Scottish Tooling Series grand finale!

Saturday, 14th December

You wouldn't know it from this photo, but the weather turned out to be fairly atrocious on Saturday in Aberdeen. It was more than a gentle breeze: ropes and crash mats had to be tied in place so as not to lose them! Like Anna here, not all of us had outdoor clothing but pulled up our socks, begged other people's supplies, and got on with it! 

Once again, James pulls out the figure fours, many in a row in fact. Nice Jacob's Ladder route thrashing in the wind in the backgorund.

Dry tooling routes are usually set predominantly on resin climbing holds, with a few 'novelty' routes made up of logs, chains and funky holds. At the very last minute the Scottish Tooling Series organisers were given only the outdoor area to set routes in. They did a great job of setting all sorts of imaginative routes, such as this set of chains to hook. Another route consisted of all sorts of bicycle parts linked together. They make for some strenuous moves, particularly as they whirl around in the wind!

After getting a warm drink and some food at the climbing centre, not many ventured outside again, but here's Douglas, post warming up, clocking up some more routes.

Melissa on the Finals route.

Melissa goes to battle with the log.

And the log eventually wins. Nevertheless, a great climb and first place for Melissa in the Junior Girls category, and a well deserved one too.

James made excellent, quick progress up the Finals route, particularly the log section.

Ally makes a stealthy (hard to spot him in this picture!) attempt at the Finals.

Tim on his way on the Finals route.

Tim cruising high on the route.

Tim makes the final few moves and wins first place in the Junior Boys category.

The team relax now that their trial is over and enjoy the adults struggle on their respective routes.

Front row champions: Tim Miller (J17 1st), Andrew Halliday, Sophie F. (J17 2nd), James Mortimer (J17 2nd), Melissa Sleigh (J17 1st), Ally MacGregor (J17 3rd), Douglas Sleigh.