Ride The Waves

Located just outside Edinburgh, Lost Shore Surf Resort is making surfing more accessible for people in Scotland

- MAIRI HUGHES

DRIVING past garages and industrial estates on the outskirts of Edinburgh, I was surprised that this road would take me to a surf resort. But I soon reached the entrance to Lost Shore, spotting people coming and going with surfboards under their arms.

Rounding a bend as I descended on foot from the car park, I was greeted by an impressive 160m-long (525ft) body of water, with waves rhythmically crashing into the artificial shore. The wave pool was filled with children boasting remarkable surfing skills, their screams of delight filling the air.

Founded by Scottish surf enthusiast Andy Hadden, Lost Shore aims to make surfing more accessible for people in Scotland. As well as offering surf lessons, the resort also provides surf therapy in partnership with the Wave Project, which helps young people to build confidence and overcome anxiety through surfing.

Having never surfed before, I wasn't sure what to expect from what is now Europe's largest inland surf resort. While the main attraction is the wave pool, it is very much a resort, with the pool surrounded by quirky lodges, an outdoor sauna, a bar and restaurant, a wellness studio and a surf shop.

I had a tour of the grounds upon arrival and was impressed with the vast range of activity behind the scenes.