Longcraig Scout Water Activity Centre
ENTRY
from £10
WHERE
Edinburgh
What it’s like
A shore-side scout centre by South Queensferry where groups get out on the water sailing, kayaking and rafting for a set two or four hour session.
This is a booked session for a Scout, Guide or youth group rather than a turn-up-and-play day out. Groups get on the water for sailing, kayaking or rafting, run in two-hour or four-hour blocks depending on the section. Squirrels, Beavers and Rainbows get the shorter, cheaper £10 session, while Cubs, Brownies, Scouts, Guides, Explorers and Rangers pay £18 for two hours or £30 for a full four-hour day.
The catch is numbers. Midweek sessions need a minimum of 12 people booked in, and weekend sessions need 40, so this isn't something a single small pack can casually organise on a quiet Tuesday. It's built for a group booking, and the site is upfront that weather can force a cancellation, usually with 24 to 48 hours' notice based on the forecast.
There's no waterproof kit provided, which is worth knowing before anyone turns up in their school coat. If you're booking a BBQ alongside your session, the centre provides the actual barbecue and gas, but you bring the food yourself. Getting there without a car is doable: the 43 bus from Edinburgh city centre or the train to Dalmeny Station both leave a ten-minute walk down the hill, and the 71 from the Gyle is about fifteen minutes along the shore.
Turn up 10 to 15 minutes before your slot. The duty manager is on site around half an hour early, so there's a bit of flex if your minibus is running late, but not much more than that.
Facilities
Need to know
- Getting there by bus or train
- Bus 43 from Edinburgh city centre (10 min walk from Dalmeny station), or bus 71 from the Gyle (15 min walk)
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your session; the duty manager is there about 30 minutes early
- Cancel outside 21 days of your booking for a full refund
- Booking a BBQ gets you the barbecue and gas, but you supply the food
- There's a picnic area and toilets on site, including an accessible toilet
Plan your visit
How much does a session cost?
£10 for Squirrels, Beavers and Rainbows for a two-hour session. Everyone else pays £18 for two hours or £30 for a full four-hour day.
Do we need to book in advance?
Booking's required and there's a minimum group size: 12 people for midweek sessions, 40 for weekends.
What do the kids actually do?
Sailing, kayaking and rafting out on the water, depending on what's arranged for your session.
What happens if the weather's bad?
LSC can cancel for adverse weather, usually giving 24 to 48 hours' notice based on the forecast. You'll get a full refund if they cancel on you.
Should we bring waterproofs?
Yes, bring your own. The centre doesn't provide them.
How do we get there without a car?
The 43 bus from Edinburgh city centre or the train both stop at Dalmeny Station, a 10 minute walk downhill from the centre. The 71 from the Gyle leaves a 15 minute walk along the shore.
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