A festive ice rink has transformed a city centre park this Christmas to raise thousands of pounds for sick children.
The rink, in Union Terrace Gardens, was officially launched yesterday afternoon and is the latest addition to the city’s Christmas calendar.
Every skater on the rink will help raise money for the ARCHIE foundation, the official charity of the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
And yesterday, the first to take to the ice was ARCHIE ambassador, 10-year-old Oliver Constant, his two sisters, Hannah, 15 and Holly, 17, and mother, Anne.
Oliver, of Udny, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour four years ago and ever since the family have been helped during his treatments with support and care from the charity.
It is the second year that an outdoor ice rink has been set up in the city, following on from the success of the rink in the Castlegate last year.
Gary Craig, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired – who organised the Christmas event – said: “We brought the ice rink back. It was really successful last year and so this year we decided to bring it back to the gardens for the next five weeks.
“We do have a lot more activities, there’s going to be arts and crafts, Santa’s grotto, there’s something for everyone.
“I think for me it’s good to see the gardens getting used, it is a festive scene in the city centre. It is the ideal space for this activity.
“We’re just hopeful folk will get into the Christmas spirit.”
Aberdeen Lynx ice hockey team and local theatre group Pepla helped to raise some cheer at the launch yesterday.
Aberdeen’s Lord Provost, George Adam, agreed that the gardens – which have often been the centre of discussions for the city’s regeneration – was the right place for the festivities.
He said: “I think the ice rink is fantastic for Union Terrace Gardens, I think it’s the perfect location for it. The fact that it’s open everyday until the 4th January means people will know when they can come down and have a great time – experts or novices alike.”
The rink will be open from 12pm to 8pm every day until January 4 2015 and costs £3 per person, including skate hire. All money will be donated to the Archie Foundation.