Climbing arena in Ratho Quarry (c) Edinburgh International Climbing Arena

The only entrance to Ratho Quarry was from the canal side. The quartz dolerite or 'whinstone' was used for edging the canal and some stone may also have gone into Edinburgh for the New Town, to used for hardwearing cobbles and kerbstones. Stone was loaded onto canal boats at Wilkie's Basin.

The quarry has had a 21st century new lease of life as the largest indoor climbing arena in Europe.