A new waterfront sauna with views across to the Forth bridges has been proposed for Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry.
Plans have been drawn up for a wellness facility at the marina featuring two saunas, three cold plunge barrels, changing facilities and a reception area. The development is intended to serve locals, marina users and visitors at one of the capital’s best-known waterfront destinations.
The proposed hub would sit on a 120sq m waterfront site at Port Edgar, making use of the marina’s existing parking and wider infrastructure. According to the plans, the coastal setting would give users open views towards the Forth bridges, adding to the appeal of the scheme.
Architects say the design has been shaped by the waterside location. A planning statement says the buildings would use timber cladding, blue profiled metal sheeting and dark grey single-ply membrane roofing to create what is described as a robust, simple and maritime character.
Although the buildings would be demountable and sit on lightweight foundations or concrete paving slabs, the proposal is for permanent planning permission rather than a temporary consent.
The statement adds that the demountable approach is designed to minimise ground disturbance and reduce physical intervention on the site. The proposed development lies outwith the South Queensferry Conservation Area, while three wood-fired stoves would be needed and wastewater would be handled through a controlled discharge-to-ground arrangement.
Port Edgar Marina is already a popular leisure destination on the Firth of Forth, sitting between the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing. The marina describes itself as a year-round base for boat owners, watersports and visitors, while the wider Forth Bridges tourism site highlights its sailing, watersports, boat tours, shops and food and drink offer.
If approved, the sauna hub would add another attraction to the growing mix of leisure uses at Port Edgar and tap into the wider boom in outdoor wellness experiences seen across Scotland.