Pop-up saunas set for South Ayrshire

South Ayrshire Council is set to allow pop-up saunas to operate for the first time on the beaches of Barassie, Troon, Ayr and Maidens.

Under the pilot project, the Council will grant operators a one-year licence.

There could be up to four pop-up saunas in total with one sited at Barassie Beach Road Car Park; one at Troon South Beach Car Park; another at Doonfoot Castle Walk Car Park; and one more at the Harbour Road Car Park in Maidens.

Each vendor would be responsible for running their pitch and ensuring their rules and procedures are followed. Under the terms of the licence the operator would also have an attendant on hand when the saunas are open.

Each sauna would be booked in advance with the operator responsible for taking bookings and payments.

Councillor Alec Clark, Depute Leader and Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "We have some of the best beaches in the country and we already have a number of vendors keen to locate their saunas in South Ayrshire. These mobile saunas will add another amenity to our coastline. I have no doubt they will boost footfall and help visitors and locals get even more from our beaches."

Councillor Martin Kilbride, Buildings, Housing and Environment Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "Saunas have many health benefits including helping to relieve stress, boosting skin health and aiding circulation. Coastal swimmers and many others have been calling out for beach saunas to be introduced in South Ayrshire, and this pilot will make it possible.

"There are already 14 mobile saunas operating very successfully on Local Authority land across Scotland, so I am sure once the saunas are introduced, they will also prove to be a hit."

Another pop-up vendor licence will be granted in Prestwick at the back of Kidz Play on the esplanade. This licence will be for food or drink.

For more information, please visit https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/mobile-saunas. This webpage will list the vendors operating a mobile sauna when the licences are in place.