We've told you about the Ice Factory in Kinlochleven before, erm,
twice actually and we could have told you again, but we were
embargoed, but hey, the good news is that the largest indoor ice wall
in the world now is officially, officially approved, if you know what
we mean.
The £2 million project is due to open winter 2003 and will
employ some 18 staff overseeing over 1000 square metres of indoor
rock and ice climbing. The centre will also boast Scotland's first
articulated rock climbing wall and dedicated instruction bay as well
as a multi-gym, sauna and steam centre, child activity zone,
cafe and outdoor equipment retail unit.
TV house porn addicts will be interested to learn that the centre
is going to be constructed in a B-Listed disused carbon storage
bunker, a remnant of Kinlochleven's former aluminium industry.
Finance is from European grants, Highlands and Islands Enterprise
(HIE) Network, Sport Scotland and a £702,000 European Regional
Development Fund grant through the Highlands and Islands Special
Transitional Programme. Phew.
In other words, it's being financed by public money. The building
is also, apparently very tall, which is just as well given its
function.
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (McoS) has put its full
support behind the project. It regards the ice wall as being of
'national importance' and confirms the Ice Factory will become a
Regional Centre for the West Highlands. Kevin Howett, national
officer for MCoS, said: "This is a very exciting venture, which will
benefit all in the mountaineering community."
Gore Headline Sponsors
Meanwhile, WL Gore has announced that they are to be 'headline
sponsor' of the Ice Factory and instructors will wear the latest
developments in footwear and Windstopper fabrics.
Gore's Jonathan Burnell said: 'Ice climbing is an exhilarating but
potentially dangerous mountain sport. However, the Ice Factory will
remove some of the risk without spoiling the excitement and is in
line with Gore's tradition of supporting facilities that encourage
people to take part in outdoor sports.'
For earlier coverage of the development see the links to previous
stories below.
Jon Doran
