Zander gets his skates on as Tulloch gives £5,000 to new Aviemore ice rink

Tulloch Homes is delighted to have given a £5,000 donation boost to Aviemore’s new seasonal ice skating rink.

Tulloch, whose new private residential development at Bynack More is near the rink location, have been hailed as “brilliant neighbours” by Kirsty Bruce, co-ordinator of the Aviemore and Glenmore Trust, who are behind the project which has brought ice skating back to the area for the first time in 22 years.

George Fraser, chief executive of Tulloch Homes, said: ”We like to encourage community initiative and all credit to the Trust for opening its new rink. Ice skating has a historic connection to the village and I’m sure it will build up an appeal to locals and visitors alike and be a real asset to Aviemore.

“We’re happy to make this donation and to pursue an ongoing partnership with the Trust in terms of practical assistance we can deliver from our adjoining development.”

Kirsty Bruce thanked Tulloch and Zander Sutherland, site manager at Bynack More, for their assistance in cash and kind.

Kirsty said: “Tulloch Homes have turned out to be brilliant neighbours, topped off by this superb donation.

“It will go towards the cost of equipment, including heaters, and we’ve now raised £120,000 for the project.

“Zander Sutherland has told us to call him if we need anything and he’s been superb, including giving us a forklift driver to unload equipment. It’s ideal to have such a well-respected Highland business on board as we move towards our target of extending the rink to accommodate curling and ice hockey next year.

“We’ve been donated an Aviemore Blackhawks shirt which belonged to former team manager and ice rink boss Jack Dryburgh, so we’re keeping that legacy going. The community response to what we’re doing remains heart-warmingly strong.”

Former footballer Zander Sutherland, who won Highland League championship medals with Brora Rangers and Buckie Thistle, collected his third National House Builders Council ‘Pride in the Job’ award at a ceremony in Glasgow last month.

He commented: ”It’s great to see an ice rink back in Aviemore and we’re happy to offer what help we can to Kirsty and her team going forward.

“We’ve been kindly offered a free hour’s skating to any of our workforce who are interested. I might have a go – though I’m hesitant to aggravate my old football injuries!

“The house frames are now going up and the site is progressing well. The first homes will be available for occupation in April and Bynack More seems to be generating an excellent response from the local market.”

Amanda Clinton, ice rink manager and coach, revealed: ”We’ve had over 1,000 skaters so far. Coaching lessons are going very well, with 40 people booking blocks of four lessons during November. I worked for 13 years at Inverness Ice Rink and the big difference with learners seems to be that Aviemore kids have no fear!”

A fundraising auction for the new rink includes paintings by Ann Vastano, whose works are displayed at the Scottish Parliament and Rona Kant plus local artist Lee Busch, who is a Trust director.