Who is Scot Tares? A brief history of Scot and Skinny Tyres
If you’re thinking of going on a cycling holiday with a small, family business, we appreciate you probably want to know a little bit about that business before committing to your booking.
Obviously, you can read our about page to learn something about the team, but we imagine you’re curious to discover more than just our credentials.
Our founder is Scot Tares. “But who is Scot Tares?” you may well ask. “And why did he start a company running cycling holidays in Scotland?”
So, we asked Scot to sit down and answer these questions by introducing himself personally. Because at Skinny Tyres, we’re all about the personal touch.
Scot Tares: the infant
I was born in Dundee a long time ago.
The first time my dad put me on a bike, I was two. I fell straight off and smacked my head on the ground. I carried the gravel scars on my forehead for years afterwards.
But, strangely, that didn’t put me off.
Scot Tares: the schoolboy
Growing up, I was incredibly shy and quite introverted. I felt like I didn’t fit in and I was much more comfortable in my own head than putting my hand up in class or being the centre of attention.
Being outdoors and riding my bike helped because it gave me space and a bit of freedom from the social discomfort I felt.
The turning point for me was working towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Through that, I discovered orienteering, volunteering and teamwork. I realised I was capable of rising to a challenge and felt valued for my ability to support others. My self-confidence started to grow and this led to me joining my first cycling club, which helped me come out of my shell further.
There was no overnight transformation, but I gradually began to see myself differently and to accept new possibilities.
Scot Tares: the eureka moment
A couple of decades later, I went on a cycling trip to the French and Italian Alps.
It was everything you’d imagine: big climbs, dramatic mountains, long days on the bike. I loved it.
Shortly after I got home, I went for a hundred-mile ride around Highland Perthshire with my local cycling club. It was a stunning day and arriving at the top of Ben Lawers after an exhilarating climb, I suddenly realised that, just as much as the Alps, Scotland offered everything I loved about cycling: challenge, beauty, space, and variety.
It was like I was seeing it with fresh eyes. I felt a real sense of pride in what we have here, and a strong desire to share that experience with other people.
Scot Tares: the leap of faith
After that ride in Perthshire, I knew I wanted to do something with cycling in Scotland. I didn’t have a detailed plan, but I had a clear idea: cycling tours that welcomed all adult riders, whatever their ability or background.
It took a few more years to pluck up the courage to leave full-time paid employment and go for it. If it hadn’t been for the unwavering support of my wife, Kirsteen, I might never have done it: right from the start, her belief in the idea pushed me forward whenever I felt overwhelmed.
In 2009, I finally took the plunge, and Skinny Tyres was born.
Scot Tares: the Skinny Tyres way
Having been on organised cycling holidays myself, I’d experienced trips where riders were judged by their speed and told to ride different routes or pressured into keeping up.
That never sat comfortably with me. Not because there’s anything wrong with riding hard or pushing yourself, but because everyone enjoys cycling differently. I wanted to create holidays that respected that.
With Skinny Tyres, the idea has always been to give people choice. You ride at your own pace, you take on as much challenge as you want, and you enjoy the experience in your own way, whether that’s chasing the climbs, marvelling at the views, stopping to paddle at the beach or lingering over coffee and cake in a local café.
I wanted to create an environment that feels relaxed, supportive, and welcoming without taking away any of the sense of achievement that makes cycling so rewarding.
Scot Tares: a life on two wheels
Around the same time I started Skinny Tyres, a friend and I set up the Tay Titans junior cycling club in Perth. I wanted young people to experience the joy of cycling whilst building their confidence and making friends as I had decades before.
Although I stepped back from the club a few years ago, it’s still thriving, and I’m very proud of what it’s become.
Over the years, I’ve been lucky to be involved in charity rides like BBC Radio 1’s Longest Ride with Greg James for Comic Relief, and to coach young riders at schools around Perth and Kinross. Helping people improve, achieve their goals and enjoy cycling, whatever their level, is hugely rewarding.
Cycling is a passion and it has always been a part of who I am. Through Skinny Tyres and my other cycling projects I have been able to share that joy with others. And, whether it’s one unforgettable ride, or the start of a lifelong love of cycling, I’m incredibly grateful for that.
If you like the sound of Scot and the Skinny Tyres way, we offer small-group, fully supported cycling holidays with thoughtfully planned routes, flexible pacing and van support, so please have a browse of our itineraries and our FAQ.
If you still have queries, we’re always happy to put your mind at rest so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
