Plans have been submitted to develop a new surf and leisure facility near Ratho in Edinburgh.

Wavegarden Scotland are hoping to build the country's first artificial wave park at Craigpark Quarry beside the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.

Designed and masterplanned by landscape architects HarrisonStevens, the 23-hectare wave park will be among the most advanced surfing and water sport facilities in the world, with the capability to enable elite-level sports training and development.

Features will also include self-catering luxury lodges, glamping pods, a waterfront café and restaurant, retail spaces, zip line, water tubing area, snow-sports area, and a car park.

The overall design will develop existing integrated transportation and leisure links, including with the nearby canal network, into the heart of Edinburgh as well as the wider central belt.

The proposal details how the former quarry site has guided the design, with extensive re-use of onsite materials and stone to capitalise on the natural character of the site, while carefully considered plant and landscaping choices will help restore the area's original ecology which was lost during the former quarry's operations.


WSP will provide engineering and technical consultation, while planning and development advice will be contributed by Colliers International.

Andy Hadden, co-founder of Wavegarden Scotland said: "We're cautiously optimistic that our years of research, consultation and planning will pay off. We believe our facility will enhance Ratho as an international destination for adventure sports, and we're delighted that we have the chance to deliver the project in a brownfield site within an old quarry."

In February, Wavegarden Scotland held two public consultations where over 260 people attended and more took part online and via the company's social media channels. However, the application received zero objections.

With surfing due to debut as an Olympic Sport at Tokyo 2020, the project team is aiming to develop Wavegarden Scotland in time for the event.

Scott Brewster, co-founder of Wavegarden Scotland said: "We are hopeful we'll be able to open the doors to these world-class waves in the near future. The high-performance offering of our facility will cater for a number of different sports and we hope that Wavegarden Scotland will help future generations of water sportsmen and women take their skills to the next level."

Mark Boyd, captain of Scotland's national surfing team, said: "A facility like Wavegarden Scotland would give the Scottish surfing team a huge edge as a training facility, thereby helping us cost-effectively prepare for different conditions in competitions. It would also be very important in encouraging and developing future talent, while showcasing this wonderful sport to a wider audience."



Image and video credit; Wavegarden/Pacotwo

(LM)