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Rip the Depot, Glasgow


Rogerborg
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Well, that's that then.

 

"Formerly Scotland's largest indoor airsoft arena, 150,000 square feet of CQB action in the heart of Glasgow. Closed in September 2020."

 

The building owner have just turfed them out, after years of them developing the site.

 

Saddened, but not surprised, after looking up what the business rates alone are on that building.  I think it was simply too big and expensive for them to cover the costs.

 

Good time were had, and will be had again, I'm sure, just maybe not on that scale.

 

 

 

 

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7 hours ago, Asomodai said:

A shame. Tbh I am surprised how few sites have gone out of business these past few months. 

give it time... player restriction and any further restrictions will start tto bite them soon. govt aid has held them together so far but that wont go much further. saying that my local has been continuing to take over more sites to add to its portfolio...

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8 hours ago, Asomodai said:

Tbh I am surprised how few sites have gone out of business these past few months. 

 

It's indoor sites that are most at risk, which is why I Buzz Killingtoned the Z-Mart thread with a note about the rates bill for it.  They can be eye watering, and you'd really have to run as a proper regular business to cover the costs, rather than 20 lads every fortnight.  I really hope they've done the sums, although it seems like they know what they're doing.

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2 minutes ago, Rogerborg said:

 

It's indoor sites that are most at risk, which is why I Buzz Killingtoned the Z-Mart thread with a note about the rates bill for it.  They can be eye watering, and you'd really have to run as a proper regular business to cover the costs, rather than 20 lads every fortnight.  I really hope they've done the sums, although it seems like they know what they're doing.

I would like to think they do know what they are doing. The mall was used often for many things and I hope this place becomes viable.

its also why I’m planning on heading to as many game days as possible there whilst I have the chance

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I think we're heading for a perfect storm of lack of assistance from the government with tightening of restrictions that will see a lot of jobs and businesses screwed.

I lost my job through this and it's taken nearly 3 months to find something else.

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Good site, would have liked to have gone again. Shame, if they can find somewhere to put all those structures even if it was outdoor it would make a good site. Having to clear it and find somewhere put it is a ball ache.

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A huge shame this. The Depot was always on my "list" of sites I'd love to play at.

I remember you foreshadowing this in a post a little while back as well roger. It sucks that Airsoft - or peoples livelihoods in general can be changed overnight because of a virus. I don't think we'll ever forget 2020...

 

What are the options for Indoor CQB in Scotland now after this?

Do you think the depot owners might try and re-locate?

 

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3 hours ago, Albiscuit said:

its also why I’m planning on heading to as many game days as possible there whilst I have the chance

 

I regret every day I found an excuse not to go now.   We're none of us on a rehearsal.

 


 

1 hour ago, L3wisD said:

I remember you foreshadowing this in a post a little while back as well roger.

 

They went quite quiet during lockdown and after they didn't re-open ASAP I figured something was up.

 

 

1 hour ago, L3wisD said:

It sucks that Airsoft - or peoples livelihoods in general can be changed overnight because of a virus. I don't think we'll ever forget 2020...

 

I'm not even sure it's down to that, it's just that the building owner needs to find something that brings in more money than airsoft, laser tag, and some electric dirt bikes.  Either that or they'll just knock the place to the ground to cut their losses.

 

 

1 hour ago, L3wisD said:

What are the options for Indoor CQB in Scotland now after this?

 

Biohazard on the West Coast, a decent enough site but nowhere near as big or with as much potential for variety.  It's a 70 mile round trip for me, which is when you have to start factoring the costs of that in as well.

 

 

1 hour ago, L3wisD said:

Do you think the depot owners might try and re-locate?

 

They're saying yes, and they certainly know how to run a site.  But they've got literally tons of cover to remove, store, and rebuild, and the costs of running in commercial premises are high - I fear that airsoft will always be a tenant of last resort, and we'll be given the flick the moment the landowner gets a sniff of anything better.

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I'm gutted at this terrible news. Easily the worst Covid related news for me personally, having not really been affected otherwise.

 

It's a huge loss to Scottish airsoft. The site was huge, well thought out, full of variety and most importantly a lot of fun. The commitment to constant improvements and effort put into the place, were outstanding. This isn't the first time they were shut down either. It happened a few years ago and they brought it back with a vengeance. Sadly not this time, by the looks of things. They were lucky to have such a fantastic, large, open, 2 storey building to call home.

 

I heard about the shut down last night about 22:30 just before I was going to bed and lay in bed starting at the ceiling, unable to sleep until about 01:30. Sounds extreme but it's true. I actually slept in for work too. It's horrible having found something so great and then having it taken away suddenly.

 

I've been playing airsoft for 12 years. It's been my one and only hobby. I absolutely loved the Depot, had pretty much all of my kit geared specifically towards indoor CQB there and cannot realistically see me returning to playing outdoors, slinging thousands of rounds at maximum range, hoping to hit someone. It just doesn't provide the same level of adrenaline and challenge.

