Scottish project adds key players to team
The company behind Scotland’s first inland surfing destination has appointed three new key team members as construction continues on site near Edinburgh. Ian Williams, Mark Stewart and Selina Moore join Lost Shore Surf Resort, which will be the home of Europe’s largest inland surfing lagoon to date.
Ian Williams has been appointed Joint Chief Operating Officer and joins from the Wave, Bristol, where he helped open and establish the world’s first Wavegarden cove as Operations Director. Ian was one of the first people to ride one of the artificial surf waves at the Wave, which has gone on to be a major success.
He has 35 years of experience in running large scale leisure facilities in single site, multi site, and strategic roles, including Whitbread pubs, David Lloyd Leisure health clubs, Haven Holiday holiday parks and the Eden Project, Cornwall as Operations Director.
Alongside working for Lost Shore, he is also a fully qualified surfing instructor and a keen marathon runner.
He joins Mark Stewart as Joint Chief Operating Officer. Mark’s previous role was with the UK’s largest surfing and snowsports retailer, Freeze Pro Shop. He headed up their operations and surf purchasing in Scotland. Mark had previously worked with Andy Hadden, founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort, on developing innovative solutions to recycling wetsuits.
Like Ian, Mark enjoys spending time on the water and in the outdoors. He has been a water-sports and outdoors instructor for 20 years, and has been surfing on the east coast of Scotland for 25 years.
Selina Moore joins Lost Shore Surf Resort as Head of Finance and will strengthen the existing senior management team as a qualified chartered accountant. She has over 17 years experience working in finance teams for a variety of property investment, construction and development companies, including Cruden Homes and Sandstone UK. Born in Fiji, Selina has always had a love of nature and the water, and is a keen paddleboarder.
Andy Hadden, founder of Tartan Leisure Ltd which is developing Lost Shore Surf Resort said: “We are building a talented team to deliver this and ensure it becomes one of the flagship tourist destinations in the country. Ian is coming to us after working for three years as Operations Director at the Wave in Bristol. His insights into accommodation and leisure operations will be incredibly valuable. Ian’s appointment proves that we are going to deliver a high-quality, world-leading tourism destination right here in Scotland.”
Ian will be joined by Mark Stewart. Mark has worked in surfing retail for a number of years and has a strong track record in e-commerce. He is committed to making Lost Shore a success, whilst ensuring it is an enviable place to work, and has a positive social impact.
“Selina is a great new appointment as our Head of Finance,” said Hadden. “She is helping us to streamline our processes and put robust financial controls in place as we grow. Selina has worked with a number of large development firms and her support will be invaluable.”
Ian Williams, Joint Chief Operating Officer, added “This is one of the most exciting projects in the country. I am excited to join the team and help Lost Shore Surf Resort become a jewel in the crown of the Scottish tourism and leisure industry.”
The £55m landmark development by Tartan Leisure Ltd in Ratho, near Edinburgh is expected to open to the public in summer 2024. The resort said they focused on sustainability and community benefits, along with providing a recreational and tourism boost while creating up to 130 jobs. It is expected to bring up to £11m to the local economy and attract over 180,000 visitors each year.
Lost Shore Surf Resort will feature waterside accommodations set within a 60-acre country park. In addition to the 150-meter-long surfing lagoon, there will be accommodation lodges and pods, spa, food market and surf therapy centre.
Lost Shore Surf Resort will provide office space as well as all amenities, utilities and WiFi free of charge to the university. Where possible, they will also provide free use of the wave pool for research and teaching opportunities.
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