The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) in Ratho, Scotland, is to host the 2010 World Youth Climbing Championships and one section of the 2009 European Youth Championships.

The decision, made at the end of June by the International Federation of Sports Climbing, follows EICA operator, Edinburgh Leisure's, decision to invest in two new competition walls, which are currently under construction.

The walls, jointly funded by the sports trust and Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh & Lothians, meet the technical criteria to attract world competitions but will also provide more climbing routes for beginners and intermediate climbers.

City of Edinburgh Council Festival and Events Champion Steve Cardownie said:"The EICA has come a long way in the last year and the centre's top class facilities are now starting to attract major world climbing events. I'm sure it will be the first of many because we now have one of the best climbing centres in the world."

EICA senior instructor, Neil McGeachy, added: "Since Edinburgh Leisure has taken over EICA, we have had the backing and support to put in place one of the most extensive coaching structures for young climbers in the country. It's mouth watering to think about the coaching opportunities these phenomenal new climbing walls will bring to an already top class climbing facility.

"Hosting events, such as EYCs and World Championships, will also play a massive part in raising the sport's profile and inspiring future generations of competition climbers in our area."