 

As someone who lives for pistol action and close quarters engagements, my choices are very limited to The Fortress in Kirkcaldy and Biohazard about a 90 minute drive away. As much as I liked Biohazard (formerly The Wargames Centre), it's a fraction of the size of the Depot and I found it got hampered by small numbers attending (certainly did when it was WGC, with regular cancellations of game days) and the use of trigger spamming AEG's for suppression purposes in what could be a really good free flowing and sneaky pistol/shotgun/gbbr venue.

 

So my thoughts are that the death of the Depot will likely be the end of my airsoft hobby, as I'll forever be comparing other sites to what we've lost and I can't see me enjoying myself as much anymore.

 

I've deliberately kept my kit levels low over the past few years, for this very reason, but having bought good quality, expensive kit, I now find myself at a pass - Do I sell everything and try to recoup some of the cost of the likes of my upgraded Evo, Glocks, expensive lightweight extended Prowin gas mags, TRMR's, Streamlight torches, Ferro Concepts plate carrier, UF Pro clothing, tracer unit etc, or hold on to them in the hope that something better comes along. Thankfully I didn't buy any more guns during lockdown, but I've recently restocked on gas (damn it) for my pistols and still have plenty ammo etc, which will likely not get used. Not exactly easy to sell gas and ammo, or to post it.

 

It's also frustrating that it's so much more difficult to sell RIF's and parts etc than it was 4-5 years ago. Another reason I kept my arsenal small. I don't see Covid going away any time soon. I don't see the Depot making a comeback and I don't see the point in hanging on to all my kit in the hope that I'll maybe start playing again one day.

 

I nearly gave airsoft up in January 2019 when I got a bit too fed up with everything in general, but returned to the Depot and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I then tried Land Warrior a year ago to try woodland again, but found it underwhelming and reminded myself why I stopped playing outdoors in the first place. I'm not into traveling long distances to visit a site and milsims are not really of interest either.

 

I don't know. Gutted. Just gutted.

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Feel for you. Know what you mean. 

Lost a woodland site here in hampshire recently after many years. Leaves a big void.

Onwards and upwards though fella. 👍

Regards 

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2 hours ago, ryaw said:

I'm gutted at this terrible news.

 

There's really no other word to describe it.  That sinking feeling when we all read it, urgh.

 

 

Quote

I heard about the shut down last night about 22:30 just before I was going to bed and lay in bed starting at the ceiling, unable to sleep until about 01:30. Sounds extreme but it's true.

 

I have zero doubts about it, since I did exactly the same.  I should probably pack it in now and get some sleep.

 

 

 

Quote

As much as I liked Biohazard (formerly The Wargames Centre), it's a fraction of the size of the Depot and I found it got hampered by small numbers attending (certainly did when it was WGC, with regular cancellations of game days) and the use of trigger spamming AEG's for suppression purposes in what could be a really good free flowing and sneaky pistol/shotgun/gbbr venue.

 

The good news is that I gave it a try last Sunday and it was pretty well run once the games started. They were all over trigger spammers, pulling folk up early and often for excessive ROF.  Once I figured out the angles, I went to pistol for most of the day.

 

The bad news is that they're still running it like a friends-and-family venture where you not only have to find the Facebook page, you also have to find and apply to join the players' page in order to see the game-day announcements.

 

If they just took a step back and asked "If I didn't already know this site existed, how would I find out about it, how would I actually get to it, when is it running games, and how do I play?" they could be over-booked in short order.

 

 

 

Quote

So my thoughts are that the death of the Depot will likely be the end of my airsoft hobby, as I'll forever be comparing other sites to what we've lost and I can't see me enjoying myself as much anymore.

 

Mmm.  I'm taking my nephew in to Biohazard on the 27th, but it feels more like a goodbye than a hello.

 

 

 

Quote

Thankfully I didn't buy any more guns during lockdown, but I've recently restocked on gas (damn it) for my pistols and still have plenty ammo etc, which will likely not get used. Not exactly easy to sell gas and ammo, or to post it.

 

Urgh, yes, I've just been fitting mosfets and motors and buying bags of tracers.  Bright side, your gear is at least desirable, mine's bargain bin stuff. ;)

 

 

Quote

It's also frustrating that it's so much more difficult to sell RIF's and parts etc than it was 4-5 years ago. Another reason I kept my arsenal small. I don't see Covid going away any time soon. I don't see the Depot making a comeback and I don't see the point in hanging on to all my kit in the hope that I'll maybe start playing again one day.

 

I reckon if there's any way that Johno can find a site, that he'll start something up.

 

However, it's hard to see how they could get anything like that size of building again.  The economics just don't work out, I reckon it's being running at a whopping loss since it opened, on the promise that they'd somehow find a way to increase the income.

 

 

Quote

I then tried Land Warrior a year ago to try woodland again, but found it underwhelming and reminded myself why I stopped playing outdoors in the first place. I'm not into traveling long distances to visit a site and milsims are not really of interest either.

 

+1

 

 

Quote

I don't know. Gutted. Just gutted.

