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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."
The Herald Scotland
21-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
UNESCO Trail 'has raised Scotland's profile as a holiday destination'
It found that the trail not only raised Scotland's profile as a holiday destination but also as a 'global leader' in promoting UNESCO values and responsible, sustainable tourism practices – with other countries inspired to create their own version. The evaluation reports that around one in twelve (8%) domestic visitors typically visit a UNESCO site while taking a holiday or short break in Scotland. This increases to around one in six (16%) for short-haul visitors and one in four (28%) for long-haul. Visitor surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023 found that around a quarter of visitors from key European markets were aware of the trail, rising to a third from UK and North America. Between 31% and 46% of visitors stated the trail was an important factor in their decision to visit a UNESCO site. The trail was most important for visitors to the Antonine Wall and New Lanark, followed by Shetland, Orkney, the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and Old and New Towns of Edinburgh. READ MORE: Scotland's UNESCO Trail was launched as a digital trail in October 2021 – the first of its kind in the world – and included all 13 of Scotland's UNESCO designated sites at the time. The Flow Country, Perth City of Craft and Folk Art, and the Isle of Arran, which have since received UNESCO designation, have been added to the trail as it has been reworked. Scotland was the first nation in the world to create the pioneering initiative, developed through a unique partnership between VisitScotland, the Scottish Government, the UK National Commission for UNESCO, Historic Environment Scotland, NatureScot, the National Trust for Scotland and Scotland's UNESCO designations. The trail was designed specifically to support the ambitions of the national strategy to make Scotland a world-leading responsible tourism destination, encouraging visitors to stay longer and visit all year round in line with the country's responsible tourism ambitions. All of Scotland's UNESCO designations stated that the trail encouraged collaborative working between them and the wider tourism sector. Scotland's UNESCO Trail has received numerous accolades including a prestigious international award for responsible tourism ('Tourmag - Césars du Voyage Responsible' Award', Marseille March 2023), the Santagata Foundation Award and Wanderlust Sustainability Award (both November 2022). In 2024, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed the Flow Country as a World Heritage Site (Image: Sam Rose) Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: 'Each one of Scotland's UNESCO sites tells a story of Scotland's rich and varied culture, history and heritage. Together, they form a powerful showcase of Scotland's unique proposition as a year-round sustainable tourism destination. 'The UNESCO Trail has been a pioneering project led by VisitScotland in partnership with sites across the country and this analysis shows the clear value of the initiative as it helps build a compelling story that is attracting tourists and visitors from across the world to our incredible, unique UNESCO sites up and down the country.' Professor Anne Anderson OBE, Chair, UK National Commission for UNESCO, said: 'At the UK National Commission for UNESCO we are delighted with this final evaluation report of the award-winning Scotland UNESCO Trail. The Trail is an exemplar of how a national tourism board and a UNESCO National Commission can come together with a national network of UNESCO sites to create and deliver a product that has measurable positive visitor impact, and real-world social and economic benefits for local communities. 'The Scotland UNESCO Trail continues to resonate with UNESCO Member States around the world, who see this as a model to emulate. We would like to thank VisitScotland and the Scottish Government for their coordination and financial support of this truly valuable and ground-breaking initiative.' Vicki Miller, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: 'Scotland's UNESCO Trail was a major milestone in Scotland's responsible tourism ambitions. It helped support our work to encourage visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in our marvellous regions, ensuring the benefits of the visitor economy are felt right across our communities. 'Scotland's UNESCO designations encapsulate much of what makes Scotland a must-visit must-return destination. It is our unique landscape, history, heritage and culture that keep visitors coming back. 'Partnership working is at the heart of all that we do, and the Trail was a real collaboration between the industry, our national partners, UNESCO sites and the Scottish Government to raise our destination's profile on the global stage. These results show that it not only captured the imagination of our visitors but helped develop new relationships between UNESCO sites and the wider tourism sector.'
