Setback for planned world-class climbing centre in the Highlands as location deemed too risky by health and safety officials

Ambitious plans for a world-class climbing centre in Inverness have hit a setback after the proposed location was deemed to be too risky.

The £3 million Ledge Climbing Gym was initially going to be built at Inverness Marina.

But due to delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic and financial uncertainty, project leaders put forward alternative plans instead to convert a warehouse in Lotland Street in the city’s Longman Industrial Estate.

But according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), its location next to a large fuel storage and distribution site poses an unacceptable risk to health and safety.

Highland Council’s south planning applications committee agreed a recommendation to refuse permission for the application submitted by Scotlog Sales.

The venture would generate £1 million for the local economy and create the equivalent of 46 full-time jobs, it is claimed.

Planning officer David Mudie explained HSE risk assessment was based on a matrix system.

He said while the building would be classed at sensitivity level one as it was used by people familiar with a safety culture, it would move to a higher category if used for leisure purposes and also by young people.

Related story: New plans for international-class indoor climbing centre

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