LOCKERBIE Ice Rink is gliding into the new season with some upgrades and improvements.
They have purchased new style skates and skating aids and installed lockers for skaters to use while on the ice.
The toilets have also been refurbished.
And the first customers back last weekend gave good feedback on the changes.
A rink spokesperson said: “Following consultation with our members back in 2018 it was identified that improvements were to be made to modernise the facility at Lockerbie Ice Rink (LIR) and make it more user friendly for members, customers and visitors.
“Also, feedback had been received from the skating community that the skates were in a state of disrepair and not safe to use and there was not enough skating aids available for the youngsters. It was also identified that there were no personal lockers to store any valuables when on the ice skating.”
Funding to carry out the work came in the form of grants from the Dumfriesshire East Community Benefit Group (DECBG), which is funded by Scottish Power Renewables, and the Ewe Hill Windfarm Community Benefit Fund.
The LIR spokesperson added: “New skates and skating aids such as penguins give customers a more enjoyable experience when using the facility to skate.
“The modernisation of the ladies and gents downstairs toilet areas make the facility more user friendly for personnel to use, which has received nothing but positive feedback from members, customers and visitors.
“LIR is very grateful for the funding received from DECBG & SPR and also support received from local contractors AC Little, Ross Currie and Ross Wardrope.”
Jamie Dent, the community officer for DECGB, went along to see how the money has been spent and said: “We are pleased to play our part in supporting Lockerbie Ice Rink, a key community sporting facility with a long history of producing internationally successful curlers.
“We hope that our involvement will help ensure that the ice rink continues to play its part in supporting community life.”
- Above: Duncan Gracie, left, from the rink with Jamie Dent of DECGB