Daily Record
21-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Tourism campaign boosts visitors numbers to Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere
The region is part of Scotland's UNESCO Trail, which is helping attract tourists from across the world. A tourism campaign is helping to boost visitor numbers to the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. Scotland's UNESCO Trail was launched as a digital trail four years ago, linking UNESCO designated sites across the country. And a study into the impact of the trail has revealed it has helped boost Scotland's profile as a holiday destination. The research also found that the trail played an important part in nearly 40 per cent of visitors' decision to come to the UNESCO-designated biosphere. Biosphere director, Ed Forrest, said: 'We are proud and delighted that visitors recognise Scotland's UNESCO Trail as both unique and inspiring. Not only does the trail showcase a world class tourism offer across the whole of the country, it is a foundation on which we can continue to build sustainability within our UNESCO Biosphere's visitor economy, encouraging responsible behaviour alongside immersive learning about natural and cultural heritage. 'As an organisation working closely with local businesses and communities, we have been promoting Scotland's UNESCO Trail since its launch and supporting others to integrate its messaging into their own marketing. 'We are pleased to see the trail is increasingly being utilised by local businesses and attractions and know that they view it with pride, to be part of something that is valued globally. It's especially rewarding to see the micro and SMEs which are the backbone of tourism in our very rural area feel connectivity with other UNESCO sites. 'Scotland's UNESCO Trail is something we will continue to build on. For all the designations it encompasses our shared ethos of innovation and collaboration towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. It's a fantastic platform for our region's amazing visitor offering, especially our Biosphere Communities and tourism businesses accredited through our Biosphere Certification Mark scheme. 'The future for the UNESCO Trail and for low carbon, nature-friendly tourism across Scotland looks very exciting indeed.' The trail is the result of a partnership between VisitScotland, the Scottish Government, the UK National Commission for UNESCO, Historic Environment Scotland, NatureScot, the National Trust for Scotland and Scotland's UNESCO designations. Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: 'The UNESCO Trail has been a pioneering project led by VisitScotland in partnership with sites across the country and this analysis shows the clear value of the initiative as it helps build a compelling story that is attracting tourists and visitors from across the world to our incredible, unique UNESCO sites up and down the country.' VisitScotland chief executive, Vicki Miller, added: 'Scotland's UNESCO Trail was a major milestone in Scotland's responsible tourism ambitions. It helped support our work to encourage visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in our marvellous regions, ensuring the benefits of the visitor economy are felt right across our communities. 'Scotland's UNESCO designations encapsulate much of what makes Scotland a must-visit must-return destination. It is our unique landscape, history, heritage and culture that keep visitors coming back.'
The National
17-07-2025
- Business
- The National
UK Government to create 'AI Growth Zone' in Scotland
Announcing the plans on Thursday, the UK Government said Scotland is in line for "billions of pounds of investment" in a move ministers hope will put the country at the "forefront of the UK's technological revolution". The AI Growth Zone is part of the UK Government's Compute Roadmap, which promises £1 billion to expand the country's AI research resource 20-fold over the next five years. It is understood several promising sites for the AI Growth Zone – which ministers hope will speed up the rollout of vital infrastructure like data centres – have already been identified in Scotland. READ MORE: Brian Leishman: 'Anas Sarwar hasn't spoken to me in six months' It is hoped researchers and businesses at the centres will be able to process huge amounts of data to deliver the next generation of breakthroughs and innovations – including potentially finding new ways to treat and beat diseases, speeding up how we can diagnose conditions like cancer, and even using AI to help in the fight against climate change. Confirmation of an AI Growth Zone for Scotland comes after the [[UK Government]] announced £750 million of funding to build the UK's new national supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh. As part of the Compute Roadmap, ministers have now also confirmed the capital will be home to the UK's first National Supercomputing Centre. This will be a dedicated centre of expertise, with individual sites hosting everything from large data sets to cutting-edge processing power. The Scottish Government has welcomed the news, as Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: 'With our world-renowned talent for research, innovation and ingenuity, Scotland is perfectly placed to capitalise on AI's rapid growth and be a supplier of this transformational technology, not just a consumer. Richard Lochhead (Image: PA) 'We are also home to vital supporting and enabling infrastructure – from good-quality digital connectivity to the abundant renewable energy supplies needed to power the huge demand from computer processing in a sustainable way. 