THE operators of Edinburgh’s new surf resort on the outskirts of the city have backed a petition to the council to establish a direct bus route to the surrounding area.
The Lost Shore Surf Resort in Ratho officially opened on 11 November after several years in the making and is the first of its kind in Scotland.
However, accessing Lost Shore, and the neighbouring Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA), is currently an issue for visitors without a car.
Travelling by public transport from the centre of Edinburgh takes over an hour, involving two buses and a stretch on foot.
The climbing arena has now called on the local authority to introduce or modify a bus route to serve the area.
The 60-acre Lost Shore site is built in a disused quarry and is the result of a £60m investment.
The centrepiece is its wave pool powered by Wavegarden technology, which is three times the size of the pitch at Wembley and can produce up to 1,000 waves per hour.
Luxury accommodation, wellness treatments, waterside dining and a shopping area are also on offer.
Despite its attractive features and proximity to the popular EICA, one of Europe’s largest climbing arenas, there is no direct public transport link to either.
According to Google Maps, the average journey time between Princes Street and Lost Shore is one hour and 13 minutes.
Visitors have the option of taking either a tram to the Gyle Centre or a bus to Hermiston Park and Ride, before catching another bus to the village of Ratho, which only runs once per hour.
From there, it is a 600m walk along the wooded Hallcroft Path, but if this is inaccessible for any reason, they would face a 24-minute walk via the Union Canal towpath.
The petition appears to have been created by the climbing centre, but Lost Shore is strongly encouraging locals to sign.
The opening statement reads: “We request that the City of Edinburgh Council establish a direct and more efficient public transport route from the city centre to the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA).
“Currently, it takes over an hour to reach the arena, requiring at least two bus journeys, which is inconvenient for both regular users and visitors.
“Given that the EICA is one of Europe’s largest indoor climbing arenas, a direct route would increase accessibility, promote physical activity, and provide an eco-friendly alternative to driving.
“We urge the council to consider implementing a direct bus service or modifying existing routes to create a faster and more convenient connection between the city centre and the EICA.”
Speaking today, Mark Stewart, Resort Director at Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “Lost Shore Surf Resort has been a proud supporter of the Ratho Bus Working Group and the local community long before our doors even opened.
“We believe that a well-connected bus route linking Ratho, the EICA, Lost Shore Surf Resort, and Jupiter Artland to Edinburgh City Centre is crucial.
“This route would not only reduce traffic congestion but also contribute significantly to the city’s net zero goals.
“Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for visitors to enjoy the waves at Lost Shore Surf Resort and to provide our team with better public transport options.
“We strongly encourage everyone to sign this important petition.”
Also speaking today, Transport and Environment Convener Stephen Jenkinson said: “I know that this issue is one of concern for Ratho residents and of course we want to see the best possible public transport links across our city.
“Alongside the needs of local residents, with two world class visitor destinations in Lost Shore and the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena in the area, it’s important that people can travel to these in an affordable, efficient and sustainable way.
“I have asked Officers to look into this issue alongside Lothian Buses and other bus operators to see what kind of future service is practical, deliverable and viable.”
