Local community given 'no warning' over decision to close Elgin Ice Rink amid 'spiralling costs'

A Moray community was given “no warning” that their local ice rink was going to close amid “spiralling costs”.

Elgin Ice Rink, which is part of Moray Leisure Centre, will close for the final time on August 4.

John O’Kane from Moray Leisure Ltd said the centre had to “face reality” that it could not afford to run the rink anymore.

“The rink generates the least income of all the facilities here at the centre. It also consumes the most energy and with spiralling costs it left the company no choice,” he told STV News.

The decision has shocked the ice rink community including young skater Kayla MacKenzie, who struggled with bullying and found sanctuary at the rink.

“Don’t take it away from me, because I have nowhere else to go, I’ve nowhere else to escape and nowhere else to make friends and all that,” she told STV News.

Moray Figure Skating committee member Jo Kirkman, who’s daughter is a member of the club, said the community feels they were given “no warning” about the closure.

“We really wish someone had consulted us sooner. We, and all the other clubs, have got a lot of skill and passion, I think there are some people that could really come up with some solutions but we’re kind of being told it’s too late.”

Meanwhile Scottish Curling said the decision to close the rink will affect almost 200 active members across Moray.

Clubs from all sports have rallied together to save the rink, including Jim Gault, a bronze medallist at the 2014 Winter Paralympics.

“We’re going to fight it. We have to, I don’t know how but we’re all going to have to get our heads together and see if we can come up with a solution of some kind.”

Faye McInnes, Scottish Curling’s regional development manager for the north east, said the organisation believed the rink was running “fine” before they found out about the closure on Monday.

“Hearing the news, we are committed to helping the curlers clubs through this difficult time,” she told STV News.

Vincent Bryson, CEO of Scottish Curling, said the closure is a “stark reminder” that the sport is under threat in Scotland, adding that without sustainable investment more rinks will close.

Elgin Ice Rink is the latest to close in Scotland, following a facility in Ayr which closed for the final time in September 2023.

“We call on local and national government to recognise what is being lost – and what still can be saved elsewhere,” Mr Bryson said in a statement shared on the organisation’s website.

Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson said the local authority was aware of the decision to close the rink.

“While this is clearly a difficult decision for them, rising energy costs are being felt across all industries and in homes around the country, so it’s also an understandable measure to take to ensure financial viability for the rest of the facility,” she said.

“I appreciate this disappointing news will be devastating for the clubs who use the ice rink regularly and can confirm Moray Council will continue to work with the Board and management team to help identify and implement energy saving measures and facility efficiencies.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Curling said: “To everyone who has curled at Moray Ice Rink: thank you. Your passion, your time, and your commitment have made a lasting impact on Scottish curling.

“We share your disappointment and we will do everything we can to support your transition and help keep your clubs and communities active – even if that now must happen off home ice.”

A spokesperson for the board said: “Despite our best efforts to secure a future for the Ice Rink, Moray Leisure Centre’s overall operation has effectively subsidised the Ice Rink’s operation for the past six years and rising energy bills means this has now reached a level where it is unaffordable. Our energy bills have doubled from last year and urgent action was needed to secure the future of the wider centre.

“We understand how disappointed the community feels, and we are actively engaging with local clubs and stakeholders to explore all options and to address the concerns being raised.”