Scotland surf forecast

Surfing in Scotland

Scotland has a long, cold and mostly uncrowded coastline that takes swell from several directions, which is why its surf spots are spread far apart. The north coast around Thurso in Caithness is the best known. Thurso East is a long, hollow right-hand reef over flat flagstone that takes swell from the north-west round to the north-east, is offshore in south to south-easterly winds and works through much of the tide; it is for experienced surfers only. Brims Ness is a set of exposed, shallow slate reefs that are for advanced surfers only, and Dunnet Bay is a long, gently sloping sandy beach and the best place in the area to learn.

The west coast and islands are a different trip. Tiree in the Inner Hebrides has a choice of beach breaks that suit a range of abilities, Machrihanish on the Kintyre peninsula has a long, exposed beach running north to Westport, and Eoropie on Lewis is a punchy, rippy beach break that is rarely crowded. These spots are hours and ferry crossings apart, so treat them as separate trips rather than alternatives on the same morning. On the east coast, Fraserburgh relies on North Sea swell and is more fickle, but it can work for beginners and intermediates.

The biggest and most consistent surf runs from autumn to spring, with September and October often giving the best balance of size and conditions; summer is smaller and gentler. Water is cold all year, so a thick wetsuit with boots, gloves and a hood is needed for much of it. Shallow reefs, strong rips, cold water and remote access are the hazards to plan around, and a car is close to essential.