Restaurant and glamping pod plans given go-ahead at new Edinburgh Wavegarden - Scotland's first artificial surf park

Big plans announced for Scotland’s first artificial surf park

Scotland’s first artificial surf park – to be created near Ratho – will feature a string of additional features to help it boost the local economy by up to £11 million per year.

Scotland’s first artificial surf park – to be created near Ratho – will feature a string of additional features to help it boost the local economy by up to £11 million per year.

Wavegarden’s developers, Tartan Leisure Ltd, were yesterday given the go-ahead to press on with their plans after submitting a fresh application to Edinburgh City Council.

And they have been given the thumb-up to build overnight accommodation at the development and its HUB complex which will provide food, retail, changing and leisure facilities.

The new planning permission gives the green light for the HUB, with facilities including a restaurant, retail outlet, a surf school, a wellness spa, a café and a number of viewing terraces and an observation deck, overlooking the park

Last year, Tartan Leisure Ltd received planning permission to redevelop the disused Craigpark Quarry into a world-class surfing destination and since then, enabling work has been carried out to prepare the site for the next stage of development.

Wavegarden Scotland will provide a world-class surfing and family destination and follows in the wake of recently launched developments in Australia and England. New facilities are set to follow in South Korea, Switzerland and Brazil.

The new planning permission gives the green light for the HUB, with facilities including a restaurant, retail outlet, a surf school, a wellness spa, a café and a number of viewing terraces and an observation deck, overlooking the park. Set within a 60-acre country park, the waterside accommodation will cater for all needs, including school groups, family groups and international surfers, through luxury lodges, glamping pods, accessible “wave pods”, bothies and canal berths.

Andy Hadden, the co-founder of Tartan Leisure Ltd, said: “This is a major milestone in our journey to bring this world class surfing and leisure destination to the capital.

“Importantly, we are supporting local business along the way to help us deliver fantastic amenities, all set in this stunning country park.”

The glamping pods and accessible wave pods will be provided by Queen’s Award for Enterprise winners Armadilla, which is based in Bonnyrigg.

Armadilla managing director Archie Hunter said: “We are delighted to bring our sustainable, high-quality and iconic eco-pods to this landmark new development and providing this accommodation on our home turf makes it extra special. I’m sure guests will find that the entire experience at the Wavegarden Scotland development really offers the wow factor.”

Peter Maniam, of North Berwick-based Rogue Village, will launch Canteen, a contemporary food court, as well as curate the event programme at Wavegarden, which is expected to open in 2022 and employ 130 people.

He said: “This development will become one of the UK’s most forward-thinking, family-friendly venues and we are delighted to develop a unique food destination with the local community at the heart of our plans.”