After careful consideration by management it was decided that Lockerbie Ice Rink would not reopen this year. They stress that they fully intend to reopen for next season in October 2021.
A Spokesperson for Lockerbie Ice Rink Said “We have been in touch constantly with local curling clubs to gauge interest and get an accurate idea of bookings. Understandably numbers were much reduced which impacts on our income. It takes three weeks to produce the ice and then maintaining it has large running costs and this expenditure is the same regardless of the number of people through the door. The reduction in income and high expenditure meant that it would have been too big a risk to reopen.
Along with the financial risks there was also the wellbeing of our customers and staff to take into account. Keeping everybody safe has to be our main priority. Coronavirus levels are low at the moment in Dumfries and Galloway but we are situated between two high level areas in Cumbria and Central Scotland where stricter restrictions are in place.
Therefore, the decision was made to cancel the 2020/21 season rather than taking the risk of reopening and potentially having to close again, as has happened with ice rinks in other areas of Scotland.
Lockerbie Ice Rink is an important part of the local community. We have a thriving wheelchair club and recent upgrades to the building have improved accessibility. Last season we offered two free curling lessons to all primary schools in Annandale and Eskdale along with free weekly after school curling sessions for ages 5 -18. Try curling sessions are held throughout the season and are also free and cater for all ages and abilities. Our weekend skating sessions are becoming more popular year on year and we are home to the Lockerbie Figure Skating and Dance Club who hold coaching sessions every Sunday morning during the season.
We are putting in place the framework to continue providing Curling and Skating at Lockerbie Ice Rink and we aim to be back refreshed and raring to go in October 2021 and we look forward to welcoming back old friends and making many more new ones.
Although we will not be Curling or Skating the doors will still be open and Jodie’s café will be serving food and drink, sit in and takeaway, all year round as normal.”
