Into The Blue

These days, Santa feels that sleighs have become a bit passé.

In fact, 364 days of the year you’ll find him flicking through tank brochures while wearing army surplus gear and listening to the MASH theme tune on a loop.

That’s because tanks are cool.

So why not give someone special the chance to drive one for Christmas with today’s Big Deal?

This Into The Blue experience will take place at Galloway Tanks & Activity Centre. Each driver will get to take an armoured vehicle across rolling farmland, with breathtaking views of the Solway Firth and Galloway Hills.

Question is, who do you know that’s dying for a Christmas present with extra thrills this year?

Take the levers

Valid for a year from purchase, this offer is for one person to enjoy the tank driving experience at Galloway Tanks & Activity Centre.

Participants will arrive at a themed reception area that’s kitted out like an officers’ mess with military memorabilia. There are also plenty of photos and press cuttings showing the times that the centre’s tanks and vehicles have starred in films and TV shows.

Visitors will be supplied with camouflage overalls and briefed on their mission.

After that, they’ll head to the off-road site on a genuine ex-military 6×6 Supercat ATV or a military truck. With an instructor at the controls, this is a chance for participants to get a good look at the dirt tracks and trails they might be tackling later on.

Don’t expect limousine comfort. The rugged little skid steer machines have a driver’s seat upfront with a roll cage and just enough space for participants to sit behind.

Or, if it’s a six-wheeled drive truck, visitors will have a lofty perspective as they stand up in the back and get bounced around.

Participants will be split into two groups for their actual tank driving experience. Each group member will get to take the levers for a driving lap of the tank course (approximately 3/4 of a mile), in an FV432 armoured personnel carrier.

Depending on the number of other visitors, they can also expect around 30 minutes of passenger ride time either in or on the tank.

Being a tank commander can be thirsty work so light refreshments will be provided to help you enjoy the experience.

Of course, friends and loved ones are welcome to come along for the ride. Passenger places on the tanks are available at £10 per person.

Explore the collection

The centre houses one of Scotland’s largest collection of British and American military vehicles.

Guests are welcome to look around. Highlights include an Alvis Stalwart 6X6 amphibious truck; a 434 tracked REME vehicle; an Abbot self-propelled gun; a 432 armoured personnel carrier; an SAS Land Rover and a Reo 6X6 truck. 

Happy guests

The tank driving experience has attracted enthusiastic reviews on social media:

‘Very enjoyable afternoon…’

‘We had the most awesome time here. And we drove those tanks! Can’t recommend you all enough.’

Tanks for the amazing Christmas gift

Today’s Big Deal for a tank driving experience from Into the Blue would make for a truly memorable present.

Give someone the chance to take an FV432 armoured vehicle for a spin across the countryside and they’ll be thanking you for a long time to come.