COVID cash boost
Ayr Ice Rink’s operators in Limekiln Road are set to be handed a cash boost from the Scottish Government – which could go some way to easing their financial woes.
Up to £ 2m is to be made available to ice rink operators around the country after they were forced to shut their doors due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions.
Governing body for Curling, Scottish Curling, said the announcement was “absolutely brilliant news,” adding: “Details regarding distribution are still to be worked out but this is such welcome news.”
Other sports set to benefit includes ice hockey, which is due to receive around £ 200,000 from the scheme, while horse racing will benefit to the tune of £ 2m in grants – and that could be a welcome boost at Ayr Racecourse.
The cash is part of a wider £ 55m emergency sports funding package to tackle lost revenue during the pandemic. It was announced on Thursday by Sports Minister Joe FitzPatrick.
The funding will comprise grants and lowinterest loans.
Mr FitzPatrick said: “I am pleased to announce this substantial funding package, which will help to ensure those sports which have been worst affected by the loss of ticket revenue during the pandemic are able to bridge the gap in revenue until spectators are able to return safely to sports events in larger numbers.
“While restrictions on supporters at events have been vital in stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives, there can be no doubt that they have created real hardships for many sports clubs.
“These clubs are at the heart of our communities and, without urgent financial support, the survival of some could be in question.
“I’m delighted that we are able to provide significantly more support than the Barnett consequential funding received from the UK Government Sports Winter Survival package.”
Last week we told how Ayr Ice Rink bosses said they needed an £ 85,000 bailout to stay afloat.
MSP John Scott said: “Having lobbied the Scottish Government to provide direct funding for ice rinks, and in particular for Ayr Ice Rink, the announcement of a £ 2m grant fund is a very welcome development.
“With the very real threat of permanent closure of Ayr Ice Rink having been raised, this now provides a way forward.
“I will continue to give my ongoing support to the rink, and to the groups of local people who use it, to help ensure that we get the full benefit locally of this new funding and to help ensure a sustainable future for local ice sports.”
Director at Ayr Curling, Andrew Kerr, said: “The announcement last Thursday of financial support for ice rinks by the Scottish Government is indeed welcome news for Ayr Ice Rink.
“It follows strong representations made by Scottish Curling and the Scottish Ice Rinks Association ( SIRA) in which the exceptionally high energy costs of maintaining ice with only limited income due to the Covid restrictions was stressed and the risk which this presents to the future viability of rinks. We will need to await further detail on the support package before we can say how it will affect Ayr but it is certainly extremely good news.”