Ice rink to reopen after months of uncertainty

The ice rink will reopen in October after initial plans to close it permanently

The ice rink in Elgin is to reopen in October after months of uncertainty about the future of the facility.

Plans to permanently close the site due to spiralling energy costs were announced in July, but that was later downgraded to a temporary closure.

Moray Leisure Centre said a new plan for the rink would give more people the chance to enjoy ice sports in the region.

MSP Richard Lochhead, who had been working to save the centre, confirmed it had been moved onto a cheaper energy tarriff.

The board of Moray Leisure Centre said earlier this year it had concluded its ice rink was "no longer financially viable" but after a local campaign decided to assess other options.

It said a group representing hockey, figure skating, and curling had worked "tirelessly" since then to put together the plan to open again on 5 October.

A social media post said: "This is a huge step forward for ice sports in Moray and a celebration of what we can achieve together."

Mr Lochhead said the move would be "warmly welcomed".

He added: "I am delighted the leisure centre board has reached agreement to reopen Moray's ice rink – a move that will undoubtedly be warmly welcomed by local clubs and ice users.

"I hope the board and the users can continue to work together to ensure a sustainable and long-term future for the ice rink."