A FORMER school teacher from Barnton has started a unique tourism business on an idyllic desert island.

Before taking early retirement in 2020, biology teacher Andy Milne, from Barnton, used to take lucky pupils from The Grange School on fieldtrips to Thailand.

To keep them entertained, the 60-year-old developed special ‘expeditions’ involving problem solving tasks, map reading, snorkelling, and soaking up as much authentic Thai culture as they could.

Now Andy, along with partner Achla Damania, a retired Winsford GP, have set up a unique business based on these expeditions on the idyllic Koh Tao Island in the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Northwich Guardian: Andy Milne, with Treasure Island Challenge guides Taraphum Koetsanong (left) and Piyathida Kengtrong (right)Andy Milne, with Treasure Island Challenge guides Taraphum Koetsanong (left) and Piyathida Kengtrong (right) (Image: Andy Milne)

Andy said: “I’ve taken student on biological expeditions all over the world, and up until Covid hit, I would bring about 50 youngsters out to Thailand every year.

“We’d end up on Koh Tao Island, where nearly all of them would learn to dive and get their PADI open water certificate, but there'd be some who couldn’t dive for all sorts of different reasons, so I had to find alternative activities for them.

“That’s how the idea of Treasure Island Challenge evolved.

“Our clients solve clues to find the map that will take them right across the island to less-visited coves and some spectacular viewpoints.

“They also get to snorkel among stunning marine life and sample some fantastic local cuisine and drinks throughout the day.”  

Northwich Guardian: Treasure Island Challenge attracts visitors from all over the worldTreasure Island Challenge attracts visitors from all over the world (Image: Andy Milne)

Andy employs two Thai guides, both with degrees in tourism, who man the office and take the tours.

The rest of the activities are provided by local businesses, including a Thai restaurant for the authentic lunches, and a local fruit seller, so visitors get to experience authentic Thai culture first-hand.

Northwich Guardian: The ultimate aim of the expeditions is to find the treasureThe ultimate aim of the expeditions is to find the treasure (Image: Andy Milne)

“There’s a big backpacker population on island. Some come for two or three days to learn to dive, while others stay a lot longer.

“We certainly cater for those, but we also cater for couples and families.

“Our youngest client so far is four, and the oldest is 69.”