Ambitious £200,000 upgrade will help transform ice rink

It is hoped a £200,000 upgrade to the home of Scottish curling will help generate fresh enthusiasm for the sport among disabled athletes.

The ice rink at Kinross, which was built in 1977 as an extension of the Green Hotel, was relaunched in November 2014 following a £1 million revamp.

The Kinross Curling Trust, which operates the rink, is now working on plans for further improvements, including making the lounge area more accessible to disabled players.

At present, the only way to reach the lounge is by stairs.

The trust’s project involves installing a lift, as well as improving the lounge entrance and upgrading changing and staff facilities. The entire upgrade will cost around £200,000, including £40,000 for the new lift.

Fundraisers have already collected more than £80,000 and recently secured an award of £852 from the town’s common good fund.

The work will help mark the 400th anniversary of the Kinross Curling Club, which uses the rink.

Councillor Callum Purves and MSP Liz Smith met members of the trust and heard more about their plans.

Mr Purves said: “I’m very optimistic that the trustees will be able to secure the remaining funding and look forward to seeing progress.”

Ms Smith, Mid-Scotland and Fife Tory MSP, added: “These ambitious plans will transform the rink and make it one of the best facilities in Scotland and I hope they are able to meet their funding target.

“With the Winter Olympics fast approaching, it is important to seize on the publicity to unearth the next Eve Muirhead.”