The world’s largest indoor ice-climbing facility in Lochaber is to be the unlikely setting for the first Festival of Boxing next month.
More than 60 male and female boxers of all ages from across Scotland and north-east England will converge on Ice Factor at Kinlochleven for a weekend of sparring, skill development workshops and aerial adventure.
The free event, organised by the local Claymores Amateur Boxing Club, will start on Saturday August 2.
Organisers will set-up two boxing rings in the award-winning Ice Factor adventure centre, showcasing the sport to non-boxers in the area and giving aspiring competitive boxers the chance to spar with like-minded individuals.
Claymores head coach Martin Glenesk, who came up with the idea, said: “I hope the Festival of Boxing will inspire more males and females of all ages to recognise the appeal of boxing as a sport they can enjoy for fun, fitness and even competitively in the west highlands.”
Glencoe-based boxer Eilidh Smith is among the local club members looking forward to taking part in the free event.
The 14-year-old Kinlochleven High School pupil made boxing history earlier this year when she became the first female boxer from Lochaber to fight in a competitive bout.
She said: “I’m really looking forward to the chance to meet fellow boxers and hopefully inspire a few more girls in the area to get involved in a sport that is fun and great for all-round fitness.”
A nearby field will be used as a temporary campsite and the local Macdonald Hotel in Kinlochleven will provide breakfast for the boxing clubs that will be travelling from Durham, Elgin, Peterhead, Insh, Hamilton, Greater Glasgow and Broxburn.