New Edinburgh surf resort and neighbouring climbing arena petition city council to establish direct bus route


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.
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Hide AdTravelling by public transport from the centre of Edinburgh takes over an hour, involving two buses and a lengthy walk. The two attractions have called on the local authority to introduce or modify a bus route to serve them.


The 60-acre 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.
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Hide AdThe petition appears to have been created by the climbing centre, but is firmly backed by Lost Shore’s operators. 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.”
Lost Shore Surf Resort and the City of Edinburgh Council have been contacted for comment.
Story: Deadline / NewsX