A Birthday in the Trees: Celebrating 15 Years of Carbon

There are some traditions that define you as a team and for us at Carbon, our annual birthday celebration has always been one of them.

This year, we marked our 15th birthday in true Carbon style: a little bit of adventure, a fair dose of laughter, and plenty of memories made along the way.

Taking the Leap at Go Ape

We kicked off the day high above the ground (quite literally) with a morning at Go Ape. As we gathered beneath the canopy, there were mixed emotions - excitement, anticipation… and perhaps a touch of trepidation about what lay ahead.

Thankfully, the Scottish weather pulled through for us. Blue skies, sunshine, and just the right conditions for swinging through the trees made for a perfect setting.

It didn’t take long for nerves to turn into laughter. Before we knew it, we had teammates zipping across platforms, encouraging one another, and embracing the challenge head-on. Whether it was conquering a tricky crossing or simply stepping out of a comfort zone, the morning quickly became a reminder of what makes our team so special.

By the end, there was universal agreement, it had been a great way to spend the morning. More than just a fun activity, it strengthened relationships, boosted morale, and gave us all a shared experience we won’t forget.

One Last Birthday Meal Together

After the adrenaline of the morning, we rounded off the celebration in a more relaxed setting, sitting down together for a final birthday meal as Carbon.

It was a moment to pause and reflect, not just on the day, but on the last 15 years.

Because while this birthday marks a milestone, it also marks a transition. Later this year, we’ll be joining Progeny, and with that comes the end of an era for Carbon birthdays as we’ve known them.

15 Years of Unforgettable Celebrations

Looking back, it’s incredible to think of the variety of adventures we’ve shared over the years.

From It’s a Knockout with giant inflatables, to Highland safaris and treasure hunts, to Lego challenges that pushed us all creatively. No two birthdays have ever been the same.

And then there were the themes…

Superheroes, Highland Games, The Wild West, School Sports Day, Animal onesies. And, of course, the unforgettable Pirates of Carbon, when we took over St Andrews in full pirate regalia - a sight that’s still talked about to this day!

We asked a few of the team to share their favourite memories:

John Bell, Financial Planner:
“Maybe because it was one of the first ones, the Hopetoun House ‘It’s a Knockout’ in 2013 stands out. The costumes were ridiculous, they had this epic bouncy castle assault course which was ridiculously good fun but I especially remember the Space Hopper race which was brutal.
Later that day (post Space Hopper), during the tug of war both of my legs 100% cramped from top to bottom and I dropped like a stone. Will always remember that one!”

Fiona Scott, Operations Assistant:
“I remember after Covid, the combined 9th, 10th and 11th Birthday party at Cairn Farm Estate, the venue and catering were amazing that day. I won’t forget the Lego session - which was out of my comfort zone! My favourite part of the day was seeing everyone tackle the Bucking Bronco Bull with varying levels of success! I managed to hang on about 15 seconds, it’s harder than it looks and gave us plenty to laugh and talk about afterwards!”

Richard Wadsworth, Financial Planner:
“The sight of 30 or so pirates and similar on St Andrew’s Beach – so funny!”

Julienne Christie-Henry, Operations Manager:
“We have had so many brilliant birthday parties over the years. My favourite one has to be the Highland Games at Loch Lomond, Iain’s Tam O’Shanter bunnet and the highland dancing were stand out memories for me!”

Moments like these have defined our culture. Bringing people together, encouraging a sense of fun, and reminding us that strong relationships are built just as much outside the office as within it.

Looking Ahead

While it’s a little bittersweet to say goodbye to our Carbon birthday tradition, we do so with immense pride in what we’ve built over the past 15 years.

From pirates on the beach to treetop adventures, it’s been quite a journey.

As we look ahead to our next chapter with Progeny, one thing we know for sure is that the spirit behind these celebrations - teamwork, connection, and a willingness to embrace something new will continue with us.

And if our final birthday at Go Ape is anything to go by, we’re more than ready for what comes next.