Ever dreamt of surfing in an old quarry? Now, thanks to a £60 million project, it’s possible. Scotland’s first inland surf resort, Lost Shore, has officially opened at a former brownstone quarry in Newbridge, Edinburgh. With a wave pool covering three times the area of a football pitch, Lost Shore takes the title of Europe’s largest inland surf destination.
A £60 Million Vision in Action
This massive surf park, an ambitious brainchild of Lost Shore founder Andy Hadden, transforms an unused quarry into a state-of-the-art surf destination. The resort boasts a sophisticated wave pool that simulates natural ocean waves, offering an ideal training ground for beginners and a thrill for experienced surfers alike. The scale of the wave pool alone makes it stand out—it spans approximately 21,000 square meters, about three times the size of a standard football field.
The idea, according to Hadden, was to create a unique surfing experience in an inland environment, accessible to those who don’t have the coast on their doorstep. “Surfing is something many people think they have to travel far for,” Hadden says, “but we wanted to bring the waves to them.”
How the Lost Shore Wave Pool Works
Lost Shore’s wave technology is designed to mimic natural surf conditions, creating a range of wave types suitable for surfers of all skill levels. Here’s how it operates:
- Wave Variety: The pool can produce waves of different heights and intensities, from gentle swells for beginners to powerful, curling waves for advanced surfers.
- Energy Efficiency: Lost Shore’s wave-making technology aims to be eco-friendly, recycling water and using energy-efficient mechanisms.
- Safety Features: The pool is monitored closely, with built-in safety features to ensure a safe surfing environment, especially for those new to the sport.
The water recycling system and energy-efficient design align with a larger vision of sustainability, keeping Lost Shore eco-friendly while maintaining an exhilarating wave experience.
A New Chapter for Scottish Tourism and Recreation
Lost Shore isn’t just about surfing. The resort plans to offer a range of activities, making it an all-in-one destination for locals and tourists alike. Beyond the wave pool, visitors can look forward to:
- Training Programs: Surfing lessons for beginners, advanced coaching for seasoned surfers, and water safety courses.
- Dining and Amenities: Cafes and restaurants with views over the wave pool, creating a space for relaxation alongside the action.
- Family Activities: Plans are in place to introduce other water-based activities, making Lost Shore a go-to spot for family outings.
The opening of Lost Shore is also expected to give a boost to local tourism, drawing visitors from around the UK and beyond. Scotland’s inland surf resort offers an exciting alternative to coastal surfing, especially in a place where surfing opportunities are often limited by weather and accessibility.
Revitalizing the Quarry: From Brownstone Site to Surf Destination
The transformation of the Newbridge brownstone quarry is itself a testament to how disused spaces can be repurposed. The Lost Shore site, once an industrial area, has been reinvented into a leisure destination that breathes new life into the land.
Andy Hadden and his team envision Lost Shore as a space for community engagement and environmental stewardship. “It’s about making use of what we already have,” Hadden explains. “There’s no need to build on untouched land when we can take a disused quarry and create something amazing.”
A Wave of Opportunities for Edinburgh
With its prime location near Edinburgh, Lost Shore is expected to attract locals, tourists, and surfing enthusiasts from across Europe. The surf resort adds a fresh appeal to the city’s recreational offerings and complements Scotland’s scenic and adventure tourism.
Local businesses and vendors also anticipate benefits, as the influx of visitors to Lost Shore may lead to increased traffic to nearby shops, hotels, and restaurants. The opening of Europe’s largest inland surf resort in Edinburgh signals a promising addition to the city’s appeal, potentially contributing millions to the local economy each year.
