After opening in 2016, the UHI Perth Climbing Centre was the first in Scotland to meet rigorous new Mountaineering Scotland criteria to be designated as a ‘Level 1 Climbing Hub’.
UHI Perth created the centre within its Academy of Sport and Wellbeing, with help from a £200k grant from sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund.
Eight years later and the centre has gone from strength to strength. Open to the public 7 days a week with over 10,000 user a year, the centre is fully inclusive and suitable for new and experienced climbers. There is a popular student, para climbers and community programme as well as performance climbing athletes, ensuring a sustainable progression route for all levels of ability.
Across the week, a variety of different activities are offered to support the entire community. Pre-school of rock is aimed at early movers supporting agility, balance and coordination with an average of 42 1–5-year-olds taking part in this session every week. Academy of Rock, NICAS, Development and Performance Squad programmes are aimed at 5–14-year-olds. With 176 young people registered on these courses, they are designed to teach the skills needed from first users through to lead climbing. It is a certificated programme which helps motivate the young people to achieve more.
The ever-popular student club and adult social climbing session are run weekly to give people from all backgrounds and climbing ability the opportunity to participate in climbing, make friends and learn new skills. In addition, bespoke courses that can be tailored to user need are encouraging people from all walks of life the opportunity to get involved.
The venue plays host to local school groups, youth clubs and charity organisations on a regular basis. It hosts various climbing events through the year, such as dry tooling and is used as a training venue for route setting courses, inclusivity course and governing body courses.
Eddie Baker, Climbing Technical Operations Manager explained: “I have been involved with the Climbing Centre since its opening and as a passionate climber myself, I am continually inspired by the progression of the many new climbers that walk through the door.
"All instructors find it rewarding to help climbers move towards their potential - whether that’s a child at a birthday party overcoming their fears to reach the top for the first time, supporting talented climbers through competitions, or helping outdoor climbers prepare for their next big adventure.
"There are so many facets of climbing and the sport means different things to different people, but the sense of community is consistent - everyone is rooting for each other to succeed at their individual aspirations.”
Kathryn, a Climbing Centre customer added: “For years, I viewed climbing as an impressive but intimidating sport—one I assumed I wouldn't be able to grasp, so I didn’t even try. My perspective changed when my son began the NICAS programme at age seven. Watching him gain confidence, learn and thrive in this environment has been incredibly rewarding. Learning to belay him through the ‘Supervising a Junior’ course was both straightforward and empowering, allowing me to become actively involved in his climbing journey.
"The sense of accomplishment I feel when reaching the top of a route I once struggled with is unmatched, strengthening my appreciation for the sport.”
Indoor climbing is enjoying an ever-growing profile after climbing was included in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Speed climbing was separated at Paris 2024 and the three disciplines, bouldering, lead and speed were popular with fans at Le Bourget Sport Climbing Venue and viewers at home.
The UHI Perth Climbing Centre walls have a host of unusual and striking features, inspired by iconic Scottish rock-climbing venues such as Carn Dearg, Mangersta, Strone Ulladale and Etive Slabs. Vertical walls, slabs, overhangs, soaring curved and stepped aretes, a flared chimney, bomb bay corners and flying grooves are all subtly merged to create an indoor climber’s paradise.
With 31 roped climbing lines and a bouldering area offering over 150 climbs throughout, there is plenty on offer whatever your age or experience.
Christine Paton, General Manager for Academy of Sport and Wellbeing (ASW) summarised: “As well as being a very fun and social activity, indoor climbing is an excellent physical workout, combining strength, flexibility, and endurance. In additional, it offers a mental workout offering an exhilarating way to challenge your mind, conquer fears, and build confidence, all within a safe, controlled environment. We warmly welcome everyone who wishes to give it a go.”
