This is how a professional tree climber explores Edinburgh's treetops

Tree climbing expert Rory Ferguson said that the hobby requires use of mental skill and compound muscle movement.

Rory Ferguson, 26, is originally from Seattle but has lived in Edinburgh for five years working as a personal trainer.

During his time in the Capital, Mr Ferguson has explored the city through treetop views in the city’s many green spaces.

He runs workshops encouraging locals to overcome their nerves and clamber up the branches of iconic Edinburgh parks.

Personal trainer Rory Ferguson said that tree climbing is a perfect exercise.

Discussing his unusual pastime Mr Ferguson who has a fear of heights said the hobby helps him with his physical and mental health.

He said: “I have a fear of heights and I like challenging it, the more you expose yourself to it the more resilient you get.

“There is something about fresh air and being out enjoying it with a playful activity I quite like.

"It’s the place I can relax the most and it helps promote mental health like meditation or yoga.”

Mr Ferguson has led tree climbing classes on Corstorphine Hill in Princes Street Gardens, near Arthur’s Seat and further out of the city.

The classes are open to all fitness levels and have formed a tight-knit community of like-minded people in the city.

While tree climbing is an activity many left behind in their childhood the personal trainer said it is a perfect form of exercise as it requires you to use a variety of muscles and skills.

Recognising that some adults might feel slightly embarrassed about climbing trees in the city’s busy parks he said his group is a great way to ease into the new activity.

He said: “There is power in numbers, you might feel more intimidated when you are alone, but with others, you feel less pressure from the outside and can just do what you want to do.

“It’s a welcoming group and after you get into the groove of it you just focus on what you are doing.”

To learn more about tree climbing in Edinburgh visit Mr Ferguson’s Instagram and website.

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