Thorn Lighting's advanced luminaires, including Caelon RGBW Bluetooth, Urba, and
Contrast with Bluetooth, have been carefully selected to enhance the Lost Shore
Surf Resort in Edinburgh. The scheme ensures a visually appealing and functional
environment but also addresses the site's proximity to Edinburgh Airport by
minimising upward light.

Located in Ratho, just 25 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, Lost Shore is the
world's first inland surf resort and home to Europe's largest wave pool. The lagoon,
three times the size of the Wembley football pitch, generates up to 1,000 waves per
hour, creating an unparalleled experience for surfers of all abilities. Beyond the
water, the resort features luxury accommodation, a waterfront bar and restaurant, a
surf school, and wellness facilities, establishing itself as a major attraction for surfers
and visitors alike.

Lighting played a sensitive role in shaping the resort's identity. It needed to enhance
the natural beauty of the surroundings, complement the resort's striking architecture,
and create a safe, welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Engaged by landscape
architect HarrisonStevens, Thorn Lighting's solutions were carefully chosen to
achieve this vision, ensuring a seamless blend of performance, aesthetics, and
sustainability.

Addressing Challenges with Precision Lighting

Lost Shore's proximity to Edinburgh Airport posed a significant challenge in terms of
light control. The design had to carefully prevent any upward light spill which could
interfere with flight paths while ensuring effective, safe illumination across the resort.
Similarly, the lighting design needed to respect the site's woodland setting, again
preserving the night sky while enhancing key architectural and landscape elements.

A Thoughtful Lighting Design

Thorn Lighting implemented a tailored scheme that enhances the built environment
and natural surroundings to meet these challenges. Caelon S RGBW Bluetooth
spotlights were selected to illuminate the dramatic cliff faces bordering the lagoon.
Typically used for bridge and façade lighting, these luminaires were specified to
highlight the rugged rock formations, creating an impressive yet controlled effect.
Their tight optical control ensures precise lighting while minimising glare—an
essential consideration for night surfers.

Urba lanterns (IDA Dark Sky Approved, 3000K) were installed in the car parks and
arrival areas. These luminaires provide high-quality urban lighting while reducing
light pollution, supporting the resort's commitment to sustainability. Designed by
Wilmotte & Industries, the Urba lanterns ensure a sophisticated yet understated
presence that guides visitors safely through the space.

Contrast floodlights on multi-head columns throughout the resort offer flexible,
Bluetooth-controlled illumination, allowing different lighting scenes to be created for
various events and activities. This adaptability ensures that the resort remains
visually dynamic, with the lighting enhancing the overall atmosphere while
maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Enhancing Visitor Experience with Smart, Sustainable Lighting

A balance of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability drove the selection of
Thorn's luminaires. The ability to adjust lighting intensity and colour via Bluetooth
ensures that different areas of the resort can be tailored to specific activities, from
vibrant event lighting to more subtle ambient settings. This adaptability contributes
to the resort's distinctive identity while reducing energy consumption and minimising
environmental impact.

Debbie Harrison, Associate Director at HarrisonStevens, commented:
"Lighting the Lost Shore Surf Resort was both exciting and challenging. Its proximity
to Edinburgh airport and situation within a country park setting were the key factors
which informed the lighting solutions. The resulting design is compliant and
respectful of its surroundings. Thorn worked with our brief, the client’s budget and
the design team requirements to create an atmospheric and sustainable scheme.”

A Resort Built to Inspire

As the first inland surf resort of its kind, Lost Shore is set to become a major tourism
and sporting destination. Thorn Lighting's innovative solutions have played a key
role in realising this vision, ensuring that the lighting not only enhances the resort's
features but also supports its long-term sustainability goals. With recognition from
the Architectural Excellence Award (Public Use) 2025, Lost Shore is a testament to
the power of thoughtful design, proving that lighting can shape experiences, define
spaces, and create an unforgettable sense of place.