Our story is fairly simple we are five friends, we have been friends for over thirty years. We all played rugby together for Cowal Rugby club. We have been retired from the game now as we are too old and useless. we all have varied backgrounds and experience. engineering building leisure industry forestry and emergency services so our skills vary.
A few years ago, a couple of us had an idea to convert an old horsebox into something new and give it a new life. Various ideas were banded about and the sauna was decided. we managed to persuade a couple more to join the group over a beer or two while over in Treviso watching the Glasgow warriors play Benneton.
So the horsebox sauna was decided it was onto the next stage. we sourced a horsebox for sale in Grangemouth. A lovely family were selling their beloved horsebox as they were upgrading. A trip over on the ferry and up the motorway and the box was purchased and brought home doon the water to Dunoon.
The main reason the horsebox sauna was started was to bring a group of friends together to spend time together work on a project hopefully have a laugh along the way. We definitely achieved this.
The lads have all grafted it has taken longer than we would have hoped, its quite hard to get people together with so many commitments with jobs and family.
Our aim was to bring people together but this is only part of the journey. We hope to be able to bring many friends and family together and improve their Airbnb experience their visit to Cowal and their wellbeing and health or just try something different. Wellness, physical and mental health is important to us and if we can provide somewhere that this can be achieved we will be happy.
Mare Heat brings an authentic mobile sauna experience to the coast and countryside, creating unique spaces to slow down, warm up and reconnect with the people who matter.
We set up our wood‑fired sauna wherever you are – from back gardens and farm stays to lakesides and coastal spots – so you can enjoy proper heat, fresh air and cold plunges without travelling to a spa.
Alan brings a wide range of experience to Mare Heat. He has served as a firefighter for over 15 years, has more than 20 years’ experience in the leisure industry, and has spent the last 3 years welcoming guests as an Airbnb host.
A lifelong lover of adventure, the outdoors and looking after both body and mind, Alan sees the sauna as the perfect way to combine all three. For him, Mare Heat isn’t just about hot air and steam – it’s about:
Taking time out to properly switch off
Connecting with friends and family, without distractions
Enjoying the proven health benefits of regular sauna use
Trying something new in a memorable setting
Alan’s background in firefighting means safety, clear guidance and attention to detail are at the heart of every Mare Heat session. His experience in hospitality ensures guests feel welcome, relaxed and looked after from the first enquiry to the last bucket of löyly.
Bruce is an integral part of the Mare Heat team. With 25 years’ experience as a roofer and builder, he has even built his own home, where he now runs luxury pods complete with hot tubs and peaceful outdoor spaces. As a host, Bruce is known for his warm welcome, attention to detail, and commitment to creating memorable, stress‑free stays.
His professionalism and genuine care for guests have earned him consistent 5‑star reviews and a reputation for exceptional service.
Without Bruce, Mare Heat simply wouldn’t be what it is today. He has put his skills, craftsmanship and eye for detail to the test to design and build our authentic mobile sauna, converted from a horsebox.
Every board, bench and finish reflects his commitment to comfort, safety and atmosphere – so that when you step into Mare Heat, you feel like you’re in a carefully crafted retreat, not just a box on wheels. Combined with his experience hosting luxury stays, Bruce brings a level of quality and hospitality that makes Mare Heat a truly unique, guest‑focused experience.
Neil is the third member of the Mare Heat team, bringing over 20 years of experience in the leisure industry and a deep understanding of pool, spa and sauna operations. His extensive background makes him a vital asset in maintaining our high standards of cleanliness, health and safety, and day‑to‑day efficiency across Mare Heat.
Now working in forestry and surveying, Neil also contributes exceptional local knowledge and strong community connections that support the growth of the business. His expertise in the outdoors and his network of contacts help us stay rooted in the local area while continuing to develop and innovate.
Most importantly, Neil carefully sources sustainably harvested local wood, which we season to ensure the perfect burn and heat quality. This attention to detail provides our sauna users with the best possible experience, enriching every session with authentic warmth and craftsmanship that only well‑chosen wood can deliver.
