could be a little bigger, but not much. If the weather allows, we want to run some demo areas as well. Indoor areas can be increased substantially. We will find space and we don’t turn anybody down.

“Anybody wants to come and exhibit, it’s all inclusive!” said Richard.

Looking beyond that?

“If the show decides to get much bigger we would move it, we’re not wedded to Hamilton. Its natural home might be Ingleston, but we are mindful of costs increasing when you move to these big venues. And that increases the risk,” explained Richard.

At the current rate of trajectory those might be good problems to have but as it stands The Scots Turf Show is moving along nicely and 2026 is shaping up to be a must visit event for everyone in the Scottish turf industry.

Sunshine on Leith

/in /by

Sunshine on Leith: Scott MacCallum pays a visit to Easter Road and Hibernian Football Club to meet Head Groundsman Steven Thomas who has made the job his own.

Here’s the scenario. You attend an interview for the job of your dreams and, having waited all day for the phone to ring, are called and offered the position. What would you do? A. Accept before the caller had finished telling you the good news or B. Ask for 10 minutes to think about it.

Sunshine on Leith

Sunshine on Leith

Well, you might have expected Hibs season ticket holder Steven Thomas, pictured above, to be an option A kind of a guy, when he was called on October 31st, 2022, and offered the position of Head Groundsman at Easter Road.

However he went down the option B route and spent the next 10 minutes calling everyone of importance to him to ask their advice.

“I thought I might have blown it!” he recalled, thinking back to the moment. In mitigation you could say that it was a case of making sure that heads ruled hearts in h is decision, but for a dyed-in-the-wool Hibs man, if he’d thought about it, anything involving “Hearts” was always going to be a long shot.

It says much for Steven, however, that, given the importance of the job to him, he didn’t jump straight in and that he took time to weigh up everything before accepting the position.

He’d come from a golf greenkeeping background and prior to his move to Easter Road was Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Prestonfield Golf Club, in Edinburgh.

“Although I had been in golf all my working career, I was more of a football man and I had always said that I wanted to work at Hibs. I was never good enough to play for the team, so the next best thing would be to work for them.”

When the job was advertised on social media he was obviously interested, but was unsure if it was the right time in his career to go for it, hence the hesitation when he got the job offer.

“My partner said, ‘Look, we’ll never know if it is the right time until you try it. If you go for it, we’ll back you all the way.’. So it was very much a family decision to apply,” said Steven.

Sunshine on Leith

Sunshine on Leith

It wasn’t just his agronomic knowledge and experience that shone through at interview, it was the passion for the club and the team.

“During the interview I said my ambition was to be producing pitches for Hibs in European competition season after season. At the time Hibs were struggling a little bit but my boss-to-be obviously saw that drive and ambition in me,” said Steven, who is now producing those very European competition pitches.

He actually put some of his ultimate success in getting the job down to a piece of advice he got from one of the former work mates.

“I have always taken advice from people I’ve worked with and one of them suggested that I make up a portfolio of photos of my proudest work to give the interviewer something to look at.

“So I made up a folder of around 20 pictures and it seemed to go down pretty well because he did cast his eye over a few photos and actually asked questions about some of them.”

Having got the job, three weeks later Steven was preparing his very first football pitch for a top class match – Hibs against Livingston in the Scottish Premiership.

“In my first few weeks I probably pushed too hard because I really wanted to make an instant impact, but at the end of November that was never going to happen. I was hell-bent on making a big impression when, in hindsight, I should have maybe eased off a bit.”

The club had been without a groundsman for about three months prior to Steven’s arrival with the essential work being carried out by a contractor.

“It is fair to say that there had been a lack of key maintenance going on in terms of aeration, nutrition and lighting rig deployment,” said Steven, of those tough first few weeks.

Ah, lighting rigs. How did a man, fresh off the golf course, know anything about lighting rigs and how to get the most from them?

“The be all and end all is that I didn’t know anything about lighting rigs,” he admits.

“So I had a week or two where I was on the phone to TLS, who had supplied the rigs, and in particular Mark Sinnett.

“I called everyone I knew who worked with rigs, trying to get as much information as I could – where to put them, how they’re set up, how they work. Basically starting from scratch,” explained Steven, who also picked the brains of Tony Owens and Scott Robinson.

“TLS had also supplied us with a shade analysis for the pitch, including data on where and when sun sets, where the sun goes down, the number of hours these lighting rigs should be on the pitch and where they should be deployed. That was very useful.”

Having got to grips with the intricacies of the job, it would be fair to say that Steven has started to make a real impact.

