State-of-the-Art Climbing Facilities Opening Soon in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s climbing arena is set to unveil new world-class bouldering facilities this Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the city’s climbing scene. The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to a generous grant of £100,000 from sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund. This funding, along with contributions from National Lottery Players who raise £30 million each week for charitable causes across the UK, has paved the way for a cutting-edge bouldering wall that is sure to attract climbers of all skill levels.
Unveiling State-of-the-Art Facilities
The new competition bouldering wall, designed by the esteemed Serious Climbing team at Rockcity, sets a new standard for climbing facilities in the UK. Ratho, the only climbing center in the country with Olympic-standard facilities for lead climbing, speed climbing, and bouldering, is poised to become a hub for climbers nationwide aspiring to compete at the highest levels.
Nic Crawshaw, Director of Climbing at EICA, expressed his excitement about the new facilities, designed to challenge experienced climbers and provide opportunities for skill refinement. The walls were crafted by top route setters, including Percy Bishton and Max Aryton, who bring a wealth of expertise from international competitions like the Olympics and the IFSC World Cup series.
Behind the Scenes
The boulders, meticulously crafted in a factory in Bulgaria, arrived in Edinburgh in October and have undergone meticulous installation by a specialist construction team over the past few months. Featuring holds, macros, and volumes from renowned brands in the Serious Climbing collection, these walls promise an unparalleled climbing experience for enthusiasts.
Mark English, Managing Director of Rockcity, highlighted the state-of-the-art flat-panelled bouldering walls and freestanding boulder, asserting that Edinburgh now boasts the best climbing facilities in the city and its environs. With world-class route setting and an extensive climbing hold selection, the venue is primed to host thrilling competitions and circuit-based bouldering events in the near future.
Community Impact
Emma Ogilvie-Hall, Head of Operations at Edinburgh Leisure, expressed gratitude for the investment that has revitalized the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena. With the new bouldering facilities meeting Olympic and international standards, Scotland is now equipped to host prestigious bouldering competitions and national training camps, solidifying the EICA’s reputation as a premier climbing destination.
Indoor bouldering, now the most popular form of climbing, ensures that climbers of all ages and abilities have access to top-notch facilities to hone their skills and pursue their passion. As climbing gains popularity following its successful debut at the Olympic Games, the EICA stands ready to welcome climbers from near and far to experience the thrill of scaling new heights in a world-class setting.