A popular Dumfriesshire climbing site is being forced to close after being given notice to leave its premises.
It is just over a year since the Bouldover Climbing Centre opened for business at Silverlaw Industrial Estate in Annan after being held back by Covid restrictions.
The four directors – Sam Blyth from Dumfries, Davie McMinn of Annan, Carlisle’s Andy Weeks and Kevin Cassidy from Kent – decided to create their own facility when one they used in Carlisle closed.
They transformed the Annan unit into a successful operation which has encouraged people of all ages to try bouldering and climbing.
However, on Saturday, they revealed they had been given notice to leave the site by January 15.
Now they are looking to move their business to Dumfries – if they can find suitable accommodation.
A statement on their Facebook page, posted on Saturday, said: “It is with heavy hearts that we are announcing our intention to close our successful and popular climbing centre.
“We are truly gutted to give you this news.
“We rose from the ashes of Covid-19 to provide a facility for Dumfries and Galloway to be proud of.”
But, according to the post, a problem over required roof repairs has led to the notice to quit the premises.
In a statement the directors said: “It has been a joy to watch climbers come on in leaps and bounds during a year and a half on the Silverlaw Industrial Estate in Annan.
“We have grown the business from scratch to become a close community of like-minded positive people. We have people of all ages, from young children to over 70s.
“We have done a lot of work with classes of school children.
“They have derived benefits of both mental and physical health through indoor bouldering and climbing. Some have even taken part in national competitions.
“We have regulars from as far afield as Dalry and Eskdalemuir. It is a friendly, warm, welcoming environment. We are all sad.
“This truly is a hard one for us to chew.”
However, they have vowed to continue if they can find an alternative site.
Mr Blyth told the Standard yesterday: “We just really need new premises in Dumfries – which would be central for our many users in the region – and want to hear from anyone who can help and any business support would be much appreciated.
“Since Saturday we have been touched by all the messages of support and the thanks we have received. We’ve been offered help dismantling and with moving our equipment which is fantastic and we thank everyone because it is going to be time-consuming, expensive and labour-intensive.
“We want to set up in Dumfries as soon as we can but it is vital we find new premises there to quickly resume the business. Help of any sort will be welcomed and I can be contacted at 07597983719.”
However, for those who want to stick with them while they re-establish, they will freeze memberships from the closing date and resume them when they reopen.
