Scottish Ice Hockey (SIH) has taken swift and formal action in response to the proposed closure of Moray Ice Rink on 4 August 2025.
Emails sent on 24 July 2025, clearly marked as urgent, were dispatched by John Colley—to John O’Kane, CEO of Moray Leisure Centre; Councillor Kathleen Robertson, Leader of Moray Council; and First Minister John Swinney—seeking immediate and meaningfuldialogue over the sudden closure decision.
On the evening of 27 July, Mr O’Kane responded, confirming he is willing to meet to discuss the matter. However, no response or acknowledgement has been received from First Minister Swinney or Councillor Robertson.
New Developments: Temporary Closure Risks Becoming Permanent
Recent media coverage has reported that the intended permanent closure has been scaledback to a temporary shutdown from 4 August to 5 October, while a more detailed review of options takes place.
Despite this concession, local stakeholders remain deeply concerned:
• Protesters and club representatives warn that similar closures often become permanent once doors are shut, and they lack confidence that the rink will reopen as pledged.
• The notion that “closed facilities are much harder to reopen” reflects many past experiences among ice sport communities, underscoring a significant long-term risk.
Statement from Scottish Ice Hockey
John Colley, Chairman of Scottish Ice Hockey, said:
“While we welcome the shift from permanent to temporary closure, history and experience tell us that once doors close, reopening becomes much harder. That risks undermining community access and long-term sustainability. We urge decision-makers not to mistake a breathing space for a final solution.”
Ice sports in Scotland continue to flourish. Ice Hockey is now Britain’s largest indoor spectator sport and ranks as the fifth-largest team sport across the UK. In Scotland, it remains the most popular indoor team sport after football and rugby union. Youth participation andathlete development continue to grow, as do community programmes and engagement across all disciplines.
Scottish Ice Hockey Is Calling For:
• A full pause on the closure, even temporarily.
• A multi-stakeholder meeting involving Moray Leisure Centre, Moray Council, SIH, Ice Hockey UK, curling and skating user groups;
• A transparent and published options appraisal, including financial modelling, community impact assessments, and any potential interim funding or collaboration mechanisms.
Moray Ice Rink presently supports a wide range of activities—from figure skating and curling to public skating sessions, learn-to-skate programmes, and ice hockey (at both junior and senior levels). It has helped develop local athletes who now compete in professional leagues, including Austin and Dawson Osborn (MK Lightning), Alex Forbes (Glasgow Clan), and Harry Ferguson (Telford Tigers).
Scottish Ice Hockey remains committed to working constructively with all parties to secure the future of Moray Ice Rink and ensure continued access to ice sports for the people of Moray and beyond.
For further information, contact:
John Colley
Chairman, Scottish Ice Hockey
