Trust gets skates on with plans for Aviemore ice rink
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Plans for the long-awaited return of a skating rink in Aviemore are no longer on ice.
Delighted organisers have confirmed that the deposit has now been paid on bringing an ice pad to the village, hopefully in time for next winter.
Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust’s (AVGT) ice project has just hit its first target.
The GoFundMe campaign has raised £4000 from donations to make the down payment on a
20 metres by 12 metres real ice rink.
The trust is now hoping to raise the remaining £30,000 cost from further online donations by mid-August.
AGCT chairman Duncan Swarbick said: “It’s fantastic news for the community. With all the restrictions and negative news of last year, it’s nice to have something positive to aim for and look forward too.
“An ice rink is something that local people have wanted for some time and after such a wonderful time this winter with skating on outdoor ponds it seems the perfect time to bring ice back to the strath.
Trust co-ordinator Kirsty Bruce said: “The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. We have received lots of messages of support with many saying they can’t wait to get their skates on.
“Aviemore Community Ice is going to be great meeting place for friends and families and just somewhere for our young people to hang out.
“While AGCT is leading the project, the rink will be belong to everyone. We are currently working on calendar of local fundraising events and activities and we are asking the community to come together to help us.
“It’s only with community support that the rink will become a reality.
“We’d love to hear from anyone thinking about organising their own fundraising to raise funds for the ice rink and we will help where we can.”
Project supporter Michael McCafferty said: “A new ice rink in the community is something we have dreamed about for years – in fact since our old one was taken down.
“It really is missed here in Aviemore.
“I spent many childhood days skating on Aviemore ice rink and would love to be able to have somewhere for my kids to do the same and play ice hockey.
“I miss the game so much here and I’m sure I’m not the only one.”
The ice rink at the Aviemore Resort was controversially demolished at the end of the 1990s. The trust intends to demonstrate demand for a rink in the village with this arrival and move onto a bid for a larger permanent facility in the future.
n Donations towards the ice rink can be made here
