Inside Lairds of Troon: Where Technology, Storytelling and Experience Converge
- Ayrshire Daily News
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Arriving at Lairds of Troon, it was immediately clear this was going to be far more than a routine visit.
What had been scheduled as a simple catch-up quickly unfolded into a deep and absorbing journey through technology, storytelling, and lived experience, shaped steadily over many years.
Over conversation, Mark spoke candidly about how the business began alongside his wife Johanna, long before immersive cinemas and podcast studios became central to what they offer today.
From the outset, theirs was a shared journey, built not only on mutual support but on a willingness to grow and learn together as the business evolved.
Their move into technology was not driven by trends or shortcuts, but by curiosity, discipline, and a determination to do things properly. Mark’s background in the Army played a formative role, instilling a mindset rooted in precision, structure, and attention to detail.
Leaving military life marked a pivotal turning point, opening the door to a new chapter where those values could be applied to an ever-evolving technical landscape. As part of that transition, Mark committed himself to formal study and achieved a master’s degree, a milestone he spoke about with evident pride, his voice lifting slightly as he reflected on the work and dedication it required.
Crucially, Johanna walked that path alongside him. Rather than remaining in the background, she undertook her own studies, gaining the qualifications needed to contribute fully and professionally as the business developed.
That shared commitment to learning and capability is visible in the way Lairds of Troon operates today, with a partnership that feels balanced, assured and quietly effective. Their working relationship appears natural and well-aligned, each complementing the other in a way that underpins the steady confidence of the business.
To explore that story in greater depth, a podcast has been booked by myself to delve further into both the business and Mark’s personal journey. The recording will chart his path from military life through to building Lairds of Troon, and also marks the latest addition to the theatre itself — its very own dedicated podcast area.
Like the cinema, the podcast space has been designed as a professional yet welcoming environment and is fully available to hire, offering clients access to high-quality recording facilities supported by an on-site sound engineer.
Together, Mark and Johanna have built the business gradually, adapting as technology advanced while remaining focused on how it could genuinely enhance human experience rather than simply impress on paper. That long-term approach has shaped Lairds of Troon into what it is today, with each new addition feeling like a natural evolution rather than a sudden leap.
From conversation, the visit moved seamlessly into experience, beginning with the private cinema space affectionately known as The Laird’s Theatre.
Designed as an intimate, fully immersive environment, the room immediately encourages you to settle in. Electronically controlled reclining armchairs provide exceptional comfort, allowing the focus to fall entirely on what is unfolding on screen.
The visual clarity is striking, but it is the sound that defines the experience. Using Dolby Atmos technology, audio is delivered with a precision that feels almost orchestral, as if each speaker were an instrument under the guidance of a conductor.
Sound moves effortlessly around the room, left and right, front and back, above and beyond, all carefully balanced into a single immersive soundscape. Deep bass adds a physical presence, creating a resonance that is felt as much as it is heard.
Mark guided the session personally, selecting content that demonstrated both technical capability and emotional range. High-energy motor racing footage showcased speed, movement, and spatial accuracy. Music content followed, revealing clarity, separation, and tonal balance across the room.
The experience then returned on a more personal level, with Mark inviting me to choose the final selection.
The choice was The Beatles, a band whose music formed a constant soundtrack throughout my life growing up. Hearing their work in this environment brought a renewed sense of connection, the familiar reframed through immersive sound that allowed individual elements to breathe while still feeling unified.
It was particularly resonant, given that I have just completed a short book reflecting on how their music evolved alongside my own journey through life, acting as a stimulus and companion at different stages along the way.
Throughout the session, it was clear that this was not simply about demonstrating equipment. Mark watched closely, gauging response and engagement, ensuring the installation delivered emotionally as well as technically.
What was intended as a brief demonstration stretched to well over three hours, ending only because of other commitments.
Both the cinema and podcast facilities are available for private hire. The Laird’s Theatre is positioned as a distinctive venue for private parties, corporate events, presentations, and team-building sessions, while the podcast space offers a professional, supported environment for interviews, discussions, branded content, and audio storytelling.
By the time the visit came to an end, it was only practical constraints that brought it to a close. Left uninterrupted, it felt like a place where you could easily stay far longer.
Lairds of Troon stands as the result of years of steady evolution, shaped by experience, partnership, and a belief that technology should not just be seen or heard, but genuinely felt.
