'First of its kind' spa with floatation pods opening in Glasgow

The city's first flotation pod spa, Float One, will soon open at Morris Park in Oatlands.

The pod aims to create an experience which is known as sensory deprivation - you float in complete silence and darkness in a tank of Epsom salt water. 

A typical session lasts for 60 minutes and can be used to boost wellness, relieve the symptoms of chronic pain, treat injuries, reduce stress, and even improve sleep.

It is said to be enjoyed by Harry Potter actress Emma Watson, footballer Wayne Rooney, American football quarterback Tom Brady, and even the late John Lennon, who had an at-home floating tank in the 1970s.

Float One was started by entrepreneurs Alex Robertson and Mhairi Caulfield, who regularly visited a float spa when they lived in London and recognised a gap in the market when they returned to Glasgow. 

Mhairi (Image: Float One)

Alex, who also runs a home and furniture removal company, is a champion of the technique.

He said: “The benefits of floatation therapy have been widely reported and documented, and with wellness becoming a more routine part of people’s lives, we saw a great opportunity to bring float pods to Glasgow.

"Many people make the effort to regularly visit the gym or go for a massage and we see float sessions becoming another common element of self-care.

“Our float pods are suitable for all ages and we expect people to feel the benefits instantly.

"It is completely hygienic, with the water drained between each customer and filtered using advanced technology to offer an experience like no other.

"The pods provide a dedicated place to stop and take a break from the pressures of day-to-day life."

The couple has made their business dream come true after they received a £50,000 loan through Finance For Enterprise and the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme to help get the centre ready with its four pods.

Alex has praised the scheme for giving him and Mhairi the opportunity to fill the gap in the market.

He added: “After initial conversations with the company that manufactures the float pods, we were introduced to Finance For Enterprise and the Start Up Loans programme as an avenue for funding.

"It has been a great source of support for us so far, particularly when it came to purchasing the equipment and financing the fit-out of the unit.

"We’ve already had an encouraging level of interest with enquiries about memberships and gift vouchers too.”

Barry McCulloch, senior manager at the British Business Bank, said: “Alex and Mhairi are taking advantage of a gap in the market to start an exciting new business in Glasgow and we are pleased to be helping them to get ready for launch.

"The Start Up Loans programme was set up to give entrepreneurs support to turn creative and unique business ideas like Float One into a reality.

"Alongside our network of delivery partners, we offer mentoring, networking and access to a range of resources to help with the process of starting a new business.”

Gillian Pickard, business lending manager at Finance For Enterprise, added: "Starting a new business can be an exciting time for any aspiring entrepreneur, but one of the greatest obstacles they can face is accessing the financial support they need to put their plans into practice.

"Alex and Mhairi had a well thought out business plan with realistic growth targets and as a result of the Start Up Loan funding they’ve received, more people will be able to enjoy access to floatation therapy, as means of improving mental health and recovering from physical injuries.”