Disused Ratho quarry set to become Scotland's first surfing arena

Plans to build what would be Scotland's first artificial surfing arena have moved a step closer to becoming a reality, after they were recommended for approval by officials.

Mock up of Wavegarden Scotland at Ratho.

Under the proposals, disused Craigpark Quarry near Ratho outside Edinburgh would be transformed into Wavegarden Scotland: an innovative surf and leisure facility capable of mimicking ocean waves.

Surfers and other water sports enthusiasts would be able to hang ten to their heart’s content thanks to a new technology called The Cove that will be cable of generating 1000 waves every hour at different intensities.

Now officials have urged Edinburgh Council to approve the plans when they are put forward at next week’s crunch planning meeting.

A report for the development management sub-committee hailed Wavegarden as “a unique opportunity to reuse the redundant quarry”, with developers keen to stress that approval would mean the creation of 129 new jobs and up to £11 million generated for the local economy every year.

The 23 hectare wave park has been designed by landscape architects HarrisonStevens, and would include a large country park for walkers, runners and cyclists.

Andy Hadden, co-founder of Wavegarden, said: “Wavegarden Scotland is an exciting project which we believe would deliver a number of economic, social and health benefits.

“We look forward to hearing the outcome of our planning submission next week.”

The world’s first Wavegarden arena was opened in Snowdonia in 2015. There are currently two others, in Spain and Austin Texas, with several others planned across the globe.

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