Inverness Ice Centre to appeal for funds to help it survive

Inverness Ice Centre is to appeal to the public for funds to help it survive the next 12 months.

Rising costs have seen the charity-run facility’s energy bill increase from £12,000 to £30,000 a month.

The centre is discussing with its accountants how much money would need to be raised from a crowdfunding campaign.

Its board has also suggested installing solar panels on the building’s roof in an attempt to lower the electricity bill.

Chairman Michael Green said it was suggested a neighbouring property the centre owns could be sold, but it decided to hold off progressing that idea further for now.

In 2023, the centre went ice-free after the end of the curling season in April, through to July to cut costs.

To keep money coming in, the space was used for hosting boxing events, a gig by Scottish singer Callum Beattie and gin and whisky festivals.

A similar step was taken last year and the venue hosted unofficial fans zone during Scotland’s appearance at the Euros 24 football championship.

The centre employs 44 people.

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

Chief executive Gordon Barron 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.”

Reporting by local democracy journalist Will Angus.