Scotland’s Speed Climbing gets a boost with major upgrade at EICA: Ratho
Mountaineering Scotland has backed a major upgrade to the UK’s only international-standard speed climbing wall at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA: Ratho), with a significant investment in new official IFSC-certified holds.
The new equipment – purchased through Mountaineering Scotland’s ClimbScotland initiative, and made possible by reallocated funding from sportscotland – ensures that athletes training at EICA can continue to climb on holds that meet the highest international standards. The upgrade follows close collaboration with the speed climbing community, who use the wall for regular training and competition preparation.
Andrew Goodall, GB Climbing Speed Climber said:
“The new speed climbing holds are a game changer for the sport in Scotland. Access to international-standard holds means we can now train on a wall that mirrors those used in top competition. It’s a big step forward, not just for me but for the next generation coming through as well.”
Jamie Smith, Development Manager at ClimbScotland, said:
“We’re thrilled to see the new speed holds installed and ready for action. EICA is the only venue in the UK with IFSC-standard walls for all three Olympic disciplines – lead, boulder and speed – and one of only a handful worldwide.
“This upgrade is part of a wider strategy to grow participation and performance in speed climbing as a standalone Olympic medal discipline. We’re also working more closely with the sportscotland Institute of Sport and Edinburgh Leisure to support Scotland’s emerging climbing talent across all disciplines. It’s an exciting time for climbing in Scotland.”
The investment also lays the groundwork for upcoming national competitions, with Round 3 of the British Speed Series set to be hosted at EICA – dates to be announced soon.
Victoria Harper, Manager of EICA: Ratho, said:
“Edinburgh Leisure would like to express a huge thank you to Mountaineering Scotland and in turn, sportscotland, for their generous investment in the new speed holds at EICA. This upgrade – replacing the previous set purchased ahead of the 2022 World Cup with support from the City of Edinburgh Council, EventScotland, BMC, Mountaineering Scotland and Edinburgh Leisure – ensures our speed wall continues to meet the highest standards.
“With the addition of our new bouldering facilities, this investment strengthens EICA’s position as a premier venue for training and competition and keeps us firmly on the map for future international climbing events. We’re especially excited about the opportunities this creates for our young speed athletes to train on world-class equipment.”
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, ClimbScotland was created by Mountaineering Scotland in 2015 to support and inspire young people to get into climbing, from grassroots participation to elite competition. Over the past decade, the initiative – funded by sportscotland – has helped grow the sport across Scotland by providing coaching, talent development, and access to climbing opportunities for all.
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