Opening of new climbing wall at Gairloch High School and Leisure Centre

To mark the occasion, there will be events for all the family from 11  am – 4 pm. Climbers will be on hand to give all ages the opportunity to try out the new wall and there will be indoor rowing machines and spinning (indoor cycling) machines to add to appeal to those wishing something different. As well as all of this, there will be a number of activities particularly for younger members of the community. 

Refreshments will be available, thanks to the Parent Council. There will be no charge for this but donations in support of the school fund will be gratefully received. 

The new climbing wall replaces one built as part of the original new school building in 1994 and has come about through the efforts of the Gairloch Community Climbing Wall Partnership (GCCWP) over the last three years. The partnership comprises representatives of the community, Gairloch High School and Gairloch Leisure Centre.  

The new wall offers a greatly improved indoor venue for all levels of climber. In addition to providing a facility for the school and community, it is hoped that it will draw visitors in the area by giving them another option to pursue when the weather is unsuitable for outdoor activities.  

It may even attract people to visit the area specifically for the climbing experience of the wall. While not reducing the capacity of the Games Hall and Leisure Centre for other sports, the wall takes up most of one end of the area. It has a range of lead routes and top-roped routes that can be changed to maintain variety for regular users. A variety of sizes of climbing shoes, harnesses and helmets have been purchased to allow anyone to have a go without having to come equipped to use the wall. 

GCCWP is grateful to Ineos, SportScotland, Highland Leader Fund, Great Wilderness Challenge and the local community for their generosity in supporting this venture. The wall has been designed and built by Avertical World to the specification laid down by GCCWP. The Highland Council has agreed to the building of the wall on its property and is to undertake the day to day running and maintenance of the wall jointly through the school and the Leisure Centre.