Thurso's World-Class Surf Scene Is an Economic Opportunity for the Far North

Steve Welsh has highlighted Thurso's growing international profile as a world-class surfing destination as an example of the untapped economic potential of outdoor and adventure tourism in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross. Thurso Bay, specifically the break at Thurso East, is widely regarded as one of the premier cold-water reef breaks in the world and has hosted international surfing competitions that have brought global media attention to this northern Scottish town. 'Thurso has something that money cannot manufacture — a world-class natural surf spot that attracts surfers from across Europe and beyond,' said Mr Welsh. 'That is an extraordinary asset and the tourist economy here should be built around it more deliberately.' He called for investment in surf tourism infrastructure in Thurso including improved changing and washing facilities, accommodation development, and a surf tourism marketing campaign targeting the growing European market for adventure sports destinations. He also highlighted the North Coast 500 touring route, which brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the constituency each year, as an outstanding platform for promoting Thurso and Caithness more broadly. 'The Far North is one of the world's great adventure destinations. Reform UK will invest in the infrastructure and marketing that lets the world know it.'