Inverness Leisure Centre to close climbing wall as new facility set to open in city in March
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INVERNESS Leisure Centre will close its climbing wall to make way for a new facility which is opening next month.
The Ledge is opening a new indoor climbing facility at Telford Retail Park which will coincide with the closure of the wall at Inverness Leisure Centre.
The indoor climbing facility at Inverness Leisure Centre has been in operation for around 25 years after it opened in the late 1990's.
But its closure will coincide with the opening of The Ledge Centre in March.
High Life Highland’s director of sport and Leisure, Douglas Wilby says along with The Ledge, they have agreed to work together to give the new venture every chance of success.
High Life Highland expects to continue running its current facility up to the end of March by which time the Ledge will be open.
He said: “For around the last 25 years, the climbing wall at Inverness Leisure has introduced many people to the sport as well given climbers the opportunity to develop their skills, leading to some Highland young people being able to succeed in competitive climbing.
“It has also been a place for climbers to meet other people and enjoy the social aspects of the sport in a warm and dry environment.
"The Highland area has some great outdoor climbing and at the time it was installed, the Inverness Leisure wall was innovative, with a lead climbing area which sought to mimic the outdoor climbing environment.
“A specialist climbing facility in Inverness has been long awaited.
“Climbing wall design has moved on considerably since the Inverness Leisure wall was installed and the new facility at ‘The Ledge’ will provide all that has been possible at Inverness Leisure and more.
“The development of this brand new, specialist facility means that the time is right for High Life Highland to hand over the baton to the Ledge to ensure that neither organisation is ‘competing’ to attract customers from each other."
The new climbing facility will have areas for beginners and experts, a lead climbing wall, bouldering walls, and Olympic standard bouldering wall and a dedicated children’s area.
The facility will also have a strength and conditioning area for those who want to include climbing
related personal fitness in their training. The Ledge will also be a café run by the Pitch15 as well as having an outdoor retail provided by Alpkit.
Speaking about the brand-new venture, The Ledge’s chief executive, Duncan McCallum said, “We are extremely proud to be carrying on the fine tradition of providing excellent indoor climbing facilities in the Highlands and recognise that the baton has been handed over to The Ledge in great condition.
“Designated by Climb Scotland as a National Performance Centre, we looking forward to advancing and developing climbing wall usage, for all comers in the Highlands.
When we open in early spring, The Ledge will offer a full range of climbing surfaces and develop much needed indoor/outdoor courses and learning opportunities in a bespoke modern facility.
"As a non-profit organisation, The Ledge is dedicated to working in the community and using climbing as a medium to help expand horizons and improve lives.”
