Ayr Ice Rink to close amid rising costs due to energy crisis

Managing director, Andrew Kerr, said that it was with a "heavy heart" that the popular local rink will close, citing energy costs brought on "by the consequences of Putin's war in Ukraine" as the reason.

The rink is home to 40 curling clubs, as well as around 550 skating members. It is also a social hub for local residents

It recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in February, and the board will now seek Members Voluntary Liquidation.

Mr Kerr said: "It is with a very heavy heart that the board of Ayrshire Curlers Ltd, the owner of Ayr Ice Rink, has made the unavoidable decision to close the rink on September 30 and to seek Members Voluntary Liquidation.

"This situation has been brought about entirely as a result of the unprecedented increase in energy costs.

"Energy is the biggest expenditure in making ice and the bill for the last financial year amounted to £153,000.

"From October 1 the best deal we have been able to secure will see that rise by 110 per cent.

"The reality of this is that the average daily cost for electricity will rise from £419 to £880 – an increase of £461 each and every day of the year and we would have to generate more than £150,000 additional income to cover our energy costs, never mind wage increases and inflationary increases on all the other expenses of running an ice rink.

"It simply cannot be done.

"Discussions have been ongoing with senior councillors in South Ayrshire since the problem first appeared on the horizon back in 2022 and, initially, they led us to believe that a new ice rink for Ayr was a possibility.

"Realistically, a new build rink is the only way energy costs might be brought down to a manageable level but the capital cost is likely to be counted in millions."

The rink is home to some 40 curling clubs with a total membership of c550.

It is also the base for two figure skating clubs and a junior ice hockey club catering for around 350 youngsters every week.

Over the years both the skaters and the curlers have gone on to win national championships and enjoyed medal success at the Olympics.

Mr Kerr continued: "Losing the ice rink will put an end to that pathway but, more important will be the negative impact on all the well documented health benefits of sport and social interaction.

"Of course, the greatest impact of closure will be on the staff and unfortunately three full-time staff and three part-time staff will be redundant along with seasonal staff.

"Ayr Ice Rink celebrated its 50th anniversary in February and would have undoubtably continued for many more years but for the consequences of Mr Putin’s war in Ukraine."

Kyle Figure Skating Club, which uses the rink, spoke of its sadness at the news.

A spokesperson said: "We at Kyle FSC are deeply saddened to bring the news to you we have all been trying so desperately to avoid.

"We got word today from Ayr Ice Rink that the rink is to close in September due to unsustainable rising costs.

"There have been many many people working to try and avoid this behind the scenes but unfortunately it appears this cannot be avoided any more.

"KYLE FSC hopes to still run as a club, and the coaches and committee are doing all they can to make sure our skaters can continue to flourish.

"We will update in due course, we appreciate everyone's time and patience while we try and work through the details."

A Council spokesperson said: “It’s disappointing that Ayr Curling Club has taken this decision.

"We are currently exploring a number of options, including working with potential investors to construct a new ice rink in Ayr."