Plans are lodged for temporary ice rink in Aviemore
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Plans are progressing for the return of an ice rink in Aviemore after an absence of more than two decades with a planning application now lodged and a fundraising campaign officially launched.
The bid for the temporary siting of the rink was submitted to Highland Council’s planning service by Edinburgh-based Advantage Sports Consultancy Ltd for land at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
The proposals show an ice sheet of 30m by 15m within a marquee of 50m by 15m and next to that is a curling sheet of 45m by 5m within a marquee of 50m by 10m.
However, the ambitious plan still requires substantial funding.
With that in mind, Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust kick-started the Aviemore Community Ice fundraising campaign.
The aim is to have the rink installed by Christmas for a five-month period, with the intention it can prove demand exists to potential big money funders for a more permanent facility.
The trust has set up a GoFundMe campaign and is seeking the support of the community, asking the public to like and share the dedicated Aviemore Community Ice Facebook page, make a donation to the project and say what an ice rink would mean to them.
A community target of £70,000 has been set.
AGCT director Mike Gale said the rink would provide additional winter sport for all ages and abilities and bring much-needed poor weather recreation facilities to the area.
He said: “The much-missed ice rink was a social hub for Aviemore and the neighbouring villages. We are hoping to bring ice back to the strath, offering everyone the chance to get involved in some ice sports.
“We are working hard to try for this year but it is a big ask and if not this year, then next year.
“We are calling on our community to support the vision and help fund a seasonal rink – this will allow us to demonstrate to funders support from the community.”
A feasibility study funded by the Cairngorms National Park Authority has now been completed and Macdonald Aviemore Resort has agreed to gift the use of the site – currently an overflow car park – to the community through AGCT.
AGCT director Duncan Swarbrick said the trust has been making good progress but needs to push on.
He said: “The rink would not only provide covered recreational activities for people of the strath and visitors but would create employment opportunities at a time when both are much needed.
“The neighbouring villages would also benefit from the economic boost a seasonal winter rink would provide to the area.”
Aviemore Primary School pupil Ellie Macleod is one of those who turned out for the launch.
She said: “I am very excited about plans for an ice rink in Aviemore.
“It will help me to improve my ice dance skills and for my little sister Aimee to practice her ice hockey without having to travel to Inverness.
“It will also be an awesome place just to hang out with friends – some of them have never even been on ice skates!”
Ice Caledonia Ltd had been on board for the initial plans costing £215,000 but has since moved onto another project.
Ms Pavitt, AGCT chairwoman, explained: “Unfortunately our funding did not move quickly enough for them to continue to be involved.”
She said there continued to be great local support with some local accommodation providers willing to even put a small tariff on their bookings to help boost funds.
She said: “The will is definitely there - but unfortunately you can not build an ice rink on goodwill alone. If it was down to that we’d have everything in place already.”
Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes has provided a letter of support to funders to encourage them to back the rink bid, calling it an excellent example of a community-led project.
She said it will expand the range of outdoor activities available in Aviemore for the benefit of the community and tourists in a Covid complaint manner at a time when there is a need more outdoor activities with the growth in staycations.
n For more details on the Aviemore Community Ice project click here
