There is growing concern across Moray following the announcement that the ice rink at Moray Leisure Centre will close permanently from 4 August 2025.
The decision, taken by the Moray Leisure Ltd Board, has sparked widespread disappointment among the community, local politicians, and user groups who say the closure would be a major loss to the region.
Moray Council Leader, Councillor Kathleen Robertson, acknowledged the news as a blow, but pointed to the rising cost of energy as a key factor.
“While this is clearly a difficult decision for them,” she said, “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.”
Cllr Robertson said Moray Council will continue to work closely with the Board and management team to help identify energy-saving measures and potential efficiencies to ease the pressure.
But many in the area say more must be done to avoid the permanent loss of Moray’s only ice rink.
Moray’s MSP Richard Lochhead described the closure as a “huge blow” for the local families, clubs and ice hockey players who rely on the facility.
“Indeed, this morning I passed young people enjoying themselves as they skated on the ice,” he said.
“To now hear it is to close will be incredibly disheartening for them and for the wider community.”
Lochhead pointed out that other ice facilities across Scotland including in Inverness and Aberdeen have faced similar threats due to surging energy prices, in some cases turning to crowdfunding to stay afloat.
He added that the issue goes far beyond Moray.
“Tackling energy costs and ensuring we benefit from the massive energy resources on our doorstep should be at the top of the UK Government’s agenda,” he said.
The MSP confirmed he has written urgently to the Scottish Government to seek advice and support for Moray and Scotland’s other high-energy-use ice rinks, and that he plans to meet with the Leisure Centre’s management in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP Graham Leadbitter also voiced his concern, saying the closure would be “a shock and a blow” to the many who rely on the rink for ice dance, ice hockey, curling and recreational skating.
He urged Moray Council to do everything possible to support the facility and said he would work with all partners to find a way forward.
“People in Moray should not have to travel long distances for facilities that have, until now, been available and well used on their doorstep,” he said.
The coming days are likely to prove critical as local leaders, campaigners and the community consider options to save the rink.