'The UK Government's confirmation that an AI Growth Zone and National Supercomputing Centre will be established in Scotland is welcome. 'It will help unlock new opportunities for businesses, researchers, citizens and communities — supporting high-quality jobs through economic growth and boosting productivity.' READ MORE: More than 100 UK citizens' details leaked in MoD Afghan data breach The [[UK Government]]'s Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said: 'From the shipyards of the Clyde to developments in steam engine technology, Scottish trailblazers were central to the industrial revolution. 'AI is this generation's next great industrial leap, so who better to help drive that change than a nation with innovation hardwired in its DNA. 'We've set out an ambitious plan to cement our position as a global leader in AI, with Scotland set to play a key role – unlocking fresh investment and new opportunities. That's how we're putting our Plan for Change into action.' Scotland Secretary Ian Murray said: 'This is a landmark moment and will place Scotland at the forefront of the UK's technological revolution. 'The up to £750 million investment in Edinburgh's new supercomputer also places Scotland at the cutting edge of computing power globally. 'This will see Scotland playing a leading role in creating breakthroughs that have a global benefit – such as new medicines, health advances, and climate change solutions. 'This is the Plan for Change – delivering real opportunities and economic growth for communities across Scotland.'
Edinburgh Reporter
17-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
UNESCO Trail declared a success
Scotland's UNESCO Trail is hailed a success as VisitScotland say it inspired two in five visitors to go to at least one of Scotland's designated sites. The report which they have published finds that as many as one in four long haul visitors go to one of the sites in Scotland. More than a third said the trail, which was launched as a digital presence in October 2021, was an important factor in deciding to visit one of the sites. Scotland is the first country to develop such an initiative through a partnership involving VisitScotland, The Scottish Government, the UK National Commission for UNESCO, Historic Environment Scotland, NatureScot, the National Trust for Scotland and Scotland's UNESCO designations. Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: 'Each one of Scotland's UNESCO sites tells a story of Scotland's rich and varied culture, history and heritage. Together, they form a powerful showcase of Scotland's unique proposition as a year-round sustainable tourism destination. 'The UNESCO Trail has been a pioneering project led by VisitScotland in partnership with sites across the country and this analysis shows the clear value of the initiative as it helps build a compelling story that is attracting tourists and visitors from across the world to our incredible, unique UNESCO sites up and down the country.' Vicki Miller, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: 'Scotland's UNESCO Trail was a major milestone in Scotland's responsible tourism ambitions. It helped support our work to encourage visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in our marvellous regions, ensuring the benefits of the visitor economy are felt right across our communities. 'Scotland's UNESCO designations encapsulate much of what makes Scotland a must-visit must-return destination. It is our unique landscape, history, heritage and culture that keep visitors coming back. 'Partnership working is at the heart of all that we do, and the Trail was a real collaboration between the industry, our national partners, UNESCO sites and the Scottish Government to raise our destination's profile on the global stage. These results show that it not only captured the imagination of our visitors but helped develop new relationships between UNESCO sites and the wider tourism sector.' The full list of Scotland's UNESCO designations are: the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere, Dundee UNESCO City of Design, Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature, Glasgow UNESCO City of Music, Perth UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art, Arran UNESCO Global Geopark, Shetland UNESCO Global Geopark, North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark, the Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge UNESCO World Heritage Site, Frontiers of the Roman Empire: Antonine Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site, Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old and New Towns of Edinburgh UNESCO World Heritage Site, St Kilda UNESCO World Heritage Site. Loading… PHOTO Stephen Sweeney Like this: Like Related
