A funding boost for The South of Scotland Ice Rink Club in Lockerbie following news that the group have received a grant of £50,000 from the Scottish Government’s new Ice Rink Support Fund has been welcomed.
South Scotland MSP, Joan McAlpine had previously written to funders highlighting the challenges faced by the club and asking if financial support could be made available to protect them going forward.
The funding, distributed by Sports Scotland, was part of a £1.75 million package to help support independent and privately owned or operated ice rinks during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Commenting, Ms McAlpine said,
“Ice skating and curling are important and popular sporting activities in the south of Scotland and that’s why I raised their concerns with funders. I am very glad the government has recognised the sector with a dedicated fund.
“I am especially delighted for Lockerbie ice rink. I hope the money will help mitigate the impact of the pandemic and enable the club to implement the necessary measures required to reopen safely when circumstances allow.
“South Scotland excels at ice sports and I look forward to the day, hopefully not too far away, when local people can get back on the ice. “
