Edinburgh Leisure has partially reopened the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, Ratho, which has been closed since last August for a £6m programme of improvements.

More than 100 climbers attended the opening on 19 February, which saw the unveiling of the new climbing arena and changing areas.

The second phase will open in May and include a spa, fitness suite and studio, the Skyride, a shop and conferencing and catering facilities.

Graeme Gardiner, general manager, said: "The centre is really going to be suitable for a huge number of different events, from exhibitions and conferences to concerts and dances.

“It's in a great location, so near to the airport and the M8 and is obviously fairly close to Glasgow, as well as Edinburgh city centre.

"We think people will notice a number of improvements in the layout of the centre. We've installed a new heating system and we're introducing a whole host of new climbing routes to make the experience for climbers as fresh as possible."

It is hoped the newly refurbished £30m complex will become one of Scotland's major sporting destinations – it is already set to host the British Youth Competition Series in June.

The operators also believe the centre will compete with the Corn Exchange, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and some of the city's leading hotels for major conferences, exhibitions and, potentially, rock, pop and some large-scale jazz concerts.