One year after its launch, Lost Shore Surf Resort has reported an £18 million contribution to Scotland’s economy. The surf park has become a key player in the country’s tourism and sport sectors. A press release issued this week said Lost Shore had attracted 100,000 visitors from 67 countries.
Located in Ratho, west of Edinburgh, the resort features Europe’s largest inland wave pool, three times the size of a football pitch. Since opening in November 2024, it has attracted surfers from nations including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Hawaii and Brazil.
Global Recognition and Innovation Award
Lost Shore was named winner of the Innovation and Advancement Award at the Surf Park Summit, a global industry event. It was the only surf park to place across all three major award categories among 26 international facilities.
The resort was recognized for its partnership with Edinburgh Napier University and the Surf Lab, a dedicated research center focused on surfing performance, athlete wellbeing and sustainable park design.
“Our ambition from the outset was to create something truly transformative, not just for surfers, but for Scotland’s position on the world stage,” said Anduy Hadden, Founder of the wave pool. “Lost Shore was never about building a surf park; it was about redefining what adventure and wellbeing tourism could look like in a country already famous for its landscapes and hospitality.”
Andy added that he wants the park to lead, innovate and set standards across the industry.
Industry Endorsement
The summit also featured praise from Mike Goldys, SurfParkNerd, a well-known industry figure who has surfed almost every commercial wave pool worldwide. During his keynote, he named Lost Shore the best surf park in the world.
Regional Tourism Impact
The press release added that Lost Shore has created 130 local jobs, from lifeguards and hospitality staff to coaches and maintenance workers. According to VisitScotland, it has quickly become a major element in Scotland’s adventure tourism economy.
“Lost Shore Surf Resort is a world class attraction with a fresh, imaginative, and ambitious approach to delivering a visitor experience,” said Neil Christison, Regional Director at VisitScotland. “As a pioneering development in adventure and wellbeing tourism, it reflects the kind of innovation that is helping to shape the future of tourism in the region and beyond. It’s fantastic that in just 12 months the resort has established itself as a major part of the visitor experience in Scotland and I look forward to seeing how it develops going forward.”
Athlete Development and Local Talent
The facility has become a training ground for emerging Scottish surfers, including Fraserburgh’s Callie Cruickshank, who recently won both the Under-16 and Under-18 titles at the 2025 Scottish Junior National Surfing Championships.
“Having Lost Shore here in Scotland has totally transformed the way I train,” said Callie. “Before, I was always dependent on weather and travel to get good waves, but now I can surf consistent, world-class waves. My surfing has gone through the roof since training here, as have so many other Scottish surfers’. We’re really lucky to have a place like this in Scotland, and it’s amazing to see how it’s helping more young people get into the sport and push their level.”
Future Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, the resort plans to expand its on-site amenities and introduce more water-based activities in 2026. The development aims to enhance its potential as a venue for international competitions and further Scotland’s reputation as a hub for adventure tourism.
“We believe our surfers will soon stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s elite,” said Andy Hadden. “There’s never been a better time to take up the sport and join what is already a thriving, inclusive and passionate surfing community here in Scotland.”
