The NEN – North Edinburgh News – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Lost Shore celebrates two years, one million waves and visitors from 77 countries

Lost Shore Surf Resort in Edinburgh is celebrating two years of putting Scotland on the international surfing map, welcoming visitors from 77 countries, attracting global music stars and becoming a training destination for Olympic hopefuls.

Since opening in November 2024, the £60m resort, home to Europe’s largest inland wave pool, has transformed Scotland’s surfing landscape.

New figures reveal that Lost Shore has delivered 35,245 surf lessons in the past year alone, with guests enjoying more than 70,000 surf sessions and an estimated 1,055,136 waves.

The milestone follows a landmark year in which Lost Shore was named the world’s best surf park by attractions industry title Blooloop and secured partnerships with GB Surfing, Irish Surfing and Norwegian Surfing.

Designated a National Performance Centre and Olympic Training Facility by GB Surfing and Irish Surfing, Lost Shore is now helping elite athletes prepare for major international competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Its partnership with Norwegian Surfing further strengthens Edinburgh’s growing reputation as a European surfing hub.

The resort has also become a popular destination for international music stars. Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo hit the waves alongside Gojira drummer Mario Duplantier ahead of the band’s Hampden Park concert, while Westlife star Kian Egan enjoyed a surfing getaway with his family before embarking on the group’s worldwide anniversary tour.

Closer to home, Lost Shore has introduced thousands to surfing, hosting international competitions including the Hi-Land Fling and Red Bull Sessions, while expanding opportunities for young athletes, students and community groups.

Lost Shore is also championing the wider benefits of surfing through surf therapy for emergency service workers, adaptive surfing programmes and its pioneering SurfLab research partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, highlighting the sport’s positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing.

Andy Hadden, Founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “When we opened Lost Shore two years ago, we knew we were doing something ambitious, but to see what it has become in such a short time is genuinely extraordinary.

“In this year alone, we’ve secured landmark partnerships with national surfing organisations in Britain, Ireland and Norway, establishing Lost Shore as an international training destination.

“With wave parks now emerging around the world, Lost Shore is increasingly being seen as a blueprint for how these destinations can become part of their communities, rather than simply commercial attractions. That’s testament to the dozens of Scottish businesses that helped bring our vision to life.

“We set out to create something that would change the future of surfing in Scotland, and two years in, we’re only just getting started.”

The milestone also underlines Lost Shore’s growing contribution to Scottish tourism, with the resort delivering a boost of more than £20 million to the Scottish economy through its surfing, accommodation, hospitality and wellness offering.

Lee Wood, Managing Director of Lost Shore Surf Resort, added: “Welcoming visitors from 77 countries this year alone shows the incredible international appeal of Lost Shore and the growing appetite for surfing in Scotland.

“What makes it particularly special is opening up surfing to everyone, whether that’s someone catching their first wave, a family trying something new or an elite athlete training for the Olympics.

“With more than 35,000 lessons delivered in the past year alone, we’re making surfing accessible to people who might never have imagined themselves on a surfboard, while giving visitors from around the world another reason to discover Scotland.”

And Lost Shore is preparing to end the year in spectacular style, with a special Hogmanay celebration featuring live music, ceilidh dancing and a midnight surf to welcome 2027.

Among those taking to the waves will be 16-year-old Isaac Friend from Cornwall, who has spent 2026 surfing every day to raise money for BBC Children in Need, raising more than £5,000 so far.

After completing his year-long challenge, Isaac is set to become the first surfer to ride Lost Shore’s waves in 2027, marking a memorable start to the resort’s third year.

From its first waves in November 2024 to the first waves of 2027, Lost Shore is showing no signs of slowing down.

SIX LONG LEGS at North Edinburgh Arts

A new visual theatre show for families exploring the importance of insects on our world is set to open in Edinburgh this month.

Using secondhand objects such as kitchen utensils and feather dusters, three performers transform into colourful insects, using puppetry and physical theatre to celebrate biodiversity and abundance.

With the help of the voice of a child who knows everything about insects, original music by Pete Buffery and Michael Hyland and a buzzing soundtrack, Emily Dyble, Ella Mackay and Bori Mezo shapeshift into strange new bodies and behaviours with joy and effort. The work hopes to create empathy with the smallest creatures we share our planet with.

A number of organisations have helped to shape the work, which will be brought to stage at Whale Arts and North Edinburgh Arts through a number of performances for schools, groups and families.

