The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Ice star excited by city rink
Champion Dundee skater Natasha McKay is delighted at the setting up of a Winterfest ice rink in the city, announcing a unique skating event.
The Team GB hopeful and four-time British National Single Figure Skating Champion visited the site at Slessor Gardens.
She announced that an Ice Gala event will take place at the rink on December 9 featuring top skaters from Dundee Ice Arena – where three of the UK’s best skaters train.
The skaters will perform a 20-minute display at 6.30pm then members of the public who book a session can skate alongside the professionals.
“It’s great for Dundee and it’s going to be so exciting to have an ice rink in the heart of the city for Christmas,” said Natasha.
“Access to rinks is really important and we’re lucky to have such a great facility in the Ice Arena at Camperdown.”
The champion skater, who is hoping to earn a Team GB place at next year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing, said she started out on the ice at a friend’s birthday and was hooked.
“You never know who might be inspired by having a go on the festive rink,” she said.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to come and try and have a bit of fun, and the display skaters will put on a terrific performance.”
Montana Thomson from organisers M&N Events said: “We’re very excited at welcoming people to Slessor Gardens.
“There will be something for everyone.”
The Winterfest, which gets under way later this month, will feature a Ferris wheel at Slessor Gardens, the rink and a Christmas market selling food, drink and other goods.”
Work started on the festival site last week, but some businesses have complained about the cost of taking part – with some stalls pitched at £10,000.
Grant Mulholland, of The Old Mill Kitchen and Coffee Shop, said: “When we saw the pricing we just thought ‘wow’.
“We are excited at the prospect of the market, but I don’t think you will see very many of your favourite local businesses there.
“When customers ask why we didn’t take part I’m sure the pricing we shared online will explain it all.”
A spokesman from M&N Events said: “Our pricing structure is fairly based on the infrastructure costs we have to absorb.”