New competition wall for International Climbing Arena

Published on Monday 7 April 2008 10:23

A NEW competition wall will take the world's largest indoor climbing arena to greater heights.

The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho has unveiled plans for the new wall, which will be built to international competition standards.

Edinburgh Leisure and Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh & Lothians are funding the project, which will enable the centre to host competitions at a World Cup standard. The existing walls do not have enough over-hang to attract this level of competition.

A speed climbing section will also be added to the left of the existing advanced wall and a new advanced difficulty wall will be constructed. The structure will provide more routes for beginners and intermediate climbers.

Manager Graeme Gardiner said: "This funding paves the way for us to realise our full potential as the world's largest climbing arena – attracting truly world class climbing events.

"In addition to widening the range of climbing competitions the arena can host, it will provide valuable additional wall space for beginners. Since opening, the demand for starter courses has outweighed the amount of wall space suitable for this level of climber. This will help us meet the demand and help more climbers develop their talents."

Leading international climbing wall manufacturer Entre-Prises has been selected to build the new wall, which is scheduled to open in the autumn.