Popular Scots attraction announces shock closure & staff axed amid ‘spiralling' costs
A HUGELY popular Scottish attraction has announced it will be closing down, leaving punters shocked.
Elgin Ice Rink has been a popular spot for families and friends to flock to over the years.
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The ice rink at the Moray Leisure Centre will close next month
Credit: Google Maps
It has also been home to the many of the clubs who took to the ice and got youngsters involved in ice sports.
But bosses say they have been forced to close the doors of the ice rink amid "spiralling" energy costs.
Moray Leisure Centre chiefs announced the shock closure but said the gym and pool will be staying open.
There will still also be fitness classes and wellbeing programmes.
It was announced the ice rink will be closing for August 4.
A spokesperson for MLC said: "It is with deep regret that we share the ice rink at Moray Leisure Centre will close from Monday 4th August.
"This incredibly difficult decision has been made to help protect the long-term future of the wider leisure centre, ensuring we can continue to serve our community through our pool, gym, fitness classes, and wellbeing programmes.
"We know how disappointing this news will be for many. Our thoughts are especially with our dedicated ice team, and all the clubs, coaches, and Skate Pass members who are being contacted directly.
"We understand how deeply this affects everyone who has built a strong and passionate community around the rink — and we share in that disappointment.
"Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we focus on keeping Moray Leisure Centre a place for health, connection and community."
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The devastating news of the ice rink's permanent closure shocked locals.
The Moray Figure Skating Club posted to their Facebook page: "We have heard now directly from MLC that they plan to permanently close the ice rink on 4th August, due to spiralling costs.
"If there is any way of fighting this then we will of course explore any options."
Local leaders have even vowed to work with leisure centre chiefs to help find a solution to their soaring energy bills.
Moray Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: "Moray Council is aware of the decision by the Moray Leisure Ltd Board to close the ice rink at Moray Leisure Centre from 4 August 2025.
"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."
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead added: "The closure of Moray's only ice rink will come as a huge blow given the popularity of the facility with local families, figure skating and other clubs.
"Indeed, this morning I passed young people enjoying themselves as they skated on the ice when I was down at the Leisure Centre and now we have an announcement that it is to close.
"Moray Leisure Centre is not alone in struggling with soaring energy costs and inflation, with nearby ice facilities in Inverness and Aberdeen having to turn to crowdfunding to covering increasing costs.
"Tackling energy costs and ensuring that we benefit from the massive energy resources on our doorstep should be top of the UK Government's agenda.
"In the meantime I intend to meet Moray Leisure Centre's Management in the coming days and have written urgently to the Scottish Government ask if anything can be done to help and seeking advice on how we can support Moray and Scotland's ice rinks that are such high users of energy.
"I'm also seeking clarity from Moray Council on its response due to its significant interest in the centre and the fact that none of us will want to see Moray lose its only ice rink."
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