Moray Leisure Centre announces permanent closure of Elgin Ice Rink and loss of jobs due to ‘spiralling energy costs’
Moray Leisure Centre has announced the closure of Elgin Ice Rink due to “spiralling energy costs”.
Moray Leisure Centre says its energy costs have doubled, and the board have had to review its full operation.
Consequently, it made a decision to close the area which generates the least amount of income and consumes the most energy, which has been established as the ice rink.
According to the leisure centre, skaters and curlers account for less than 10 per cent of all users of the facility and the cost of running the ice rink now threatens the financial sustainability of it if action is not taken swiftly.
The facility is used by some of the most talented young ice skaters with the Aviemore Avalanche who train and play with the wider regional U12 Moray Highlanders along with young Inverness Highlanders players.
The Moray Highlanders compete in the Scotland-wide competitive league.
Moray Leisure Centre says it is working closely with Moray Council’s maintenance team to implement energy-saving measures across the facility, but these improvements will not deliver the scale of savings required.
The ice rink will close from Monday, August 4.
A spokesperson for the Moray Leisure Centre 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.
“We know that the closure of the ice rink will be very disappointing for those who use the facility and for the coaches and clubs who depend upon it.”
A small number of staff roles are at risk of redundancy as a result of the closure of Elgin Ice Rink, and those affected have been informed. They are reportedly being supported to find alternative employment opportunities.
A spokesperson for the board, added: “Moray Leisure Centre is a not for profit company which must remain self-financing.
“The priority of the board is establishing long term financial security for the whole leisure centre which has the opportunity to thrive and reinvest in better facilities for the community.
“These decisions are never easy, but they are necessary, and we are continuing to work closely with a range of community partners.”
Moray Leisure Centre says the closure of the ice rink is unrelated to the recent closure of Rainbow Castle Childcare, which followed an unsuccessful recruitment process for a new manager.
Councillor Kathleen Robertson, Moray Council Leader, added: “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.
“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."