He sees golf greenkeeping and football groundsmanship as offering very transferable skill, while being different in so many other ways.

“For me it’s the aspect of the environment round about you. Where a golf course is predominantly an open air venue, stadiums are more enclosed.

That said here we have four separate stands with open corners which gives a bit more sunlight and airflow than some other stadia.

Sunshine on Leith

Sunshine on Leith

“Like a golf course you’ll still get hot spots and cold spots. I always say you could need a jumper and a jacket against it when it came to game days.

“You’re having to do double cuts and line marking, and I was here on my own. I was spending 15-hour days here, coming in when it was dark, and leaving when it was dark.

“It was a very lonely time, but again, you look at the bigger picture, it was a very crucial time for me in terms of how I was learning,” said Steven, who has since been joined by his Deputy Ronan McKenna.

A match day always exciting.

“For TV cameras up here in Scotland we have to be set up three hours before kick off. For a standard three o’clock Saturday kickoff we have to have the pitch cut, lines marked goals in place and everything ready to go so we’ll come in around 7am.

“What Ronan and I normally do is cut one way together and then once we get halfway through the pitch, I’ll disappear and get the line marking set up and then follow behind Ronan to finish the cutting.”

The rest of the match day squad is made up of volunteers.

“They come in an hour before kick-off and we have a coffee and a catch-up. Once the players go out onto the pitch, we follow them behind them divoting, just to make sure everything’s smooth and running well.

They are super guys, who do it for the love of the club and we couldn’t operate a match without them.

“At half time we go out together as a team. and pitch-fork and divoting.

I’ll make sure the moisture levels are where they need to be. After the game, we spend about an hour divoting,” he explained.

Having seen the pitch on television the Sunday before our chat for a match against Celtic, the pitch looked immaculate, but how does Steven envisage moving things to the next level?

“The pitch is predominantly a fibre sand base with a hybrid stitch, to give us a bit of reinforcement and stability, However, it is over 20 years old and, I would call it, the equivalent of a push up green on a golf course. It’s a push up hybrid pitch. We are also working with an old boiler system, an old irrigation system and an old drainage system,” he revealed.

“So right now we’re at the position where more investment is required to get to the next level,” he explained.

“When I came in here three years ago I would sit down and plan and prepare a case for all expenditure, even produce a spreadsheet detailing why I thought we needed this and how it’s going to benefit the club. That would be for something as small as a hand tool. “For an entire pitch that is obviously a bit of a harder sell. First and foremost the cost, second of all the tight time scale between close of one season and start of the next fto enable us to turn it around – going from renewing everything from soil, drainage, under soil heating, to the grass on the surface.

“The club know what they need to do and where they need to go.”

As a fan, and a former season ticket holder, does it feel weird working alongside players you were once cheering from the stands?

“When I came in, some of these guys were almost my heroes, but now they’re just colleagues and when I see them we chat just the same as regular colleagues and friends do.”

Steven is prolific on social media both for the Hibs support and for the rest of the sports turf sector.

“The supporters love it. They love seeing what goes on behind the scenes on a day-to-day basis. They love seeing how we do things, what we do and what we’re trying to produce for a match day,” said Steven, whose profile saw him invited to talk at the recent TurfTech conference in Switzerland. His work also gets noticed at every level within the club.

“I always remember our CEO pulling me into his office one day for a chat about social media. I immediately went, ‘Oh oh, here we go’ and was at the point where I was about to apologise when he said, ‘I love it. I love what you do. I love how passionate you are about the club and I love the interaction it’s getting from supporters. I love it. Keep it going’,” he said.

With his ability to interact on social media, never mind his agronomic skills and professionalism, Steven is very much a part of the new breed of turf professionals working within the industry.

If that phone call came through to offer him the job tomorrow, I don’t think he’d need the same time to think about accepting. It’s a job which seems to fit him like a glove.

It’s time for Harrogate – BTME 2026 Preview

/in /by

It’s time for Harrogate – BTME 2026 Preview: From 20-22 January, BIGGA hosts Europe’s largest and most influential indoor turf management exhibition – three action-packed days filled with new ideas, new technology and new opportunities, running alongside, from 18-22 January, the Continue to Learn programme offering a comprehensive world-class education programme tailored for turf professionals.

I attended my first BTME in January 1996.

I’d been Editor of Greenkeeper International for just under a year and had spent the months leading up to Harrogate promoting the occasion through its pages – there weren’t any social media platforms, or even the internet, in those days.

So when came to drive up to the famous old town I thought I knew what to expect. I didn’t. BTME was much more than I could have imagined and it has remained part of my life for the subsequent 30 years.

