Lost Shore instructor, Craig Mclachlan, beat a quality international field, including Olympians, to win the Hi-Land Fling event at the Lost Shore surfing resort near Edinburgh.

Mclachlan said: “I’m absolutely stoked to win. I’ve spent a huge amount of time training and working here at Lost Shore and it was really exciting to compete against such a strong international field.

“The level was super high so to win it here makes it even more special.”

Europe’s largest inland surf resort welcomed elite surfers from across Europe and the event reinforced Scotland’s growing reputation as an emerging destination on the global surf scene.

Mclachlan, Thurso-born but now living in Edinburgh, claimed victory following a standout final performance against French surfer Nicolas Paulet. He impressed judges with a series of progressive and technical rides to secure the top podium spot.

In the women’s competition, French surfer, Sarah Leiceaga, was crowned champion after an inspiring comeback story that became one of the defining moments of the weekend.

Having suffered a heavy knock during practice the day before competition, Leiceaga delivered a winning performance against Basque Country surfer Ariane Ochoa in the final.

Leiceaga admitted: “After the knock I took in training, I honestly wasn’t sure how things would go, so to come back and win feels really special.

“The waves at Lost Shore are so fun and technical which really pushes you to perform at your best.”

Meanwhile, British surfer Alys Barton was presented with the inaugural Hi-Land Hero Award, recognising her positivity, sportsmanship and contribution to the atmosphere.

Spectators enjoying live commentary, music, athlete appearances and community-focused activities throughout the weekend.

Lee Wood, managing director at Lost Shore, said: “To see a Lost Shore instructor win the men’s competition in front of a home crowd made the weekend even more special and speaks to the level of talent developing here in Scotland.

The event drew strong crowds and, across the weekend, there were some huge airs, technical barrel rides and progressive manoeuvres,  with surfers using the wave pool’s most advanced settings to deliver some progressive surfing.  

COOL: Craig Mclachlan in action during the event at Ratho. Picture by Alex Jeynes