The world's largest indoor climbing venue, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho, fully opens to the public on May 25th 2007 after a closure period of nine months and a massive £6 million overhaul.

The EICA: Ratho (previously the Ratho Adventure Centre) is the largest of its kind and boasts world class climbing facilities as well as a whole host of other recreational pursuits including an aerial assault course and health and leisure amenities.

The centre has already secured the final of the British Regional Youth Climbing Series to be held on the 30th June and previously hosted the Senior and Junior Climbing World Championships.

For the re-opening the route-setting team at Ratho has installed over 200 new routes which will be replaced regularly to keep the experience as fresh and as challenging as possible. There is also a new dedicated bouldering room attached to the arena.

A team of climbing instructors are on hand to provide advice and instruction allowing climbers of all levels to improve their skills. A three hour induction course for complete novices starts at £40 while an hour of personal coaching comes in at £25. Single Pitch Award training and assessment courses for instructors will be available as well as hire services of equipment from Tiso's shop.

The 150m Aerial Assault Course is the world's largest and presents a nail biting prospect, towering above the centre's highest climbing wall. This is open to anyone above 1.4 meters in height and prices start from £8

The EICA: Ratho welcomes families, and the kid's soft play area, Scrambles, is guaranteed to keep youngsters of all ages entertained for hours. The new soft play area caters for babies upwards and follows a climbing theme to encourage even the youngest budding climbers.

The centre boasts an impressive gym and fitness studio for cardiovascular workouts, weights and classes all of which are open to both members and non-members alike. Alternatively, for those wishing to relax, the Spa is the ideal place to unwind with some time spent in the steam room or Jacuzzi.

The arena has capacity for up to 1,600 delegates and superb space for conferencing, exhibitions and banqueting as well as potential to become one of Scotland's leading live music venues. Facilities also include a lecture theatre, hospitality areas as well as a relaxing café with unrivalled views into the arena.

The EICA: Ratho is open from 10am till 10pm from Monday to Friday and 10am till 7pm Saturday and Sunday.