Matthew Phillips in action during the event. Photo: Sandy Carr

Scotland’s first disabled climbing competition attracted participants from as far away as America.

And some disabled people for a taste of climbing ended up competing in the contest.

The Edinburgh ParaClimb competition was staged on Sunday and involved 31 climbers battling for prizes, with a further 27 joining in taster sessions.

Competitors’ ages ranged from 10 to 70.

Kevin Howett, sport development officer for the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, which hosted the event at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena in Ratho, said: “The response to both the competition and the come-and-try sessions was tremendous, and the enthusiasm and determination of all the climbers was an inspiration.

Stuart Sneddon climbing at the Edinburgh competition. Photo: Sandy Carr

“We had people with all levels of experience and none, and there were some who weren’t even sure if they would manage but who ended up taking part in the competition. Others who were trying out climbing for the first time in their lives were thrilled at what they could achieve and were coming back for more.

“It kept the instructors going flat out all day.”

The competition was the brainchild of Graeme Morrison of GM Mountaineering, and a member of the MCofS coaching development group, and was supported by quadruple amputee climber Jamie Andrew, who is also an ambassador for the British ParaClimbing Team.

There were nine disability categories, with competitors taking part on routes specially set by a group of climbing wall experts from across Scotland.

Organisers plan to repeat the event next year.