Latest news with #MorayCouncil
STV News
6 days ago
- Sport
- STV News
Community given 'no warning' over plans to close local ice rink
A Moray community was given 'no warning' that their local ice rink was going to close amid 'spiralling costs'. Elgin Ice Rink, which is part of Moray Leisure Centre, will close for the final time on August 4. John O'Kane from Moray Leisure Ltd said the centre had to 'face reality' that it could not afford to run the rink anymore. 'The rink generates the least income of all the facilities here at the centre. It also consumes the most energy and with spiralling costs it left the company no choice,' he told STV News. STV News The decision has shocked the ice rink community including young skater Kayla MacKenzie, who struggled with bullying and found sanctuary at the rink. 'Don't take it away from me, because I have nowhere else to go, I've nowhere else to escape and nowhere else to make friends and all that,' she told STV News. Moray Figure Skating committee member Jo Kirkman, who's daughter is a member of the club, said the community feels they were given 'no warning' about the closure. STV News 'We really wish someone had consulted us sooner. We, and all the other clubs, have got a lot of skill and passion, I think there are some people that could really come up with some solutions but we're kind of being told it's too late.' Meanwhile Scottish Curling said the decision to close the rink will affect almost 200 active members across Moray. Clubs from all sports have rallied together to save the rink, including Jim Gault, a bronze medallist at the 2014 Winter Paralympics. STV News 'We're going to fight it. We have to, I don't know how but we're all going to have to get our heads together and see if we can come up with a solution of some kind.' Faye McInnes, Scottish Curling's regional development manager for the north east, said the organisation believed the rink was running 'fine' before they found out about the closure on Monday. 'Hearing the news, we are committed to helping the curlers clubs through this difficult time,' she told STV News. STV News Vincent Bryson, CEO of Scottish Curling, said the closure is a 'stark reminder' that the sport is under threat in Scotland, adding that without sustainable investment more rinks will close. Elgin Ice Rink is the latest to close in Scotland, following a facility in Ayr which closed for the final time in September 2023. 'We call on local and national government to recognise what is being lost – and what still can be saved elsewhere,' Mr Bryson said in a statement shared on the organisation's website. Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson said the local authority was aware of the decision to close the rink. '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,' she said. '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.' A spokesperson for Scottish Curling said: 'To everyone who has curled at Moray Ice Rink: thank you. Your passion, your time, and your commitment have made a lasting impact on Scottish curling. 'We share your disappointment and we will do everything we can to support your transition and help keep your clubs and communities active – even if that now must happen off home ice.' Moray Leisure Centre has been contacted for comment. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scottish Sun
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Popular Scots attraction announces shock closure & staff axed amid ‘spiralling' costs
The exact date of the closure was revealed 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. 2 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." Major card chain with 163 shops launches closing down sales ahead of shutting its doors for good 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."
STV News
21-07-2025
- Business
- STV News
Town's ice rink to permanently shut amid 'spiralling energy costs'
A town is to lose its ice rink after 'spiralling energy costs' made it 'no longer financially viable', according to the operator. On Monday, Moray Leisure Centre in Elgin announced the 'difficult decision' to close the facility in just a few weeks' time. The Centre's board said the ice rink generates the 'least amount of income and consumes the most energy' and the cost of running it had doubled. Elgin Ice Rink will shut permanently on Monday, August 4. 'With skaters and curlers accounting for less than 10% of all users of Moray Leisure Centre, the cost of running the Ice Rink now threatens the financial sustainability of the whole leisure centre if action is not taken swiftly,' a statement read. A 'small' number of roles are at risk of redundancy as a result of the closure. '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,' a spokesperson for the Moray Leisure Centre said. '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. The not-for-profit said the board's priority was to establish 'long-term financial security' with 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,' a spokesperson said. Moray council leader Kathleen Robertson said the local authority is aware of the decision to close the ice rink and appreciates that it will be 'devastating' for clubs that use it regularly. '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,' councillor Robertson said. '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's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said the closure will come as a 'huge blow' given the popularity of the facility with local families, clubs, and ice hockey team. '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,' he said. Lochhead said he intends to meet Moray Leisure Centre's management in the coming days and has written to the Scottish Government asking if anything can be done. '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,' he said. Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey SNP MP Graham Leadbitter urged the Council to explore 'every means possible' of supporting Moray Leisure to avoid the permanent closure of the facility, which he said is much 'loved and well used'. 'People in Moray should not have to travel long distances away to make use of facilities that have, until now, been available and well used on their doorstep,' Leadbitter said. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
16-07-2025
- General
- STV News
Mothballed school to close permanently over falling pupil numbers
A school in Moray is to close for good after pupil numbers fell below the minimum threshold for several years in a row. Crossroads Primary School near Keith, which was mothballed in January 2023 after pupil numbers fell to ten, is to close permanently. The pupil roll remained 'well below' the council's minimum threshold of 15 for successive years with a decision made at full council to proceed with complete closure. Scottish Ministers said the council had fulfilled its obligations under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. Teaching at the school has ended with immediate effect, and the catchment area will be permanently reassigned to Keith and Rothiemay Primary Schools. Pupils from the Grange area have been attending other schools for a number of years, and their existing arrangements will remain unchanged by the closure. The local authority has said it will work with the community to consider potential future uses for the school building and grounds. Leader of Moray Council, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, who also chairs the Education, Children's and Leisure Services Committee, said: 'This decision has been taken with the best interests of pupils and the wider community in mind. 'With the school having been mothballed for over two years and no significant increase in the pupil roll, it's important to provide clarity for families and ensure continuity of education in nearby schools. 'We're committed to working closely with the local community to explore meaningful and sustainable future uses for the Crossroads school site.' The ministerial decision letter has been published on the Scottish Government website. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
15-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Elgin's 5.6-hectare cemetery equals to 8 football pitches
The new 5.6 hectare site off Linkwood Road and Hallowood Road was identified through the Local Development Plan as suitable for the replacement of the existing cemetery on Linkwood Road, near Reiket Lane, which is nearly full. The development will include internal access roads, parking areas, a pedestrian path and extensive landscaping to create an accessible environment for all visitors. READ MORE: Clean tech firm to use £3m grant to develop battery storage alternative When approved in August last year, development was subject to a number of conditions, including: a requirement of the works beginning within the next three years the installation of a new cycle path construction of a new access track As part of the site preparation, around 35 trees will be removed to allow for visibility and access routes. Felled and fallen trees and branches will be retained for wildlife habitats. More than 1000 new trees, areas of shrubs and wildflowers will also be planted to improve biodiversity in the area. The project, with construction by Pat Munro Ltd, is to be delivered in phases with the first burial area due to be completed by December 2026. The full cemetery is expected to be operational by spring 2027, at which point lairs are expected to close to new burials. Muslim, infant and ashes burial will continue here for a number of years beyond 2027. Chair of Moray Council's economic development and infrastructure services committee, councillor Marc Macrae, said: 'This development reflects Moray Council's commitment to sustainable planning, community wellbeing, and environmental stewardship. "We extend our thanks to all stakeholders and community members who contributed to the planning process and look forward to delivering a facility that will serve Elgin for generations to come.'
