Graeme Houston started his own business in 1992, at which point it wasn't water based, it was in the clouds, as a Hot Air Balloon operation. 

 

Scotair Balloons was Scotland's first fully-fledged balloon flight company with an Air Operators Certificate; over the years Graeme flew in the region of 15,000 passengers between here and his overseas contracts. He was lucky enough to fly in Tanzania, Turkey, Canada, USA, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland and latterly, the Kingdom of Bagan, Myanmar as part of Balloons over Bagan. Graeme also appeared on many TV shows from GMTV to Espanoles Del Mundo. 

 

In June of 2014, Graeme and his sons, Luke and Connor were involved in a high-speed head-on road collision; Graeme was left with a life-changing injury that ended his main flying career in an instant. In 2017, whilst out walking with his dog Luna around Gladhouse Reservoir, he met a chap with a kayak that caught his attention. After chatting a while, Graeme was advised to research a company called Hobie; Pedal Drive Kayaks, who knew? Here was something he could do again; the chance to live life outdoors, the life of discovery and adventure that he has been fortunate enough to enjoy his entire working life. 

 

In March 2018, he took delivery of two Perception Pescador Pilot 12.0's, followed by a third, 6 weeks later. January 2019 and an order for a further 3 was placed,  enabling this business to be set up.

 

Shortly after the road collision, Graeme said he didn't want what had happened to him and the boys to be seen as negative and wanted a positive to come from it. Alongside Caledonia Dreaming, he will set up another site, My Peak XV,to help people like him, losing an ability or abilities; the site will suggest new ways to do things and how to lead a fulfilling life of challenges and achievements. Please check back later for details on the new website and share it with friends and relatives.

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On the 7th of May, 2019, Graeme qualified as a Paddle Sport Leader with the Scottish Canoe Association, becoming the first to do so with a pedal drive kayak.