Murrayfield petition pledge

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought around many challenges. Kyle Stewart is a figure skater. He has skated for the last 12 or 13 years. He competed in the British National Championships and also went onto become a coach.

Kyle said: “Murrayfield Ice Rink is the local ice rink, and also the ice rink that I have called home for my entire skating life. It is my home away from home and I have not only made so many dear friends from the rink but I also met those that I would consider my extended family. It offered me my first job, a boost in confidence and also has kept me fit and healthy whilst building great drive and ambition.

“The ice rink released a statement where they stated that they would be remaining closed

'for the foreseeable futur'. This is a massive upset for so many of us.

“This ice rink has an immense amount of history having been built in the 1930s and used throughout the war for storage before finally being opened to the public in the 1950s. Generations of skaters whether that be competitive or recreational have flooded through its doors. It has been a large influence on many of Britain's most successful skaters such as John and Sinead Kerr.

“I have started raising awareness about the troubles our beloved rink is facing as I would be utterly devastated if it were to succumb to financial difficulties brought about by Covid-19. It is the only rink in Edinburgh - not to mention the largest ice rink in Scotland.

“I have begun a petition online at Change.org which in the first three days gathered over 6,400 signatures. Please sign it if you can.”