Jamie Andrew climbing at Ratho

Climbers at a special competition event are expected to use ingenuity, balance and determination to tackle routes beyond expectations.

The ParaClimb Scotland meeting will see disabled climbers, some of them amputees, compete in the first such event held north of the border.

Quadruple amputee climber Jamie Andrew will attend the November competition, which will take place at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho.

The event is being run by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland. A spokesperson for the organisation said: “The popular image of climbers as hanging on to tiny ledges with their fingertips and toes takes a blow when the paraclimbers get going.

“Though some categories climb with an element of support, many climbers can compensate for their disabilities through a mixture of balance, ingenuity, practice and sheer determination, climbing routes which their able-bodied contemporaries might struggle with.”

Jamie Andrew, who lives in Edinburgh and has been one of the main driving forces behind ParaClimb Scotland, refused to be daunted after losing his hands and feet to severe frostbite, after an Alpine accident, and not only returned to the hills, but also to mountaineering and rock and ice climbing. He has helped organise the competition, along with Kevin Howett, MCofS sport development officer Kevin Howett and Graeme Morrison, Mountaineering Instructor, coach and manager of Transition Extreme Sports in Aberdeen.

Organisers said they want ParaClimb Scotland 2014 to have a festival atmosphere, with free come-and-try sessions and chances to meet with the GB paraclimbing team as well as see the main competition.

Mr Howett said: “Paraclimbing events are new in Scotland, so we’re keen to get people along who want to compete, but also people who have never tried anything like it before who are interested in seeing what it offers and perhaps trying it out for themselves.

“The bottom line is, if you’re keen, or if you know someone who might get something out of this, then get in touch.”

The minimum age for those competing in ParaClimb Scotland is 12, and there are nine categories, ranging from those with physical disabilities to sensory impairments, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioural and mental health support needs.

The event takes place on 2 November. Anyone interested in taking part is asked to email Kevin Howett.