The Entomology (Insect) team at National Museums Scotland has fed into the script, and the work has also been developed from conversations with conservationists and scientists with insect charity Buglife and Forestry Research.

Six Long Legs is the company’s second show, following the well-received Hopeful Monsters. The project is supported by Creative Scotland, and through the Captivate programme at Manipulate Arts.

Six Long Legs will preview at North Edinburgh Arts on Friday 20 November at 4.30pm and Saturday 21 November at 11.30am.

Imaginary Insects Workshops (for ages 5+) will run Friday 20 November at 3.30pm, Friday 20 November at 4.45pm, Saturday 21 November at 1pm.

Workshops are free, but places are limited. Find out more on North Edinburgh Arts’s website.

Craigie Winter Concert

CRAIGROYSTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL WINTER CONCERT

THURSDAY 26th NOVEMBER 6 – 7.30pm

Tickets available via this link!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/craigroyston-community…

A decade of dazzling displays: Christmas at the Botanics reveals visitors’ festive favourites

From glowing fungi networks to dazzling water displays, Christmas at the Botanics has revealed some of its most-loved installations from years gone by, ahead of its landmark 10th anniversary celebrations this winter.

With just one week to go until the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is transformed into a glittering winter wonderland, visitors have been taking a trip down memory lane to vote for their favourite installations from each year’s trail.

Through a series of polls on the Garden’s Instagram account, the public were invited to choose their favourite from a selection of standout installations from each year, with this year’s winning displays now revealed.

Among the most popular was 2022’s Floraison by Pitaya, which received the highest number of votes across the nine annual polls. The striking display of glowing red poppies narrowly edged ahead of 2019’s projection show on the Palm Houses.

Other favourites included the enchanting Cyclamens from 2020 and 2021’s Sparkly Water. Now, as the much-loved illuminated trail prepares to celebrate a decade of festive magic, take a look back at the installations that captured visitors’ imaginations over the years.

2017 – Choir of Trees

Created by ITHACA STUDIO

Using strings of colourful bulbs wrapped around tree trunks, Choir of Trees illuminated the Garden’s pathway with vibrant light that reacted to the sound of music.

2018 – Feast of Light

Created by Squidsoup

In 2018, Squidsoup’s Feast of Light, was an interactive piece which featured dangling strands of colour-changing bulbs that visitors could walk through and immerse themselves in.

2019 – Palm Houses Show

Created by Lightworks

The standout in 2019, according to visitors, was the incredible Palm Houses Show, which lit up the Garden’s Grade A Listed building with a festive projection. The installation holds particular nostalgic appeal this year, following the reopening of the Garden’s Palm Houses in October after a major five-year restoration as part of the Edinburgh Biomes initiative.

2020 – Cyclamens

Created by The Lantern Company

Cyclamens brought the Garden’s flora to life with glowing pink flowers, adding a splash of springtime wonder to the winter trail.

2021 – Sparkly Water

Created by Lightworks

This water feature transformed the Garden’s cascading stream into a sparkling spectacle, with blue and golden lights reflecting off the water.

2022 – Floraison

Created by Pitaya

In 2022, visitors basked under the warm red glow of Floraison, which used suspended poppies to create a dreamy overhead installation.

2023 – White Roses

Created by Culture Creative

White Roses by Culture Creative created a sea of glowing white flowers that stood out against a striking backlight of deep blue.

2024 – Mycelium Network

Created by Stevie Thompson

Transforming the Garden floor into a mesmerising web of multicoloured lights, Mycelium Network wove an intricate picture of the root network.

2025 – Water Lilies

Created by The Lantern Company

Last year’s Water Lilies depicted a tranquil scene on the Garden’s pond, with glowing white flowers floating along the water.

A new decade of festive memories awaits

This winter, Christmas at the Botanics returns, bringing together the Garden’s rich history, remarkable living collections and a spectacular line-up of illuminated installations.

Running from 19 November to 30 December, this year’s trail will bring nature and history to light, with a breathtaking projection across Inverleith House by creative studio NOVAK.

Historic botanical illustrations from the Garden’s archive collection will be reimagined through light and animation, while 10 remarkable trees will be specially highlighted along the route to mark the anniversary.

Visitors can also look forward to brand-new installations, including the UK premiere of Lumycena by Pitaya, alongside returning favourites like the dazzling Christmas Cathedral.

Tickets for Christmas at the Botanics are on sale now at www.rbge.org.uk/christmas/.

Visitors are encouraged to book early, with popular dates expected to sell out.

