The Scottish Gliding Centre (SGC) has a long history, going back to early experiments at soaring the local hills in the 1930's.
The site in its present location was established in the 1950's to take advantage of the ridge-soaring possibilities of the
adjacent Lomond and Benarty hills. Hill-soaring remains a popular activity, although with the increases in performance
of modern gliders, much higher and longer flights are now possible in suitable weather conditions, using thermal and wave lift.
The clubhouse, with panoramic views of the flying operations, offers basic but comfortable accommodation, snacks, teas and meals, and a licensed bar is available to SGC members. Clubhouse meals, which are of high quality and reasonably priced, are popular with non-flying visitors as well as our own members, especially in view of the interesting view outside, one which not many other restaurants can compete with!
One of the key developments associated with Walking on Air was to modify the access to the clubhouse, in order to permit unaided wheelchair access. As the clubhouse is on a relatively-high foundation, this necessitated the building of a long "wrap-around" ramp, from the car park to the main entrance. The ramp is gentle enough to permit a wheelchair user with normal strength to negotiate it.
In addition, a completely new toilet and shower-block was commissioned. This includes level access to a toilet and shower, both of which have ample space in which to manoeuvre a wheelchair. There is ample free car parking, which is situated on the far side of the clubhouse as you approach from the main entrance. Please do not leave cars unattended in front of the hangars or fuelling-point, as aircraft need access to these at all times.
The local area, which is mostly rural in nature and of considerable scenic beauty, offers a wide range of other outdoor activities. A large indoor shopping-mall with ramp access is available at Glenrothes, about 6m distant.