Backers of planned £3m world-class climbing centre in Highland capital still reaching for success despite setback
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An ambitious project to develop a world-class climbing centre in the Highland capital is still very much alive, despite a recent setback.
The proposed £3 million Ledge Climbing Gym was dealt a blow last month when the planning application was turned down by Highland councillors.
They were acting on a report by the Health and Safety Executive which said its planned Inverness Lotland Street location next to a large fuel storage and distribution site posed an unacceptable risk.
But the charity behind the project – which will include climbing walls, a café, a high-performance gym and fitness studio, plus a retail outlet – is determined to press on and expects to reveal a possible way forward very soon.
The Ledge chief executive Duncan McCallum insisted the project team is not giving up yet and has been buoyed by the amount of support to bring the long-awaited dream to fruition.
"There are quite a few options for us to pursue in light of the planning committee’s decision," he said.
"We are busy investigating those now.
"We are certainly not going to stop pushing this project because it will be a great thing locally for jobs and bring other benefits.
"The team remains very positive."
Mr McCallum said the team had been holding talks with partners and funders since the decision by the council’s south planning applications committee to reject the planning application submitted by Scotlog Sales.
Councillors were told it would be considered less of a risk if the building was to be used by people familiar with a “safety culture” but had to be ranked as a more dangerous proposition given the intention to use it for leisure purposes and by young people.
Mr McCallum, who co-presents BBC Scotland’s Adventure Show, said the team was preparing a robust response to the committee’s decision.
"There are no formal plans yet," he said.
"We are busy talking to partners about how to move this forward. So far, feedback has been very encouraging.
"I am very positive the project will come to fruition."
He was also encouraged by the messages of support on social media.
"It shows the determination and support in the local climbing community for the sport," he said.
It is estimated the climbing centre will generate £1 million a year for the local economy and create 46 jobs.
It will be accredited by Mountaineering Scotland as a level three hub and a regional centre of excellence and is expected to support delivery of further education courses in sustainable mountain development.
It will be used by the general public and also in charity work to improve people’s lives through sporting activity.
Initially, the plan was to build the facility at Inverness Marina but due to delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic and financial uncertainty, alternative plans were put forward instead to convert a warehouse in Lotland Street in the city’s Longman Industrial Estate.
The project also received a £200,000 grant in November from Highlands and Islands Enterprise to contribute towards the costs of fitting out the climbing wall.
Members of the public have voiced disbelief via social media at the decision to reject the application and have urged the project team to continue with the vision.
Nadine Paterson said: "I’ve spoken to so many people that are delighted to find out that this facility is being planned. Chins up. Onwards and upwards."
Finlay David said: "There is a lot of support for your application, and the positive effect it would have on Inverness as well as this particular part of the city."
Barry Harper commented: "Very disappointing but keep at it!"
Related story: Indoor climbing facility secures funding