Police launch Operation Winter City

Police in Edinburgh’s annual campaign to keep the public visiting the city centre safe over the festive period has launched for 2026.

Operation Winter City commences Saturday, 14 November and will run until Sunday, 3 January 2027, providing a high-visibility policing presence in key areas to deter crime and respond to any incidents that arise, while also engaging and offering reassurance to those who live, work and visit.

This year, local officers will be supported by the new City Centre Policing Unit, as well as colleagues from neighbouring divisions, the Retail Crime Taskforce, CID and Road Policing.

Throughout the month, dedicated foot patrols will be undertaken in areas such as the Christmas Market, Princes Street, George Street, The High Street and Royal Mile and within both the Waverley Mall and St James Quarter. Retail premises will be regularly visited to offer appropriate advice on safeguarding their stores and to deter retail offences arising.

In addition, Project Servator deployments will take place. Project Servator is a policing tactic that aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.

This approach uses police officers who are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may be planning to carry out criminal activity.

It relies on unpredictable and highly visible police deployments, while at the same time building a network of vigilance made up of businesses, community partners and the general public to encourage suspicious activity to be reported.

Inspector Stephen Quinn, Silver Commander for Operation Winter City, said: “It’s always a special time to be in Edinburgh during the festive season and each year we see millions visit the Capital for shopping, nights out, or to enjoy the array of events taking place within the city centre.

“Operation Winter City ensures we have a proportionate and visible presence in the areas that see the greatest level of footfall during the coming month and we will have officers on hand to support the public with whatever is required.

“The benefit of being a national policing services means we can also flex specialist resource to support our dedicated teams working within the Capital during Christmas and New Year and I’m grateful to all of those who will be involved in Operation Winter City 2026.

“We want the public to remember the festive period spent within Edinburgh fondly, so please help us deter crime by taking simple steps to maintain your own safety and the safety of your belongings during your time here. We have a range of useful advice available on our website, and this can also be obtained by speaking to any of our officers out on patrol.

“On behalf of everyone within Edinburgh Division, I wish you all a very safe, secure and Merry Christmas.”

If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, report it online and in confidence at gov.uk/ACT, or in an emergency call 999.

Cancer charity Maggie’s announced as Omaze’s new charity partner

A draw to win a stunning Lake District home OR take home £5,000,000 in cash instead will raise vital funds for Maggie’s

Leading cancer charity Maggie’s has today been revealed as the new charity partner of Omaze.

By entering the incredible Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Lake District, people will be helping Maggie’s to build a new centre to support growing numbers of people with cancer.

The guaranteed £1,000,000 from the Lake District House Draw will help to build a new Maggie’s centre in Coventry – the first of its kind in the West Midlands.

The announcement comes alongside the charity marking 30 years of providing expert and free support to people impacted by cancer.

The new centre will be a welcoming space for people impacted by cancer and those who love them, a place where they can find connection, comfort and community.

There are currently 27 Maggie’s cancer support centres across the UK and the first opened in Edinburgh in November 1996.

The partnership is backed by Maggie’s supporter and actor Stanley Tucci. You can watch Stanley talking about his support of Maggie’s and Omaze here.

Dame Laura Lee DBE, Chief Executive of Maggie’s, said: “We feel incredibly lucky to have been chosen as an Omaze partner.

“A cancer diagnosis can turn life upside down in an instant. At Maggie’s, we’re here to make sure no one has to face it alone, offering expert support and a welcoming space to turn for people with cancer, as well as their family and friends, when they need us most.

“With growing numbers of people being diagnosed with cancer, our support has never been more important. Thanks to the generosity of the Omaze community, we’ll be able to reach thousands more, ensuring people have somewhere to turn when they need us most.”

The winner of the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Lake District, can choose a six-bedroom lodge overlooking Windermere, in the Lake District National Park – or a whopping £5,000,000 in cash instead.

The contemporary property has breathtaking panoramic views across the water and comes with a separate boathouse and private jetty.

If the winner chooses the spectacular property, it comes mortgage-free, with stamp duty and eligible legal fees covered, plus furnishings included. They will also receive £250,000 in cash and can choose to move in, rent it out for supplementary income, or sell it whenever they wish to become a cash multimillionaire.

The ground floor has a bespoke, open-plan kitchen and spacious dining area as well as a lounge, gym, cinema room, games room, utility room and lavatory.

The first floor has three bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms. The second floor has three further bedrooms, again each with its own en suite.

Set apart from the main house, the boathouse provides a living room, kitchen and lavatory.

