Ice centre says recovery plan reducing its costs

Inverness Ice Centre had seen big increases in its energy costs

Inverness Ice Centre bosses say a recovery plan drawn up in May has secured the site's future.

Rising costs saw the charity-run facility's energy bill increase from £12,000 to £30,000 a month. It also had loans to pay off.

Chief executive Gordon Barron said the centre's fortunes had improved after receiving a £150,000 loan from Social Investment Scotland.

The charity has also negotiated a lower energy tariff with its supplier, which comes into effect in October.

Mr Barron said the centre had been at risk of sliding towards "rock bottom".

He said: "We were in the trough in the last two years, but we are already on the upward trajectory."

The rink first opened in 1968.

Some of the site's highest costs are related to refrigeration and keeping its ice rink intact for curling, skating and hockey.

Reporting by local democracy reporter Will Angus.