World’s number one surf park attracts visitors from 67 countries and cements Scotland’s place on the global surf map

A year after opening its doors, Lost Shore Surf Resort in Ratho, Edinburgh has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, attracting visitors from 67 countries and already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.

Since its launch in November 2024, the pioneering destination, home to Europe’s largest inland wave pool, three times the size of Wembley Stadium’s pitch, has hosted well over 100,000 visitors, with surfers travelling from as far afield as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Hawaii and Brazil to ride the waves in the heart of Scotland.

The resort has just been named winner of the Innovation and Advancement Award at the global Surf Park Summit. Lost Shore was also the only surf park in the world to feature across all three major award categories, among 26 leading surf parks operating globally.

The award recognised Lost Shore’s pioneering approach to research and innovation through its Surf Lab collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University, the world’s first dedicated research centre for surfing, performance, health and wellbeing, which is helping shape the future of sustainable surf park design and athlete development.

Adding to its growing list of accolades, renowned surf industry commentator, SurfParkNerd, the only person to have surfed every surf park in the world, voted Lost Shore the best surf park on the planet during his headline talk at the Summit. 

Lost Shore has quickly become a magnet for adventure seekers and a new cornerstone of Scotland’s outdoor tourism economy. The £60 million development has also created 130 jobs, from hospitality and lifeguard roles to coaching and maintenance, supporting local communities and businesses across West Lothian.

Andy Hadden, Founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said:

“Our ambition from the outset was to create something truly transformative, not just for surfers, but for Scotland’s position on the world stage. 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.

“There’s nothing stopping us becoming the brain of global surfing – innovating, leading and setting new standards across the industry. This award is a powerful testament to that momentum, driven by the creativity of our team and our collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University and the Surf Lab.

“We believe our surfers will soon stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s elite. 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.”

Neil Christison, Regional Director at VisitScotland, said: 

“Lost Shore Surf Resort is a world class attraction with a fresh, imaginative, and ambitious approach to delivering a visitor experience. 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.”

The resort has also become a training ground for Scotland’s next generation of surfers, including junior surfing talent Callie Cruickshank from Fraserburgh. Callie has just claimed a double-title win in the 2025 Scottish Junior National Surfing Championships, emerging as national champion in both the Under-16 and Under-18 girls categories. 

Callie Cruickshank, Scottish Junior National Surfing Champion, added:

“Having Lost Shore here in Scotland has totally transformed the way I train. 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.”

As it marks its first anniversary, the resort continues to invest in its long-term legacy. Plans for 2026 include enhanced on-site facilities, additional water-based activities, and growing its reputation as a venue for major international events, reinforcing Scotland’s place at the forefront of global adventure tourism.