It has grown, shrunk and grown again over that period but, other than the one Covid year and the next when it was moved to March, it has remained as a constant in what has become an increasingly fast-moving industry.

What was once dominated by machinery and fertiliser bags has been overtaken by robots and AI. Large display monitors have replaced flags and banners and faces that I first became familiar with three decades ago are looking a little more wrinkled and topped by a thinner thatch! Not least my own. Smiles are just as wide now as they were in the last century, however.

So, I’m looking forward to this year’s BTME. The Halls will buzz during the day and the streets, pubs and restaurants will buzz during the evening.

I look forward to catching up with many of you there.

Scott MacCallum, Editor

It's time for Harrogate - BTME 2026 Preview

It’s time for Harrogate – BTME 2026 Preview

Prize draw bonus for attending

Every January, Harrogate transforms into the beating heart of the turf management world as BTME and Continue to Learn bring thousands of grounds professionals together for a week of innovation, inspiration and unmissable learning.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned expert, BTME 2026 promises a fresh start to the year. Expect a powerful blend of hands-on education, forward-thinking insights and practical solutions crafted by the people who understand the industry best.

Continue to Learn features everything from intensive full-day technical workshops to bite-sized seminars and a two-day management conference. Topics span agronomy, irrigation, sustainability, leadership and more, each session built to deliver immediately applicable knowledge.

Many courses are deliberately small and interactive, giving delegates valuable time with leading practitioners who know the pressures and complexities of maintaining exceptional turf.

On the exhibition floor, BTME delivers six halls packed with innovation. From cutting-edge machinery to the latest technological breakthroughs, it’s the ideal place to see what’s emerging, compare solutions and plan future investment – all free of charge.

Just as importantly, BTME acts as the profession’s annual meeting point, offering space to network, recharge, share challenges and reconnect with colleagues from across the UK and beyond.

A standout moment of the week is the BIGGA Celebration sponsored by Bernhard Academy and hosted by Sky Sports’ Sarah Stirk, where the BIGGA Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and teams raising standards across the industry.

And for 2026, there’s an added bonus: thanks to support from KRESS, everyone who registers will be entered into a special prize draw – making this the perfect start of the year for one lucky attendee.

If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, expand your network and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry, Harrogate in January is the place to be. BTME and Continue to Learn remain the essential professional development experience for anyone serious about turf management.

Exhibitors of note at BTME

Agrovista Amenity – Stand 126

Aquatrols – Stand 114

BAGMA – Stand 642

Baroness – Stand 624

Campey Turf Care – Stand 220

ClearWater – Stand 612

Consolidate Turf – Stand 234

Dennis Mowers – 252

DLF – Stand 124

DSV Seeds – Stand 213

Foley – Stand 528

GKB – Stand 644

GroundsFest – Stand 233

Groundsman Industries – Stand 108

Hunter Grinders – Stand 217

ISEKI UK & Ireland – Stand 646

KAR UK – Stand 550

Kress – Stand 136

Kubota UK – Stand 624

Manfield Sand – Stand 242

MM Seed – Stand 124

Origin Amenity Solutions – Stands 230 and 200

Price Turfcare – Stand 122

Redexim – Stand 532

Reesink – Stand 662

SISIS Machinery – Stand 252

Team Sprayers – Stand 518

Techneat Hire – Stand 106

Turf Tracker – Stand 140

Wiedenmann UK – Stand 524

This year’s show? The best yet

/in /by

This year’s show? The best yet: The third edition of GroundsFest had a lot to live up to, given that the first two exhibitions had established it as one of the biggest and best shows of its type on the country.

Indeed, last year the organisers were awarded Best Trade Show in the prestigious EN Awards.

This year’s show? The best yet

This year’s show? The best yet

So the pressure was on for 2025. But do you know what? This year’s exhibition was the best yet. The opening day was truly outstanding. The sun shone and everywhere you looked there were visitors lining the aisles and chatting with exhibitors on their stands.

And, when you wanted a break from business there was always something to take your attention, whether that be lawnmower racing, machinery testing with “Machinery Live” or competitions of all descriptions.

The promotional video put out a few weeks later could not have showcased GroundsFest 25 any better. If you weren’t there, it would certainly persuade you to make the trip to Stoneleigh next year. Just don’t examine that video too closely as you’ll see yours truly reliving his youth in a dodgem!

The 2025 Exhibition was considerable bigger than its two predecessors, the flexible nature of the Stoneleigh site lending itself to expansion, while at the same time not losing the cohesive nature of the site. Given the success of the show building yet further on that, with more space and more exhibitors, is going to be a challenge but any potential exhibitor who visited just to test the water is very likely to be encouraged to book some space and join the party in 2026.

