Castlecroft: 40 Years of Continuous Growth
When Ian Black founded Pennywise Hire Drive in 1984, he was driven to build a quality local business that would deliver excellent service and value for money for his customers, and long-term security for his young family.
Forty years on, and the small hire drive business has grown to become one of Scotland’s most reputable brands. Now led by Ian’s grandson, Jordan Black, who took over as Managing Director in 2019, Castlecroft’s wide-reaching remit includes an expanding portfolio of office space and industrial units, self-storage and lock up services, and large event servicing.
The business, headquartered in Perth, currently employs 50 people throughout their operation with many members of the team celebrating 25+ years in their employment. This close knit, family focused culture, has been the bedrock of the business, ensuring a solid knowledge base and consistency in service, as diversification and growth occurred.
Brands include Scotloo, Scotbox, Keepsafe Storage Centres, and Castlecroft Commercial Property which covers Riverview Business Park, Mid Friarton Business Park, Kinnoull House and King James VI Business Centre.

Jordan explains, “My grandfather started the business in what is now the Keepsafe Storage site in Perth, and from the beginning, his strategy was to reinvest profits back into the company, to facilitate growth.
“Over the next few years, he bought up the surrounding farmland piece by piece, creating Riverview and Mid Friarton business parks incrementally, and eventually building King James VI Business Centre in 2006.
“Scotloo followed Pennywise, to become the first portable loo company in Scotland and from here, the idea for Scotbox developed. Using the containers as storage options on the land he’d secured, and as cabins and offices for major events, construction sites and rural agricultural areas, Ian ran with every opportunity he spotted.
“The success of Scotbox prompted him to expand on the storage element, and in 1999 he built permanent lock up units on the original Pennywise site, and Keepsafe Perth was born. We now have 4 sites in total – two in Dundee and one in Dunfermline – with Kirkcaldy coming soon.”
Starting as a yardman during his school holidays in 2010, Jordan has worked across all areas of the business, learning the ropes from the ground up. A Business Management degree from Aberdeen Business School at Robert Gordon University tied together his years of practical experience, and with Ian now in the Chairperson position, he is leading the charge and overseeing the next period of growth which is currently underway.
“We completed phase 5 of the Mid Friarton Business Park in December 2024 and now have 25 light industrial units in this area, with five more to come over the next 12 months.
“We’re fortunate to have had many long-standing tenants and this is testament to the level of service we provide. Unlike a lot of commercial property owners, we are present right here on site – our tenants are our neighbours – and we know everyone on a personal level. In an age of technology and on-screen connections, that has become more important than ever before - people like to deal with people, and that’s what we do best.
“Many start here as small, one-person businesses and grow into larger units or offices, much like we did ourselves. It’s fantastic to be part of so many local success stories - and to be able to continue to build opportunities for growth for the business community in Perth.”

The founding principles of reinvesting and in putting people first, remain in place today and it is on these strong foundations that the next period of growth has commenced. The group has invested £8m in capital investment in the past three years, including the expansion of the team, new customer service systems, property, vehicles and the Mid Friarton development.
Jordan concluded, “Castlecroft has been my Grandad’s life work, and now, it’s mine too. I’m optimistic for the future, and for the next forty years serving the business and people of Perth and wider Scotland.”
Find Out More:
Castlecroft Commercial Property: 80 Industrial units from 1500 sq ft upwards in both Riverview Business Park and Mid Friarton. 121 offices suitable from start up to headquarters, in King James VI Business Centre and Kinnoull House. 7 yards in Glenalmond Business Park. www.castlecroft.com
Scotloo / Scotbox: Providing portable toilets and showers, containers, site accommodation, welfare cabins and wastewater management to the events, construction and agricultural industries. www.scotloo.co.uk
Keepsafe Storage Centres: Serving individuals and business customers. 2800 storage units across four sites in Scotland; Perth, Dundee x 2, and Dunfermline. Open seven days with a manned office at each site and free move in van available. www.keepsafe-storage.co.uk