Opening of new attraction at Grantown
Staff at the Craig MacLean Leisure Centre, Grantown, are inviting all locals and visitors to the official open of the outstanding new indoor climbing wall on Sunday (July 18).
The impressive 8.5 metre high, six roped wall in the main sports hall has just finished being constructed by Aviemore-based expert Scott Muir and his team at Extreme Dream Ltd.
Donna Reilly, the council’s facilities manager for the Craig MacLean centre, is delighted that there is another great attraction at the magnificent sport centre the climbers are graded 4 – 6c so there is opportunity for everyone whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber.
She said: "The climbing wall was part of the founding members’ original vision for the centre, and through community efforts and sponsor support this vision has now been realised."
Mrs Shirley Rattery, chairperson of the centre’s management committee, thanked all the funders, sponsors and the community for their support of this project. She said: "Without their support this dream would never have happened."
Funding for the £30,000 project has come from a wide range of backers including the Scottish Government, the European Community (Cairngorms Local Action Group) LEADER 2007-2013, Strathspey Leisure and Recreation Trust, Thunder In The Glen’s Dunedin Chapter, Craig MacLean Leisure Centre Management Committee and the wider community, Highland Council’s Education Culture and Sport Service and the council’s Badenoch and Strathspey ward discretionary fund.
The opening ceremony will begin at 10am when young climbers from the Highlanders Youth Climbing Club will perform a technical display.
Physio Barbara Hummel of Bumble Bee will be on hand to provide climbing warm-ups to ensure those taking part do not get injured.
Taster sessions for beginners and climbing registration for those who are competent will be available throughout the day completely free of charge.
The team at the sports centre next to Grantown Grammar School have lined-up a free fun-packed day for all the family to mark the grand opening.
The showground field over the road from the facility will be hosting an exciting array of associated outdoor activities on the day including military tests by staff from the town’s RAF Outdoor Training Centre; archery provided by Craggan Outdoors; Back Country Survival will be giving demonstrations on bush craft skills; Body Currents will be giving lessons on Free Running; Outdoor Discovery are laying on a bungee run; Mucky Pups have organised a bear hunt and Cairngorm Outdoor Access- will be leading health walks.
There will also be an assortment of centre-run activities including self defence skills, fitness testing, a rowing challenge, basic first aid classes, a tots play and soft play, bouncy castle, and even a human hamster ball!
Local outdoor shops Ellis Brigham and Cairngorm Mountain Sports will pitch climbing gear and sports wear stalls; Base Camp mountain bikes are promoting their new shop in Grantown with a selection of bikes and a skills course while Balliefurth Farm are laying on a barbecue to keep up everyone’s energy levels.
Donna Reilly said: "The climbing wall will operate a summer and winter opening programme - details of which will be available at the open day.
"Access to the wall will be free for all inclusive Highlife members and a selection of the latest climbing gear will be available for hire."
Rock shoes are recommended but not essential for those wanting to go climbing - secure indoor trainers are acceptable.
Taking on the technical advisory role, route setting and ongoing training for the wall be Pete Hill MIC.
Donna said Pete’s expertise will be invaluable to her team - all Highland Council Outdoor Education Accredited centre staff.
She said: "Our staff are now fully trained and committed to make climbing a safe and accessible activity for all who visit this terrific new facility, with Pete’s support I’m sure the wall be a huge success and a real asset to the Badenoch and Strathspey community"
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