Glasgow Ice Centre is deeply saddened by the closure of Ayr Ice Rink, a cherished facility that served as the heart of the local ice sports community. This unfortunate event has left hundreds of locals without a venue to pursue their passions for curling, skating, and ice hockey. The closure marks a significant loss, not only for the town of Ayr but also for the broader community that thrived within the rink’s walls.
Impact on Local Ice Sports Community
With Ayr Ice Rink no longer available, skaters, curlers, and hockey players have been forced to find new homes for their activities. Some skaters have relocated to Auchenharvie Rink in Stevenston, North Ayrshire. Curlers have dispersed to various rinks including Greenacres, Stranraer, and Hamilton. This dispersion highlights the critical need for local facilities to support these sports.
The Ayr Bruins Recreational Ice Hockey Club, formed in January 2022, has unfortunately decided to disband. The club members struggled to stay motivated without a home rink, making the difficult decision to call it a day. Their disbandment is a poignant reminder of the essential role that local ice rinks play in fostering community and enthusiasm for ice sports.
Ayrshire’s Figure Skating Success
Despite these setbacks, Ayrshire continues to produce outstanding ice sports talent. Ayrshire now proudly boasts two British Figure Skating Champions. Cousins Lewis Macdonald and Isla Forsyth both triumphed at the British Novice Figure Skating Championships.
Lewis delivered an outstanding skate that earned him first place in the Intermediate Novice Boys category, while Isla’s impeccable performance crowned her the Basic Novice Girls Champion.
This success was a true family affair, as both skaters were coached by Lewis’s mother, Suzanne Otterson, a former Olympic skater, and his aunt Gillian Otterson Forsyth.
Their achievements are a testament to the region’s enduring spirit and dedication to excellence in figure skating.
Advocacy for a New Rink in Glasgow
At Glasgow Ice Centre, we remain committed to advocating for a new ice rink in Glasgow. We envision a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a hub for all ice sports in Scotland’s largest city, providing access to millions of people. Such a venue would not only support local athletes but also attract national and international events and support access to ice sports for everyone, fostering a vibrant ice sports community in Glasgow.
We believe that with collective effort and community support, we can realize the dream of a new ice rink in Glasgow, ensuring that future generations have the facilities they need to pursue their passions in ice sports. Together, let’s work towards building a brighter future for ice sports in Scotland.
For more information and to support our advocacy efforts, please contact us here or on social media.