The GroundsFest Academy has quickly become one of the most exciting educational initiatives in the groundscare and landscaping industries – and it’s continuing to grow.

The Academy was created with a simple but powerful mission: to provide free, high-quality, practical training for professionals and volunteers across the industry. What makes it truly unique is that it’s entirely funded by profits from the annual GroundsFest event, ensuring that money goes back into supporting skills, knowledge, and career development for the people who make the industry thrive.

“Our goal has always been to make education accessible, engaging, and relevant,” said Bradley Tennant, Director of Education for the GroundsFest Academy.

“We’re not trying to replicate what’s already out there – we’re reimagining how learning can be delivered. Every session is practical, hands-on, and shaped by real-world challenges. The enthusiasm from delegates and partners so far shows that people are hungry for this kind of training.”

From grounds managers and contractors to sports turf specialists, students, volunteers, and landscaping enthusiasts, the Academy offers something for everyone. Each event is CPD-accredited and designed to deliver immediate, real-world value – whether that’s through hands-on workshops, expert-led seminars, or interactive demonstrations.

Sessions so far have covered a wide range of topics, from irrigation maintenance and robotics to seed science.

The approach is simple: bring together leading manufacturers, educators, and practitioners to share knowledge in an open, collaborative format – free of charge.

Irrigation Maintenance introduced participants to the latest irrigation advancements, complete with handson demos and there was also the hugely popular KAR UK Sprinkler Service Challenge – a timed, practical test that had delegates racing to assemble a sprinkler head.

Robotics and Sustainable Technology saw the Academy team up with Husqvarna, Lantra, and Origin Amenity Solutions to showcase how automation and battery power are shaping the future of grounds management. Delegates explored robotic mowers, automated line-marking systems, and green technologies in a realistic outdoor setting.

Seed Science, in partnership with DLF UK, took delegates deep into the world of grass and seed technology. From seed identification and germination tests to sowing techniques and aftercare, attendees walked away with practical insights they could apply immediately in their own environments.

The Academy’s collaborative approach has been met with enthusiasm from both partners and participants.

“It’s great to show what we do, but even better to contribute to education and understanding in the industry,” said Matt Gresty, MM and Designer Sales & Brand Manager at DLF UK.

“From wildflower seeds to sports turf, we want to help people improve their work through better knowledge.” Adam Little, Key Account Manager for Husqvarna UK, agreed: “There was an abundance of questions from the delegates – which shows how good the event was and how engaged the group was.

Demonstrating the machines on a green space gives people a feel for how they’d actually use them.”

Delegates have been equally positive. David Newell, Deputy Head Groundsman at Reading FC, praised the Academy’s unique format:

“You never know that to expect from a new event, but it’s been really educational. It’s different to anything you get anywhere else.”

That educational focus was echoed by Mike Green, a groundsman at Winterborne Cricket Club:

“It’s really good to come here and keep your CPD going. These events are so important for bringing new talent into our industry – showing the younger generation what technology is out there. Events like this are great to showcase what we do in our industry. It’s really important to stay up to date with emerging technology to help us with climate change and sustainability.”

The Academy has already partnered with Origin Amenity, KAR UK, DLF, Lantra, and Husqvarna UK, with many more collaborations planned.

It has also teamed up with BIGGA to develop joint educational initiatives aimed at strengthening professional standards and supporting the next generation of industry talent.

“We’re seeing incredible engagement – from apprentices just starting out to seasoned professionals wanting to refresh their skills,” added Bradley Tennant.

“Education shouldn’t be static. We’re keeping things fresh, relevant, and inspiring. The GroundsFest Academy is here to grow with the industry.”

As it continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the GroundsFest Academy isn’t just teaching skills – it’s helping to build a stronger, more connected, and better-equipped industry for the future.

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

/in /by

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL: It’s 22 May and Scott MacCallum has left me a voice mail asking me to give him a ring… I’m out at the RSPB reserve in Loch Leven, just having had a lovely bowl of soup and I head out to phone Scott with a curious mind.

He asks me if I would attend a press day at STIHL and without a pause, I jump at the chance. He then goes on to tell me it’s in Germany and my excitement grows. I only hesitate to tell him my passport expired a few months ago… but hey, a mere detail!

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

The event is in September, so I have plenty of time to plan.

A new passport and four failed photographs attempts later, I’m off to STIHL!

