A weekend of cool activities is taking place at Inverness Ice Centre to celebrate its extensive refurbishment.
The leading north ice sport venue nurtures the Olympic, Paralympic, World and European champions of the future.
To mark the £719,982 upgrade, which gives operators better control of ice conditions in the hall and save energy, a bumper weekend of fun filled ice themed activities will take place.
Ice sport enthusiasts as well as those who may not have tried out ice sport before are being encouraged to come and experience the new look centre.
On Friday the centre on Bught Drive will be officially re-opened in front of an invited audience of guests, including representatives from Highland Council and sportscotland. The chairman of Inverness Ice Centre Tom Pendreigh will carry out the cutting of the ribbon.
On Saturday a rare opportunity to learn how to play one of Scotland’s ancient sports is on offer at the try curling for free event. Top class tuition will be provided by qualified coaches from the Highland Curling Development Group.
Inverness’ very own triple World Curling Champion, Ewan MacDonald will be on hand throughout the day to offer some winning tips and advice. His impressive medal haul will also be on display.
On Sunday ice-skating, ice hockey and even a couple of characters from the Disney hit film Frozen will take centre stage.
The two largest funding packages have come from sportscotland and The Highland Council Capital Grand fund, contributing £345,125 and £171,870 respectively.
It’s hoped the upgrades, which will make the centre brighter and more modern, will also encourage more first time ice skaters through the front door, which in turn will help the social enterprise facility increase its revenue, in order to ensure the sustainability of the centre in future years.
Tom Pendreigh, chairman of Inverness Ice Centre, said: “We have secured the funding through various different sources, including over £80,000 of our own funds – and we are now delighted that the Inverness Ice Centre is going to be officially re-opened.
“The upgrade is essential for the centre to move forward, developing it into one of the largest wet weather facilities in the north and it is central to the Inverness Ice Centre’s longevity.
“We hope to welcome many people through the doors including those who have not previously had experience of any ice sports.
“The facility is for the whole community to use and enjoy.”
