Point Five

14/09/2026

Big news: sportscotland has awarded Point Five £150,000 towards the climbing facilities at the National Ice Climbing Centre in Kinlochleven.

This funding comes from sportscotland's Sport Facilities Fund - recently boosted by £5m of additional National Lottery investment - and it's a direct vote of confidence in what this building can be again: a place for climbers of every level, a hub for the local community, and a facility that puts Kinlochleven back on the climbing map.

This grant is a vote of confidence in our vision. There's a long way still to go, but this is a genuine step forward.

Thank you to sportscotland, and to everyone who's supported Point Five so far - this is your win as much as ours.

17/06/2026

For the final instalment of our Meet the Team series, we'd like you to meet Al, our Technical director.

Al is a keen climber and Mountaineering Instructor who specialises in teaching climbing and the operation of climbing walls across Scotland. Having been previously involved with the National Ice Climbing Centre, he has a real stake in seeing such a fantastic facility brought back to life.

As a former Kinlochleven resident and a parent of climbers, Al understands just how much a centre like this could mean for young people in the village and also for the wider community, both as a place of their own and as an attraction that draws others to the area.

10/06/2026

Our Meet the Team series continues, you've almost met all of us. Today, meet Dom - Brand & Comms Lead. The voice behind the posts and the hand behind the Point Five brand.

In her own words: "Climbing and the outdoors have been a huge part of my life, and I feel genuinely lucky for that. I know first-hand what this sport can give people, and I love nothing more than bringing others into it. I feel very proud to be part of the Point Five team. It's an exciting project with real purpose, and I feel connected to both the climbing and the community mission. I can't wait to invite you all into the centre when we finally open our doors."

24/05/2026

In another instalment of our Meet the Team series, we feature Martyn, our treasurer.

"I sold my business in 2024 to spend more time in the mountains and get involved with the outdoor community. After meeting the Point Five team and talking to locals in the village, I was keen to join them and use my experience to help launch and run the business.

I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Scotland and have spent most years climbing in the Scottish mountains, often from our club property in Kinlochleven.

My business provided a finance team to small invested early stage businesses, so I believe I have a fair understanding of what is needed to help Point Five succeed and benefit the local and outdoor communities."

19/05/2026

Meet Kat. Secretary. Climber. Kinlochleven local. And the person who keeps Point Five organised.

In her own words: "As a resident of Kinlochleven and as a climber, it's a dream of mine to see our local climbing centre reopen. I'm proud to support the small, dedicated team working tirelessly to bring this remarkable building back to life. It holds such great potential for the community and I sincerely hope to see it open its doors again soon."

Kat's investment in this project isn't just professional - it's personal. That's exactly what Point Five is made of.

04/05/2026

Meet another member of our team: Andy Syme, our Chairman.

"A climber for over 40 years with a passion for mountains and ice, when I was asked to get involved with Point Five I couldn't say no.

Point Five is a fantastic project that takes a historic building and will provide all 4 climbing disciplines, combined with a space for the local community. It is an honour to be working with such a committed team of volunteers and partners working to open Point Five."

17/04/2026

Introducing the people behind Point Five - the thinkers, makers and climbers shaping what we’re building.
Starting with Sasha, our executive director. In her own words:

"I founded Point Five because I believe in creating a space that genuinely connects people to the outdoors and to each other. Kinlochleven really needs a place where people can gather socially. Climbing has always been a huge part of my life - especially trad and Scottish winter climbing - and I’m passionate about sharing that experience, sense of adventure, and respect for wild places with others."

07/03/2026

Last night we held our Point Five Community Event in Kinlochleven.

Across the afternoon and evening sessions we welcomed just over 100 people. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout and so much support from across Lochaber - from local residents to neighbouring businesses. Two of our ambassadors, Dave MacLeod and Anna Wells, also joined us for the evening and spent time chatting with people about the future of the centre.

What stood out most was the positive energy and support in the room. There was a real sense of excitement and momentum around bringing the former National Ice Climbing Centre back to life as Point Five.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along, shared their thoughts, asked questions and showed their support for the future of the centre. Your enthusiasm means a huge amount to us.

We’d also like to say a special thank you to:
• The Leven Centre for hosting us
• Our amazing volunteer bakers - Katie Small, Wal Thomson, Sarah Sid and Matthew Prosser
• Frazer and Tim for their support behind the scenes

05/03/2026

We’re excited to see you tomorrow at the Leven Centre! Help us make this project happen!

📍 Community Event Reminder

A quick reminder that we’re hosting our Point Five Community Event this Friday, 6th March, from 2–4pm & 5-7pm at the Leven Centre, Kinlochleven.

This is an open invitation for local residents to come along, meet the team, hear where the project currently stands and ask questions about what the future of the former National Ice Climbing Centre could look like.

Point Five has always been about more than climbing - it’s about creating a space that works for the whole community. We’d really value the chance to speak with you in person and hear your thoughts.

If you’re local, we’d love to see you there.

📅 Friday 6th March
⏰ 2–4pm & 5-7pm
📍 Leven Centre, Kinlochleven

02/03/2026

📍 Community Event Reminder

A quick reminder that we’re hosting our Point Five Community Event this Friday, 6th March, from 2–4pm & 5-7pm at the Leven Centre, Kinlochleven.

This is an open invitation for local residents to come along, meet the team, hear where the project currently stands and ask questions about what the future of the former National Ice Climbing Centre could look like.

Point Five has always been about more than climbing - it’s about creating a space that works for the whole community. We’d really value the chance to speak with you in person and hear your thoughts.

If you’re local, we’d love to see you there.

📅 Friday 6th March
⏰ 2–4pm & 5-7pm
📍 Leven Centre, Kinlochleven