Inverness Ice Centre is to ask for public financial support as it battles closure over rising energy costs.
Recent energy price hikes have left the centre in a “precarious” financial position, according to Ice Centre chairman Michael Green.
Along with chief executive Gordon Barron, they planned to guide the centre off thin ice by selling off some of the centre’s property assets.
However, after a board meeting the centre has instead opted to open a crowdfunding campaign, asking the public to get the Ice Centre through the current financial crisis.
Mr Barron said 44 jobs depend on the Ice Centre.
What is the situation with the Ice Centre?
The centre’s voting members were told the centre was facing closure, unless a financial recovery plan was implemented.
This is due to the recent spiralling energy costs, which have impacted the power-hungry ice venue more than most.
The recent energy crisis saw their prices rocket from £12,000 to £30,000 a month overnight.
This has left the centre in a “precarious” financial position over the last two years.
Chairman Mr Green worked closely with chief executive Mr Barron to produce the financial plan which they said could see the centre survive and then begin to grow.
These plans include solar panels being installed on the centre’s roof to relieve some of the energy costs.
This would come at the cost of selling a rental property adjacent to the centre.
However, the Ice Centre board has agreed to defer these plans for 30 days, opting instead to try and raise money through crowdfunding in the community.
Bleak picture for other ice venues across the Scotland
Other ice rinks across Scotland have been facing similar financial troubles.
Ayr Ice Rink closed its doors in 2023, blaming an “unprecedented hike in energy costs.”
Dewars Centre Ice Rink in Perth has also indicated they planned to close, but remains open just over the winter months.
This seasonal model of icy activities is something Inverness Ice Centre has also adopted.
What has Inverness Ice Centre done differently?
Set up as a charity, the Inverness Ice Centre has been getting creative in order to survive.
The Ice Centre spends the year swapping between an icy sports venue and an events hub.
Mr Green and Mr Barron spoke of it’s popular Strictly Inverness event, which is a huge financial boost for the centre.
Over the course of its 14-year and counting run, the event has raised over £2.3 million for the centre and it’s event partner Highland Hospice.
Other events coming to the venue this year include music gigs Inver90s and Pulse8.
What is the plan for the centre?
Speaking in reaction to the board’s decision to defer the financial plans, Ice Centre chief executive Mr Barron said the decision came after “lengthy discussion.”
He said: “The board will consult with our accountant to establish the level of crowd funding we require to meet our cash flow requirements over the next 12 months.
“The committee will be crowd fundraising to meet this requirement almost immediately and we will be looking for support from the public.”
Councillor and Ice Centre chairman Mr Green said Ice Centre organisers had taken this “transparent and democratic” decision for the “benefit of our users and members.”
He added: “We have decided to defer the vote on selling the rental space for 30 days to explore crowd funding as an alternative solution.
“We look forward to working closely with the newly formed Crowdfunding Sub-Committee to raise awareness and secure financial support for this initiative, ensuring the long-term future of the Ice Centre.
“Further details will be shared in the coming days.”
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