Donation helps build on a flying start for Aviemore's new ice rink
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Building firm Tulloch Homes has given a £5,000 donation boost to Aviemore’s new seasonal ice skating rink.
The Inverness-based company is currently construction a new private residential development at Bynack More with 110 homes near to the rink.
They have been hailed as ‘brilliant neighbours’ by Kirsty Bruce, co-ordinator of the Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust.
AGCT is behind the project which has brought ice skating back to the area for the first time in more than two decades.
George Fraser, chief executive of Tulloch Homes, said: “We like to encourage community initiative and all credit to the trust for opening its new rink.
“Ice skating has a historic connection to the village and I’m sure it will build up an appeal to locals and visitors alike and be a real asset to Aviemore. We’re happy to make this donation and to pursue an ongoing partnership with the trust in terms of practical assistance we can deliver from our adjoining development.”
Mrs Bruce thanked Tulloch and Zander Sutherland, site manager at Bynack More, for their assistance in cash and kind.
“Tulloch Homes have turned out to be brilliant neighbours, topped off by this superb donation”, she said. “It will go towards the cost of equipment, including heaters, and we’ve now raised £120,000 for the project.
“Zander Sutherland has told us to call him if we need anything and he’s been superb, including giving us a forklift driver to unload equipment. It’s ideal to have such a well-respected Highland business on board as we move towards our target of extending the rink to accommodate curling and ice hockey next year.
“We’ve been donated an Aviemore Blackhawks shirt which belonged to former team manager and ice rink boss Jack Dryburgh, so we’re keeping that legacy going.
“The community response to what we’re doing remains heartwarmingly strong.”
Ex-footballer Sutherland, who won Highland League championship medals with Brora Rangers and Buckie Thistle, collected his third National House Builders Council ‘Pride in the Job’ award at a ceremony in Glasgow last month.
He commented: “It’s great to see an ice rink back in Aviemore and we’re happy to offer what help we can to Kirsty and her team going forward. We’ve been kindly offered a free hour’s skating to any of our workforce who are interested.
“I might have a go – though I’m hesitant to aggravate my old football injuries!”
Amanda Clinton, ice rink manager and coach, remarked: “Coaching lessons are going very well... I worked for 13 years at Inverness Ice Rink and the big difference with learners seems to be that Aviemore kids have no fear!”
Ice rink is back in Aviemore after absence of over 20 years
