Youth Climbing Series

There are 4 rounds in total with 2 roped and 2 boulder rounds.

Climbers in each category must have competed in a minimum of 3 rounds to register a series ranking, and their best 3 results out of a possible 4 rounds are taken into account in order to gain their final series ranking.

If any rounds have to be cancelled, then all the remaining round’s scores will count. There will be no minimum number of rounds for their results to be ranked.

We will select the top 3 performers in each eligible category to make up the Scottish YCS Team who will compete in the Grand Final alongside the teams from England, Wales and Ireland in November. The Selection of the Scottish YCS Team will be the competitors in each category of Youth D, C, B and A. Youth E are not eligible to attend the YCS Grand Final.

• Competitors must be resident full-time in Scotland
• Members of the Scotland Development Squad are eligible to compete in the YCS
• In line with last years procedures members of the Scotland National Squad will be eligible to compete in the YCS if it is considered appropriate. An application process will be followed in which 2023/24 competitions, training progression and engagement, and coach reports will be considered. Application forms can be obtained by contacting . For more information on how this decision was reached last year please refer to the ClimbScotland STS – YCS Eligibility Decision.
• GB Team members are not eligible to compete in the YCS
• Youth E climbers can compete in the rounds but are not eligible to compete in the Grand Final

Registrations and start times may have to be staggered. Details will follow once bookings close and we know how many competitors are attending.

As the Rules and Regulations for the YCS are changing we invite you to join a webinar being run by the BMC on 14 August where the changes will be explained. More information can be found on their site here.

If you are interested in joining this webinar please register here.

We will send up-to-date information to competitors prior to each round by email, but also post it here:

• Scottish YCS 2024 Rules – TBC
• Results: Live results for all rounds are posted on the ClimbScotland Results Service.

Round 1 – Boulder – The Ledge, Inverness – 14 Sept 2024

• Parent Information Round 1
• Boulder Map 

Round 2 – Roped – Transition Extreme, Aberdeen – 28 Sept 2024

• Parent Information Round 2
• Start Lists

Round 3 – Boulder – Block 10, Dundee – 19 Oct 2024

• Parent Information Round 3
• Boulder Map

Round 4 – Roped – Above Adventure, Kilmarnock – 2 Nov 2024

• Parent Information Round 4
• Start Lists

Grand Final – TBC

• The Grand Final Registration Schedule will be posted on the BMC website

There are five youth categories which are based on your year of birth:

• Youth E & D – Top Roping 
• Youth C, B & A – Lead climbing

NOTE: Youth E can attend the rounds but not the Grand Final

• Registration will generally open at 8:30am
• The competitions will start at 9:00am (*This time may change but will be no earlier)
• Bouldering Rounds will generally close at 1:00pm
• Roped Rounds will generally close at 5:00pm

Please note: Due to the nature of the competition format, the differing size and fire regulations of the host venues we may have to stagger start times for different age categories. More information will be available at the time. Even then, this may have to be changed at short notice.

Please be aware that this also means it may not be possible to accommodate all spectators (including parents and family members) at some venues. As a result we ask that only one adult parent / guardian accompanies each climber to each event. Two parents or guardians may attend if one volunteers at the event.

All competitors are required to be a ClimbScotland or Mountaineering Scotland member in order to compete in our Youth Climbing Series. If you are not already a member, please register here before attempting to book on to the Competition.

The cost per round for the ClimbScotland Youth Climbing Series is as follows:

• Individual rounds: £35.00
• Booking all 4 Rounds at once: £140.00
• Grand Final: £TBC

Concessions: are applicable to climbers whose parents or guardians are on Income Support or Family Credit. Evidence must be provided in support of this. Please make your booking through the Mountaineering Scotland office on 01738 493 942.

Volunteers: Adult volunteers are vital to ensure the youth competitions happen. You can register for the following roles:

• Category Judge (we try to double-up any new judges with those more experienced)
• Top-rope Belayer (belaying Youth D and Youth E category competitors)
• Lead belayer (belaying Youth A, B and C category competitors)
• Marshall (Comp zone, warm-up supervision, chaperoning, and any other required general duty)

Volunteer Registration and Support:

• You can volunteer when booking a place for your child(ren) in the booking portal or via the following form here.
• Further information can be found here
• There are up to 30 volunteer places available at each event which will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis
• When you volunteer as a lead belayer you will be asked to read and confirm acceptance of a Volunteer Competency Form
• We offer free belay training sessions at local climbing walls throughout the year, which helps ensure belay safety at the competitions but is also a good refresher for any climber
• You will be asked to check-in and register on the morning of the competition
• There will be a belay and judge briefing before each competition starts
• Volunteers in any of the positions above get free hot drinks on the day
• Volunteers’ details will be kept on a central register

We are looking for Scottish Youth Climbing Series sponsors – if you feel you can help get in touch with us at: