SYCC climbing comp will be biggest ever

This weekend ClimbScotland will run its biggest climbing event ever, with almost 150 contestants taking part in three different competitions at EICA Ratho.

Climbers will be competing in the Scottish Youth Climbing Competition, the Scottish Youth Speed Competition and ParaClimb Scotland, all run by ClimbScotland, part of Mountaineering Scotland.

And, while winners normally go home with a trophy or medal (and a warm glow of satisfaction), this year Tiso Outdoor has donated nearly £700 worth of prizes across the three competitions, mainly in the form of vouchers.

Mountaineering Scotland Sport Development Officer Kevin Howett said: “This is a great piece of generosity from Tiso, and it will be good to give that extra bit of reward to climbers for all their hard work and training.”

The SYCC this year will see over 120 young climbers pitting themselves against problems on the Ratho walls, leading or top-roping according to their age groups. The speed competition will see 70 contestants going all out in what is seen as the equivalent of the 100-metre sprint for climbers. And about 30 contestants are expected for the ParaClimb event, which was introduced two years ago and is part of this season’s British ParaClimb Series organised by Mountaineering Scotland and the BMC.

Bruce Hay, manager of Tiso’s Perth Outdoor Experience store, said: “Climbing is part of the Tiso DNA and we're delighted to be providing the prizes for this competition. Climb Scotland is doing incredible work, encouraging and developing the next generation of participants. It’s a pleasure to be involved.”