Tuesday September 8th 2026
Representatives from HcL, Lost Shore Surf Resort and EICA celebrate the launch of the new Service 67 bus linking Ratho with Edinburgh city centre.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A new bus service linking Ratho directly with Edinburgh city centre has launched after years of campaigning to restore a connection which has been missing since 2014.
Service 67 will run hourly between Ratho and central Edinburgh, stopping at Ratho village, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA), Lost Shore Surf Resort, Hermiston Park & Ride and Haymarket.
The new service is being welcomed by residents and businesses in the area, with a community campaign finding strong demand for a direct public transport link.
More than 2,200 people responded to research carried out by the Ratho Bus Working Group, with 90 per cent saying they would use public transport if services to the area were improved.
The service is being operated by HcL using accessible 16-seat minibuses. It is initially running as a six-month trial, with passenger numbers and feedback expected to determine whether the route can continue on a permanent basis.
It currently operates hourly from Monday to Friday, with services due to expand to seven days a week in the coming weeks. An adult single fare is £2.40, while eligible National Entitlement Cards are accepted.
The route is also expected to make it easier for local residents to travel into Edinburgh, while providing a new public transport option for people visiting EICA, Lost Shore or Ratho itself.
Stacey O’Flaherty, of the Ratho Bus Working Group, said the service was about more than providing another bus route.
She said: “This is about much more than introducing another bus route. EICA and Lost Shore are two incredible destinations sitting side by side in Ratho, yet getting here without a car has remained difficult, while our community has been without a direct connection to Edinburgh city centre since 2014.
“More than 2,200 people took part in our research and 90% told us they would use public transport if a suitable service was available. The 67 responds to that demand, connecting EICA, Lost Shore and Ratho village directly with Hermiston Park & Ride, Haymarket and the city centre.
“This is a huge step forward for the community and for making this part of Edinburgh easier to reach. Now we need people to use it and help us demonstrate over the next six months just how valuable this connection can be.”
The campaign has been supported by both Lost Shore and EICA, which have argued that poor public transport links have been a barrier for customers and staff.
Victoria Harper, manager at EICA, said: “We’re delighted to see the launch of Service 67 and the new opportunities it creates for our customers, staff and the wider community.
“One of the barriers to taking part in climbing and adventure activities can simply be getting here. This new direct connection makes EICA more accessible to people from across Edinburgh, whether they’re regular climbers, first-time visitors, students or families looking for an active day out.
Lost Shore managing director, Lee Wood, added: “This is fantastic news for Lost Shore, EICA, the Ratho community and everyone who has worked so hard to make the case for better public transport to this part of Edinburgh.
“For the first time, people will have a simple, direct connection from the city centre to come surfing at Lost Shore, climbing at EICA, or spend a day experiencing both.
“This has taken a huge collective effort, particularly from the Ratho Bus Working Group, who have campaigned tirelessly for better connections. Now the most important thing we can do is get behind the service and use it.”
The route also strengthens the connection between Lost Shore and neighbouring EICA, which together form a growing adventure sports hub in Ratho.
The service will initially run between central Edinburgh and Ratho on a trial basis, with its future dependent on passenger use.
The trial is being supported by a £50,000 Local Authority Direct Award and funding from SEStran, with HcL operating the service. The success of the service will depend on people using it, with campaigners urging residents and visitors to get on board.
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