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Inverness Ice Centre is to appeal to the public for funds to help it survive the next 12 months.<\/p>\n
Rising costs have seen the charity-run facility’s energy bill increase from \u00a312,000 to \u00a330,000 a month.<\/p>\n
The centre is discussing with its accountants how much money would need to be raised from a crowdfunding campaign.<\/p>\n
Its board has also suggested installing solar panels on the building’s roof in an attempt to lower the electricity bill.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Chairman Michael Green said it was suggested a neighbouring property the centre owns could be sold, but it decided to hold off progressing that idea further for now.<\/p>\n
In 2023, the centre went ice-free after the end of the curling season in April, through to July to cut costs.<\/p>\n
To keep money coming in, the space was used for hosting boxing events, a gig by Scottish singer Callum Beattie and gin and whisky festivals.<\/p>\n
A similar step was taken last year and the venue hosted unofficial fans zone during Scotland’s appearance at the Euros 24 football championship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The centre employs 44 people.<\/p>\n
Some of the site’s highest costs are related to refrigeration and keeping its ice rink intact for curling, skating and hockey.<\/p>\n
Chief executive Gordon Barron said: “The board will consult with our accountant to establish the level of crowd funding we require to meet our cash flow requirements over the next 12 months.<\/p>\n
“The committee will be crowd fundraising to meet this requirement almost immediately and we will be looking for support from the public.”<\/p>\n
Reporting by local democracy journalist Will Angus<\/i><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n