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Scotland is hoping that an ice wall set up in the centre of Birmingham will attract more adventure travellers north of the border.

The 10-metre high, 50-tonne ice structure has been set up by VisitScotland and climbing activity company The Ice Factor in Birmingham's Centenary Square.

It is hoped that locals will be intrigued by the wall - which will be in place until 15 January - and visit Scotland in the future to see the range of adventure activities on offer in the country.

There are around 50 different adventure sports available in Scotland and participation in such activities has increased by 12% over the past four years.

The nation is also rising in esteem as a location for extreme sports events, with the final of the 2007 Wave Sailing World Cup held in Scotland this year and the O'Neill Highland Open surfing event coming to the country in April 2008.

Steve Duncan of VisitScotland said: 'Our reputation as Europe's adventure capital and as a year-round adventure destination is growing fast and this helps attract thrill-seeking visitors from the UK and overseas to Scotland, who want to experience an adrenaline rush for themselves.

'By working with The Ice Factor in Birmingham city centre we want to give experienced adventure sports fans and beginners alike a taste of what's on offer on a break north of the border.'

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