Scottish Conservative MSPs Liz Smith and Murdo Fraser have written a joint letter to the Leader of Perth and Kinross Council to express their concerns about the plan to close Dewars ice rink in Perth.
In the letter to Councillor Grant Laing, the politicians cite recent comments made by Olympic gold medallist winner Eve Muirhead, who described the ice rink as ‘the home of Scottish curling.’
Perth and Kinross Council propose to close the Dewars ice rink, Perth Leisure Pool and Bell’s Sports Centre in the city. The local authority wishes to replace the three loss-making venues with a single sports centre. However, the replacement would not feature an ice rink, leisure pool, or indoor bowling rink.
The proposal, which will be discussed by Perth and Kinross Councillors at a meeting on Monday, has seen an outcry from many local residents.
In the letter to the council leader, MSPs Liz Smith and Murdo Fraser say: “It will be no surprise to you that we have both received numerous representations from constituents in the last few days regarding the proposed closure of Dewars ice rink. In particular, these representations have been made by members of the curling community but also by parents of youngsters just starting out on their sporting journey.
“You will be aware of the concerns expressed by Eve Muirhead, who rightly describes the Dewars ice rink as ‘the home of Scottish curling,’ given its rich national and international history in the sport. You will also be aware too of the statement made by Scottish Curling’s Chief Executive, Vincent Bryson, that any closure would be devastating for the 50 or so clubs and 700 curlers using the facility and also for the Perth and Kinross local economy. We wholeheartedly agree with these concerns.”
The letter continues: “Naturally, we are very aware of budgetary pressures, but we are asking you to reconsider the priorities within the proposed Perth and Kinross Council financial spending.
“We are sure you will agree that the absence of curling in Perth, which is, after all, a national Scottish sport with an outstanding record, would be contrary to the Scottish Government’s health and sport agenda and also its commitment to inclusion and the development of sporting opportunities for young people. These are matters we have raised in the past with Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport.”
Liz Smith previously wrote to the Minister to flag up her concerns about the future of Scottish curling in terms of its access to ice rinks and the accompanying facilities.