Arriving at the hotel in Waiblingen, heralds the start of a great adventure as STIHL have even provided chocolates in the shape of chainsaws, dressed in a smart orange ribbon. I demolish the chocolates as the first task on my to-do list.

At the amazing STIHL brand museum, we are introduced to products, personalities and the incredible world of timber sport.

The press gathered today will get to experience several product demonstrations throughout the programme of events.

My particular interest is with the new battery mowers from series 7 and the new FSA70 R battery brush cutter, making lawn trimming easy. Well, I say to myself, I’ll be the judge of that!

We are offered the chance to don the PPE and get cutting and so off I go!

The battery mowers offer low-noise and emission-free power for noisesensitive areas. As a former gardener within a hospital setting, these lownoise options would have been perfect.

The mowers from the 7-series have a power of up to 2.9 kW. They are also equipped with an 8-litre grass catcher box, minimising the need of the operator to stop and empty the catcher as frequently as other mower options demand. On the heavy, wet grass that they are being demonstrated on to today, the RMA 750 and RMA 756 make easy work of the task.

The new backpack BRA 500 and BRA 600, also offer a noise reduction system and a blowing force of up to 32 or 35 newtons, constantly available for the entire battery operating time.

Disruptive frequencies and noise peaks are specifically eliminated, and these powerful battery blowers can tackle heavy, autumn leaves effortlessly.

The BRA 280 B has a blowing force of up to 26 Newtons and a maximum speed of 86 m/s. it is light weight and compact and reduces the strain on the operator. It also has a quick adjustment design of the blowing tube length to allow for varying requirements. Ideal for green cuttings, wet leaves and dirt.

The other item of interest to me is the STIHL FSA70 R battery brushcutter. As someone of a grand height of 5 foot 2 (and a half) inches tall, I am eager to see if this product works well with a smaller operator.

I put on the PPE and harness etc and clip on the strimmer. I’m merrily trimming the lawn for a while when I’m stopped and told it’s time to move on to the next demonstration. I can honestly say, that using that piece of kit was the most enjoyable trimming experience I have had and that it was indeed genuinely ergonomically superior to any other option I have tried.

Don’t get me started on the rapidquick system that allows mowing heads to be replace easily at the touch of a button…I’d be here all day singing its praise. The advanced EasySpool winding mechanism is simply a gamechanger and this piece of equipment is now firmly on my Christmas present wish list.

It is now time for us to head inside the factory where we are told no photographs are allowed. I suddenly feel as giddy as Charlie did when he won the Golden ticket and was about to meet Mr Wonka inside the chocolate factory. Indeed, with the brand’s trademark orange, I wonder for a moment if we will encounter Oompa Loompas…?!?

We head in and there are only professional, highly skilled and passionate employees.

In the “drum testing” room, batteries are placed in a cement mixing drum and left to withstand what damage they can…. We are given a battery to inspect that has endured such an experience. With only a few scuffmarks on its exterior, the batter has survived with operational abilities intact.

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

This level of testing to ensure the consumer and prosumer, have only the very best quality of product, is awe-inspiring and the commitment to the buyer is in a class of its own. Batteries with long life and durability are certainly on show today.

One of my favourite parts of the STIHL factory must be the sound room. My imagination is running away with me as we enter the sound room, and I am anticipating Gene Wilder stepping out and singing “Pure Imagination”. They really shouldn’t have given me those chocolates; I think the sugar has gone to my head!

Anyway, in this room the decibels of each machine are measured, and tests are carried out to make noise reduction possible.

Other products that cannot be left without commenting on is the vast range of chainsaws and I was given the opportunity to use a chainsaw for the very first time during the workshop outside. The power is impressive and so is the effort gone in by STIHL to ensure safety is paramount.

A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with a couple of groundsmen, and one asked the other why is a STIHL saw called a STIHL saw, the answer was simply “because the best made saws are arguably made by STIHL”. It is engrained on our mind that STIHL make saws and with the emergency services opting for STHIL over other manufactures, that is truly a testimonial. The STIHL MSA 300 Rescue and STIHL TSA 300 Rescue are ideal for fire brigade and disaster relief teams and are available on the market now.

When I left Wonka-world, sorry I mean STIHL world and got back to the UK, I made a trip to an event called “Farming of yesteryear”. Among all the tractors, old ambulances and antique fire engines, was an old STIHL chainsaw… this is truly a brand that has withstood the test of time and has a well-deserved place in the hearts of those who are dependent on its power and performance to get the job done well and safely.

STIHL understand the people they create their products for, and every effort goes in from start to finish, to ensuring that the quality of manufacturing is unsurpassable.