Work on Edinburgh's new surf park has come under fire this weekend after construction was reported to have caused a host of local wildlife to be pushed out of their homes.
The new attraction, called Wavegarden Scotland, was given the green light from city officials last year and will be built on the site of the disused Craigpark quarry near Ratho.
However, the construction of the new attraction has caused severe upset with local residents, who believe the surrounding wildlife has been put at risk and thrown from their natural habitat.
One resident took to social media today to share their dismay at the site due to digging and drilling next to active Badger setts, potentially hurting the animals or forcing them from their homes.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, the Ratho local also stated that animals such as deers, frogs, swans, deer and even two class one peregrine falcons are at risk of losing their habitats to the park.
They added:
"All we ever wanted the developers to do was look after what wildlife was already there. From 2006 - 07 till present , absolutely no mitigation in place for any of the wildlife, and that is outrageous. Feel we have been lied to all along."
However, according to recent reports, the Scottish National Heritage organisation have stated that the park can go ahead, as no protected species have been found at the site.
A spokesperson from the SNH said:
"We are content with the findings of the ecological surveys that have been undertaken at this site to date, which show that no protected species have been found and therefore no protected species licences are required for development to proceed.
"If species such as badgers or otter have since moved into the area, further surveys would be required to identify appropriate protection measures and any licence requirements. The ecology survey report contains such recommendations for the development to follow."
The Wavegarden creators have stated previously that the Ratho site will not only be a surf park, but also a large country park for both people and wildlife to thrive in.
Tartan Leisure have stated they have undertaken all of the necessary wildlife surveys requested by the council which all concluded there was no reason why development could not proceed.
Andy Hadden, co-founder of Wavegarden, described the project as “an exciting project which we believe would deliver a number of economic, social and health benefits".
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.
Speaking previously, he said: 'We believe that this facility will deliver many benefits for the local community and for Scotland by offering world-class adventure leisure amenities alongside a wonderful country park, for walkers, runners and cyclists to enjoy."
