Elgin ice rink to temporarily shut after community rally round much-loved facility

An Elgin ice rink will now temporarily close, following an uproar to a decision to permanently shut it.

Earlier this week, Moray Leisure Centre released a statement detailing how the facility would close from August 4th due to rising energy costs.

The day after, more than 100 people who use or are connected to the much-loved ice rink turned up to the hub, urging for a re-think.

Local politicians and stakeholders have also been working collaboratively to find a positive outcome.

In a statement from Moray Leisure Centre released this afternoon, they outline how the ice rink will close from August 4th to October 5th.

The board say they remain "fully committed to working with key stakeholders to find solutions to both immediate and long-term challenges."

Full statement

A statement from Moray Leisure Centre has outlined how the temporary closure will allow for "all potential options" to be explored, but the facility's long-term future still remains "uncertain."

It read: "Following the response to the announcement of the closure of Moray Leisure Centre’s Ice Rink on 4th August, the Board of Moray Leisure Centre has worked constructively with a range of individuals, user groups, elected representatives and organisations to explore possible alternatives to closure.

"As a result of ongoing discussions, the Board has decided to implement a temporary two-month closure of the Ice Rink from 4th August to 5th October.

"At the time of the initial announcement, the financial and operational challenges facing the Ice Rink were immediate and full closure was the only viable option.

"However, in response to the strength of feeling from the community and the constructive dialogue that followed, new potential opportunities and partnerships have emerged.

"This has allowed the Board to reassess the situation and move forward with a temporary closure period instead - creating space for a more detailed, solution-focussed process to take place.

"This temporary closure will allow for immediate energy savings and a focussed opportunity to explore all potential options for recovery and reinvestment with the aim to provide a sustainable future for the Ice Rink within this financial year and beyond.

"This will be an incredible challenging period, as future plans must be both credible and achievable.

"The long-term future of the Ice Rink remains uncertain until a new financial and operational model can be developed.

"The Board remains fully committed to working with key stakeholders to find solutions to both immediate and long-term challenges.

"A sustainable future for the Ice Rink can only be achieved if clubs, individuals, elected representatives, Board members and staff come together with a shared focus and willingness to act in the interests of Moray Leisure Centre’s long-term future.

"Working together may provide the momentum and resources needed to identify a viable solution over the next 4-8 weeks.

"To support this, the Board intends to develop a small and independent working group to take this process forward at pace.

"All clubs, user groups, and staff have been informed.

"The Board remains committed to supporting and protecting staff affected by the temporary closure."