Dancing on Ice star backs calls to save Time Capsule ice rink as council grants temporary reprieve

The council, which was due on Tuesday to consider a proposal to close the rink and replace it with a play facility and fitness space, said it will hold a “thorough and balanced assessment of all options” before a decision can be made.

Scot Hanretty, who also commentates on major figure skating events, said he had skated at the rink as a child.

Skaters and parents of users of the rink have warned the closure would have a major impact on sport in the area.

Hanretty, who was born in Erskine and performed as a skater on the ITV series from 2011 until 2025, said he opposed the closure.

He said: “The concept of an ice rink closure in my home country of Scotland is crushingly disappointing. It is a rink that I skated in and it helped me to go on to some of the things I enjoyed in my career.

“It is an ice rink that is important to so many figure skaters and indeed so many people in the local area.”

ommunities convener councillor Geraldine Woods said: “This report sets out a range of possible ways to enhance the offer at The Time Capsule and improve its long-term sustainability.

“However, it is entirely appropriate that councillors are given the time and space to fully review the information presented to them and consider feedback from groups and stakeholders before making any decisions.

Earlier this week, the SNP’s eight councillors tabled an amendment to the proposals for the redevelopment of the rink. It included the rejection outright of any proposal to close the facility; the reaffirmation that there should be no reduction in leisure provision across North Lanarkshire and instructs officers to bring forward a future report identifying alternative sites for the development of padel and pickleball facilities without any loss of existing infrastructure.

North Lanarkshire Council’s SNP spokesperson for communities, Adam Smith, said: “Labour gave a clear promise to communities that leisure services would be protected. This proposal to close the Time Capsule ice rink is a direct breach of that commitment.

“We have heard the local community loud and clear time and time again. Therefore, our amendment is unambiguous - we will not accept the loss of this facility. Instead, we are putting forward a constructive alternative that supports new and growing sports without taking anything away from existing provision.”