Major construction work at Scotland’s newest leisure and staycation facility, Wavegarden Scotland, got underway today in Ratho, near Edinburgh. The £55m landmark development will include the country’s first inland surfing destination.

The Wavegarden Scotland development is expected to open to the public in Summer 2024 – boosting long-term socio-economic, recreational and tourism benefits including creating up to 130 jobs once open, generating up to £11m for the local economy and attracting over 180,000 visitors each year. 

The surf park will feature a surf school and overnight accommodation. It will for the first time give Scottish surfers the opportunity to train at home all year round and improve their chances of competing at major events, including the Olympics.

“It has taken many years of hard work and collaboration to get to this point and we could not be happier to see work begin on the country’s first surf park,” said Andy Hadden, founder of Tartan Leisure. “This is a special moment for all the team and marks a major milestone in our journey to creating this extraordinary leisure and staycation attraction for Scotland.”
 
This new surf destination will include a whole raft of new Wavegarden technology, including improved air and tube riding sections, as well as Waikiki and Malibu waves which break in the reef areas for beginners. 

Set within a 60-acre country park, the new destination will offer waterside accommodation for all needs, including families, surfers and international visitors, through luxury lodges, glamping pods, accessible wave pods, bothies and canal berths.

Wavegarden Scotland will also be home to The HUB, with facilities including a waterfront restaurant and food market, retail outlets, a surf school, a wellness spa, and several viewing terraces overlooking the surf. The lothian-based company, Rogue Village will develop a dynamic programme of events and create a unique food destination.