THE country’s first man-made surf park is to be built in a disused quarry.
Developers behind Wavegarden Scotland said official permission for the Ratho facility – given yesterday – is an “exciting” opportunity to develop surfing talent and create “world-class” leisure facilities.
Craigpark Quarry, near Edinburgh, will be sculpted into a watersports site with technology from Spanish firm Wavegarden.
A similar site in Wales welcomed more than 155,000 people last year and the £15 million east coast project will include a surf school, bike trails and snowsports training jump.
Andy Hadden, of developers Tartan Leisure, said: “We believe that this facility will deliver many benefits for the local community and for Scotland by offering world-class adventure leisure amenities alongside a wonderful country park for walkers, runners and cyclists.”
Mark Boyd, captain of the Scottish national surfing team, said: “Scotland’s surf scene is growing and we have some exciting home grown talent breaking onto the scene.
“With surfing making its debut as an Olympic Sport at Tokyo 2020, Wavegarden Scotland will play a key role in encouraging and developing future Scottish surfers.”
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