Wild Dook Sauna brings outdoor wellness to Dumfries and Galloway with support from Business Gateway
A unique outdoor wellness business is bringing Nordic-inspired sauna experiences to some of Dumfries and Galloway’s most scenic locations after the business owner accessed support from Business Gateway.
Wild Dook Sauna, founded by Mhairi Burnett in 2025, is a mobile wellness experience offering a blend of heat and cold therapy in natural settings across the region. Housed in a converted horsebox, the handcrafted sauna travels to lochsides, coastlines and events, creating a space where guests can relax, recharge and reconnect with nature.
Inspired by Scandinavian sauna traditions and Mhairi’s passion for wild swimming, the business combines deep, restorative heat with invigorating cold-water immersion. Designed to be both calming and sociable, Wild Dook Sauna welcomes individuals and groups alike, offering community sessions and private bookings in locations including Mossyard Beach, Moffat Distillery, Annandale Sailing Club, Lochmaben and Loch of the Lowes.
The idea was born from Mhairi’s love of the outdoors, alongside the craftsmanship of her father, Graham, whose joinery expertise helped bring the vision to life. Together, they transformed a second-hand horsebox into a fully functioning mobile sauna, creating an innovative offering designed to serve rural communities across Dumfries and Galloway and beyond.
A qualified Sauna Master, Mhairi transitioned from a career in management consulting to pursue her passion for wellbeing and the outdoors in 2025. Through her business, she aims to make the benefits of heat and cold therapy more accessible, encouraging people to slow down, spend time in nature and prioritise their wellbeing.
Since launching, the business has built a strong and growing customer base across the region, welcoming guests from Stranraer to Selkirk. Its early success has also been recognised with Mhairi named as a finalist for Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2026. It has also recently been granted Approved Operator status by the British Sauna Society, an accreditation awarded to operators who meet strict standards on cleanliness, safety and experience.
Business Gateway advisers Amanda Beattie and Fiona Smyth provided expert support and guidance to help turn Mhairi’s idea into a viable business. Amanda worked with her on the business plan and cash flow, while Fiona offered guidance on marketing and signposted her to funding opportunities, helping the business to secure £830 in matched start-up funding from Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) to launch the business.
Since starting up, Mhairi has also taken part in a range of Business Gateway workshops and events, including InspireHER communications and networking sessions, Practical AI workshops and online webinars, as well as receiving support with her Regional Edge application.
Mhairi Burnett, founder of Wild Dook Sauna, said: “A year ago, Wild Dook Sauna was my escape plan. Today, it’s a community, built around deep heat, fresh air and real connection. “We’ve taken the sauna to some incredible places across the region and created a space where people can switch off and unwind.
“The support from Business Gateway has been invaluable in helping me turn my idea into a business. From shaping the business plan to building confidence in how I promote and grow the brand, it’s given me the tools and support to take that leap and make it work.”
Gail MacGregor, chair of the Business Gateway board, said: “Wild Dook Sauna is a fantastic example of how a creative idea can grow into a successful and distinctive business with the right support.
“By combining innovation with a strong understanding of its market and community, Mhairi has created an experience that stands out and adds real value to the region’s tourism and wellbeing offering. It’s great to see the business gaining momentum and recognition so early on.”