How did you get into climbing?

When I was 12 I went to a mate’s party at Glasgow Climbing Centre. I got hooked so mum went on a climbing course that let me climb more often. She’s an OK climber – but I’m better!

You were crowned British (indoor) Lead Climbing Champion when you were just 14. What got you involved in competitive climbing?

About two years ago, someone said I should give it a go because I’d be quite good. So I entered the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) Youth Climbing Series and came third.

This year you’ll compete at the World Youth Championships. Are you surprised how fast you’ve climbed the competitive ladder?

I think maybe I’ve a natural talent for it. I’ve definitely got the drive. When I compete I’m really motivated to climb hard and when I do well I’m motivated to become even better.

Describe a typical indoor climbing competition.

In a lead climbing competition, we wear a harness attached to a rope. As we climb, we clip the rope into gear (hooks called karabiners). Each climber gets about six minutes to scale a route that could be up to 30m high. You are judged on how high you get.

Sounds fun, but scary. Ever fall off?

You can fall, but because you have gear in place you won’t fall too far or hit the ground. I’ve never broken anything (he laughs).

Do you ever get scared of heights?

I’ve no problem with heights. Sometimes my knees shake and when I’m really pumped up the lactic acid tires my forearms and makes it hard to climb. Indoors isn’t really dangerous at all. Outdoor climbing can be. Sometimes I get scared, but I love the challenge.

How often do you climb and what else do you do?

I climb three or four days a week in Glasgow or at the International Climbing Arena at Ratho in Edinburgh. I used to enjoy cross-country athletics but I’m now devoted to climbing. I’m studying for eight Standard Grades, and I also play the trumpet and drums, listen to music and talk to my mates.

I hear you hang off door frames at home.

Yeh. At home I use a finger-board (to strengthen the hands) and a pull-up bar. Mum sometimes tells me off for hanging off the door frames.

What’s the secret to being a great indoor climber?

It’s all to do with what’s in your head because you have to really want to do well. You can’t muck about, you have to stick in and train and get really psyched up for the climbs.

Reckon you’ll win the British again this year – or even the Worlds?

I hope I can win the Brits again next month. I’m probably the best young (indoor) climber in Scotland, though a lot of older guys are better than me. As for the World Youth Championships in Sydney (in August), I doubt I’ll win as it will be my first time. Hopefully, I can make the top 16 and maybe even the last eight, but that will be really hard to achieve.

I understand you owe a lot to your mum, who has three jobs to support your climbing.

Yes. If it wasn’t for mum I wouldn’t be at the level I am at now. She funds all the European stuff (next month’s European Youth Cup is in the Czech Republic). It’s costing about £1500 to go the World Championships. I’ve got grants to help my outdoor climbing.

You’re a champion indoor climber but prefer the outdoors. Why?

I’d like to reach the podium at a European indoor event but outdoor rock climbing is my main passion. Outdoors, there are no coloured holds to follow so you have to think a lot more for yourself.

Where would be your ultimate outdoor rock climb?

I first climbed at Auchinstarry Quarry near Glasgow when I was 13 and I’ve tackled 45m cliffs near Dunkeld in Perthshire. In Wales I led a route at E2 level (very hard!) but I think I could push myself further. In the future I’d really like to do some winter climbing on the north face of Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain). I’d also love to tackle a climb Realization in France. It’s a huge cliff and some of the best climbers in the world have done it.

Sounds like you’re a real Spiderman!

Aye, I suppose you could say that.

Colin Hutchison

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Robert Mackenzie

Lives: Inverness

Age: 16

2006 British Lead Climbing Champion, 15th at the 2006 World Youth Championships and 8th at the European Championships. Outdoors, climbs to E5 level and is reported to have made first ascents in the Scottish islands with his father. Considered to be one of Scotland’s most impressive young climbers.

Natalie Berry

Lives: Glasgow (born Liverpool).

Age: 16

Current member of the British Junior Climbing Team. Came 4th at the
2006 World Youth Championships
and 3rd at the 2006 and 2007 European Youth Championships.

The McofS rates her as one of the most outstanding young female competitive climbers at UK level.

Ross Kirkland

Lives: Edinburgh

Age: 16

Selected as Aspirant British Team member for 2007/8. The 2007 Scottish Youth Champion and 3rd in the MCofS Youth Climbing Series.

Upcoming events:

2008 MCofS Scottish Youth Championship (May 31, Aviemore).

2008 British Youth Championships Final (June 28, Ratho, Edinburgh).

Links:

www.mcofs.org.uk (Mountaineering Council of Scotland)

www.thebmc.co.uk (The British Mountaineering Council)