Four By Two

Summer time at Four-by-Two sees the team depart to far flung corners of the world as they look to take a well-earned break, recharge the batteries and get to take life at a slower pace.

Little did the Edinburgh team realise that the somewhat relaxed and informal staff summer outing traditionally held in August would take them to new heights, literally! On a day-to-day schedule, we solve problems side-by-side, the creative energy and desire to fulfil the brief and deliver exceptional projects is the main reason we get up from our beds in the morning to make a difference. The difference on this occasion would be helping each other to overcome trepidation, working together as a team and inspire each other to complete the task!

The challenge for the summer outing was up for grabs – a day of outdoor adventure for the Four-by-Two tribe at Glentress Forest, taking part in a tree top canopy challenge hosted by Go Ape. It would be fair to say that the initial reaction to a day of swinging through the canopy, wiping out at the bottom of zip wires and traversing a river at a dizzying 50 metres above the ground was met with a few raised eyebrows – however, the team accepted the challenge and we were off!

Heading out of Edinburgh towards the Tweed Valley is Peebles and Glentress Forest – an ideal location for walking and cycling. In fact, Glentress Forest is one of Scotland’s 7stanes, seven mountain biking centres spanning the south of Scotland, from the heart of the Scottish Borders to Dumfries and Galloway. ‘Stane’ is the Scots word for stone, and at each of the 7stanes locations, you’ll find a unique stone sculpture – a stane – reflecting a local myth or legend.

We didn’t go in search of myth or legend on this occasion, the day was all about working collectively, as one, tackling a course that spans the forest, its jaw-dropping backdrop and hair-raising obstacles that stocked adrenaline and which culminated in a 300m long zip wire across the valley floor.

The Four-by-Two team were amazing, and everyone completed the course with plenty to celebrate – after a round of air punching and high fives we found our feet safely back on terra firma. The companionship we all share is never more evident than when we throw ourselves into the unknown, push the boundaries and come out the opposite side stronger than ever … well done all!