 

+2

 

I'm not going to rush into bailing out, but it's mostly in the hope that there'll be a Depot 2.0 along sooner rather than later.

 

One bright side to the current situation is that there's likely to be some more industrial and retail sites up for rent soon, with owners who might fall for the "Growth industry, we'll soon be rolling in money" line.

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11 hours ago, ryaw said:

It's also frustrating that it's so much more difficult to sell RIF's and parts etc than it was 4-5 years ago.

How come? What changed? 

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5 hours ago, ziCk_ said:

How come? What changed? 

No longer allowed to sell or hint at selling anything gun related on social media. It might not even be as log as 4-5 years ago, that you simply put a For Sale post up on Facebook and your stuff sold immediately. Even the forums where people used to flock to for their airsoft chat, have all but died away in popularity. I'm thankful that I planned ahead in keeping my gear limited, but that was mainly due to fear of the Scottish Government banning anything gun-shaped.

 

@Rogerborg It's been about 4 years since I last played at Biohazard/WGC. Looking at how much gas and ammo I have left, I think I'll need to give it another visit to see how I feel about it as a possible option going forward. How did you find playing there? They currently have 11 spaces left out of 20 for Sun 27th Sep's game.

UPDATE - Somehow I've got 2 Sundays off work in a row, so I decided to take the plunge and have booked indoor CQB at Biohazard on 27th Sep and woodland at POW on 4th Oct. I'll see how both go, given I haven't played at all since January and will decide from there whether I want to continue playing or hang up my guns for good.

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whether I want to continue playing or hang up my guns for good.

hard decision  to make. Think long and hard.🤔🤔

regards 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Well, decision made. That's my Evo and G17 advertised here, on another forum and will be added to a few discords. I've advertised my UF Pro gear on Facebook and have gone through everything I have, photographing it, ready for advertising. It'll take time to list it all individually and move it on.

 

I feel ok about giving up airsoft. A bit sad, but I feel the time is about right after 12 years and with The Depot closing its doors (although I've held off from advertising my G34 and TRMR's meantime in case I fancy a CQB game in the near future). I'll wait until the rest of my stuff sells first before I let them go. 

 

Although I hurt my back and didn't actually get to play woodland again on Sunday, just being back at the site (POW) was nice for a catch-up, but I know woodland games are not what I enjoy most.

Now to think of another hobby.....

 

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16 minutes ago, ryaw said:

Well, decision made. That's my Evo and G17 advertised here, on another forum and will be added to a few discords. I've advertised my UF Pro gear on Facebook and have gone through everything I have, photographing it, ready for advertising. It'll take time to list it all individually and move it on.

 

I feel ok about giving up airsoft. A bit sad, but I feel the time is about right after 12 years and with The Depot closing its doors (although I've held off from advertising my G34 and TRMR's meantime in case I fancy a CQB game in the near future). I'll wait until the rest of my stuff sells first before I let them go. 

 

Although I hurt my back and didn't actually get to play woodland again on Sunday, just being back at the site (POW) was nice for a catch-up, but I know woodland games are not what I enjoy most.

Now to think of another hobby.....

 

End of an era fella? Never say never though....

Get yourself a drone, get an operaters ticket and take to the skies. It's great fun.

Or perhaps...🎣 🥋 🎳 🪁 🎰

Regards 

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3 hours ago, ryaw said:

didn't actually get to play woodland again on Sunday, just being back at the site (POW) was nice for a catch-up

 

It's true, he just stood around all day chatting to folk and stopping them from playing, so was pretty much indistinguishable from a marshal. ;)

 

Very sorry to see you go, and best of luck with the sales.  If you'd said you were selling a beige pistol on Sunday...

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17 hours ago, Rogerborg said:

 

It's true, he just stood around all day chatting to folk and stopping them from playing, so was pretty much indistinguishable from a marshal. ;)

 

Very sorry to see you go, and best of luck with the sales.  If you'd said you were selling a beige pistol on Sunday...

LOL, well I did used to be a marshal there for a few years. Old habits die hard I guess.

I think it's technically referred to a Flat Dark Earth (FDE), but if calling it beige makes you part with cash, then so be it. I think it's potentially headed off to London (if the buyer comes good tonight and sends money). 

Red dot, chest rig, tracer unit are sold along with some Ferro Concepts gear so far. Think I'll be frequenting the post office as my new hobby, lol.

And I'm not completely away just yet. I still have grenades, a pistol, gas and BB's meantime for a return to Biohazard should I fancy it.

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Aaaaand Biohazard have just had the "UR KILLIN PEEPUL" from the Council, so that's them locked down for (at least) 2 weeks. :(

 

I'm pining for the days when entering a Post Office wearing a mask got you called to attend in your professional capacity.

 

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4 minutes ago, Rogerborg said:

 

 

I'm pining for the days when entering a Post Office wearing a mask got you called to attend in your professional capacity.

 

Was you a peeler then guv'ner?

👮‍♂️

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