The manicured grounds include a two-level terrace, outdoor kitchen and tin spa bath, as well as a private stretch of lakefront and jetty. There is off-road parking for up to six vehicles.

The property sits within the Lake District National Park, with Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside and Kendal among the nearby towns. Windermere station provides connections to the wider rail network.

Matt Pohlson, Founder and CEO of Omaze, said: “Everyone at Omaze is thrilled to be partnering with Maggie’s for our latest house draw.

“This dream lakeside home in the Lake District or £5,000,000 in cash will change one lucky winner’s life, whilst also helping Maggie’s support people affected by cancer.

“If the winner chooses the house, they can move into this beautiful home, rent it out for a supplementary income, or sell up and cash in whenever they wish. Whatever they choose, they have fantastic, life-changing options available to them.

“Omaze gives people the chance to win incredible prizes, whilst introducing charities to new audiences they wouldn’t normally reach – it’s a win-win for entrants and our charity partners.

“We’re immensely proud that the Omaze Community has now raised over £150 million for good causes across the UK.”

To date, Omaze has awarded over £250 million in total prize value to its customers in the UK, creating more than 50 millionaires through a combination of spectacular Grand Prize house wins and tax-free cash prizes including the Monthly Millionaire draw

Draw entries for the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Lake District, are available now from omaze.co.uk. The Grand Prize Draw closes on Boxing Day, Saturday 26th December 2026 for online entries and Wednesday 30th December 2026 for postal entries.

In addition to the Grand Prize, anyone entering online by Sunday 6th December 2026 (Tuesday 8th December 2026 for postal entries) will also be in with the chance to win an incredible Early Bird Prize of £500,000 in cash. Entrants can also subscribe for best value bundles and automatic entry into every monthly House, Early Bird and Omaze Monthly Millionaire Draw.

Draw entries for the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Cotswolds, are also available at omaze.co.uk. The Grand Prize Draw closes on Sunday 22nd November 2026 for online entries and Tuesday 24th November 2026 for postal entries.

Terms apply, see omaze.co.uk for more information. No purchase necessary to enter. Over 18s and UK residents only.

The Tale of Eliza Scrooge

CHURCH HILL THEATRE 25 – 28 NOVEMBER

An exciting reimagining of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’, bringing the tale you know and love into Edinburgh in the 21st Century, all performed by an adult and youth cast from Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.

The Tale of Eliza Scrooge

Wednesday 25th November – Saturday 28th November 2026 (Matinee only on Saturday)

Church Hill Theatre, Morningside

ticketsource.com/leitheatre

Christmas Markets at The Pitt

Dig out your daftest Christmas jumper and join us down in Granton for The Pitt Christmas Markets!

We’ve got over 40 local makers, artists and traders setting up in the warehouse for the weekend. Come for a rummage through the rails, pick out a print for a pal or stock up on cheese, chutney and olives for the Christmas spread. There’ll be handmade homeware, decorations and sweet treats for the stockings too.

Fancy making one of the presents yourself? Join a wreath-making workshop or bring the wains along to get crafty. They can get their faces painted and pay Santa a visit in his grotto while they’re here

Our street food traders are on lunch duty both days, so grab some hot scran, pull up a chair indoors and catch the choir. We’ll have mulled wine, local beers, fruity mocktails and soft drinks to see you through the afternoon.

FREE ENTRY

Public urged to share views on local government reform

Online platform launched

Members of the public are being urged to share their views on local governance reform and help shape next steps.

The Scottish Government has launched an online questionnaire seeking views on:

how local government is currently organised
the most important features of local governance reform
any concerns or opportunities

The questionnaire forms part of a three-month programme of engagement on local governance reform.

Ministers are also holding discussions with organisations including Scotland’s 32 local councils, the local government organisation COSLA and trade unions to explore how local governance can be reshaped to support improved public services.

Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad said: “Reforming councils and local government is about making services work better for the people of Scotland and empowering communities – pushing power out and across the country and decision making as local as possible.

“Over the last two months, we have had constructive discussions with a range of organisations, including councils and unions, and now we want to hear more on what our communities across Scotland think, not least their experiences of council services and their priorities.

“Alongside the insights and perspectives already shared, public views will help inform the next phase of this important work on the future of local governance.”

Responses can be submitted through the online platform until Friday, 11 December.

COSLA’s alternative vision for public service reform takes an outcomes-based approach to ensure that people and communities are at the heart of change.

Swipe through to explore key challenges with the Scottish Government’s initial local governance proposals: