Readers share their favourite memories of Murrayfield Ice Rink as campaign is launched to save venue

Many locals will have fond memories of trips to Murrayfield Ice Rink – be it going there on a first date or falling on their backside in full view of other skaters.

As reported in yesterday's Evening News, the owners of the rink issued a statement on Wednesday saying that opening with limited capacity – and without crowds at weekly hockey matches – would not be financially viable.

They pointed to a lack of government funding for leisure facilities which cannot operate in a normal way - and warned that Murrayfield Ice Rink would not open "in the foreseeable future".

This led skate fans to launch a campaign to save Edinburgh’s only ice facility.

Murrayfield Ice Rink on a busy day before the Covid-19 pandemic. Photograph: Murrayfield Ice Rink.

After the Evening News shared the news on social media, readers began sharing their memories of visit to the iconic rink.

Carolann Meldrum wrote: “Sad news. Spent a lot of my youth days here, then went on to watch the ice-hockey. Great memories.”

Audrey Loy said: “Very sad. I loved the Friday night discos and remember trying to keep out the way of speed skaters. Hopefully it is only temporary and they will receive funding to help open up in the future.”

Irene Wilson commented: “Can't believe the ice rink is closing. It was my childhood home and I took my kids when they were younger...so sad.”

Derek Eck Ruffneck Heggie wrote: “My mum and dad met there back in the 50s. They are still married almost 60 years on. Lots of romance would have started in that building.”

Dawn Anne said: “My daughter is devastated, as she has been skating there for six years and is lost without her skating.”

Cara Harwood wrote: “Spent my childhood here at the disco on Fridays and Saturdays and then went to Sunday open skating. Never tired of the place.”

Claire Cockburn commented: “So sad. Great memories of the ice rink in my teens – especially watching the Murrayfield Racers.”

Marie Glen said: “Very sad times – used to love going to the ice rink when I was young.”

Greg Christison wrote: “I played in the junior teams many moons ago – lots of great memories. Very sad news.”

Ellen Russell said: “Spent lots of happy nights and Saturday afternoons at this fabulous rink in 60s and 70s, skating to a live band.”

Heather Anderson commented: “Worked part-time in the skate hire, and also remember watching the Harlem Globetrotters there. So many fond memories of the place.”

Thomas Imrie recalled: “My uncle won the Commonwealth gold at the ice rink in the 1970 games when it hosted the boxing.”

Robert Reid remembered it well, and said: “I went to watch Tom Imrie win the Light Middleweight Boxing gold medal at Murrayfield ice rink, which was holding the Commonwealth Games boxing events in 1970. Tom was a bouncer at the Plaza Ballroom in Morningside when I went to the dancing in the late 1960s early 1970s.”

Pam Skrgatic wrote: “Saw Torvill and Dean there – it was amazing. My husband and niece’s great nieces loved skating there.”

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