Ice rink back in Aviemore after 20 years' absence
Project leaders have hailed the ‘enormous’ community effort in making the return of ice to Aviemore a reality after an absence of two decades.
The finishing touches are currently being applied to the new seasonal skating rink, ahead of it opening to the public from tomorrow from 1pm.
Over the past three weeks more than 40 volunteers from across the strath have contributed to erecting the marquee, constructing the floor base and electrical works to ensure the October half-term target is met.
Duncan Swarbrick, chairman of the Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust (AGCT) which has led the project, said: “An ice rink is returning to Aviemore after 20 years thanks to an enormous community effort.
“Everyone connected to the project could not be happier.
“Our communities here have a strong cultural and historic connection with wintersports and ice skating.
“We have bought the rink, the large marquee in which it stands and – except for the refrigeration plant – all the equipment.
“That said, I think it is the involvement of so many people, from fundraising events to putting up the marquee and building the rink, which makes it owned by the community.
“Over the last three weeks it has been great to see so many people coming to help or just turning up to show their support. We are currently making ice and plan to open for business from this Saturday.”
The rink will be open until 9pm tomorrow.
The trust operators plan to allocate a number of spaces in every session for residents from across Badenoch and Strathspey to access the rink at a significantly discounted price of £7.50 for adults and £5 per child.
The rink, with real ice, measures 20 metres by 12 metres and has been installed at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort almost on top of the site of the old facility.
It was controversially demolished in 1999 using public money and with no guarantees of a replacement.
Mr Swarbrick said: “It has been great to see volunteers help who previously worked at the old ice rink.
“We are delighted that Amanda Clinton has joined as a general manager to take charge of running the ice rink and we hope to create up to nine jobs to be paid at the Living Wage.”
The resort is allowing the trust to occupy the site initially for seven months free of charge, which will cover the first full season of operation.
Over £110,000 has been raised of which more than £60,000 has come from community, business donations and fundraising events.
The latter has included an ice bucket challenge organised by village children, a golf tournament, Sunday quiz and two raffles.
In addition there has been ‘a very significant’ number of donations and work in kind from local businesses which has saved organisers more than £26,000.
Trust director Mike Gale said: “It’s fantastic to see the power of community come together to bring ice back to Aviemore.
“It just shows the thirst our community has for wintersports and we must fight hard to preserve it for our next generations.”
Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes said: “It is hugely exciting news that the ice rink in Aviemore will open this weekend and it’s a very welcome addition to the village.
“It seems like only a short while ago that the idea was even being suggested, so I have to congratulate the team behind it because their fundraising and organisation has been superb.
“I hope now we have something on our doorstep it will be well supported by locals and visitors alike. I’m looking forward to having a go the next time I’m in Aviemore.”
Iain Miller, managing director for Macdonald Aviemore Resort, said: “Aviemore is renowned for wintersports so we’re delighted to have been able to play a small part in bringing an ice rink back to the village after 20 years.
“The rink will provide an exciting centre-stage to the range of winter activities we’re gearing up for here at Macdonald Aviemore.”
Aviemore Community Council chairman Peter Long said: “It’s been great to see so many people come together to make this happen and I wish the new ice rink every success. These are exciting times for Aviemore.”
As well as continued support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Cairngorms National Park Authority provided £25,000 from its Green Recovery Fund and Highland Council awarded £3000 to the project.
The resort has allowed the trust to connect to its electrical supply thereby avoiding using significantly more expensive and less green generators.
AGCT has said fundraising efforts will continue to ensure there are funds to cover running costs estimated in the region of £6000 per week.
The intention is to open the rink daily through to the end of the Easter holidays, with late night openings at weekends.
If successful and demand is proven, it is hoped the project could pave the way for a larger permanent ice rink in Aviemore.
