Petition launched in campaign to save 'essential' Scottish ice rink tipped for closure

Councillors are next week set to consider plans to close the Time Capsule ice rink in Coatbridge in a bid to save costs.

Documents published ahead of the council meeting show the rink would be replaced by an “active” play area and additional fitness space.

Almost 4,000 people have already signed the petition to retain the rink, while the campaign has also received the backing of local MSP Fulton MacGregor, who has called for councillors to hold a “proper consultation” on the issue.

The petition, which is backed by North Lanarkshire Figure Skating Club, hockey team Coatbridge Coyotes and synchronised skating club Starlight Synchro, which all train at the rink, warns its loss would have a “profound impact” on young people in the area.

It said: “For all who use it, the rink is far more than a place to train. It is where young people develop into confident, disciplined, and resilient individuals. It provides structure, purpose, and a strong sense of belonging. Through sport, they learn commitment, build friendships, and develop the work ethic and determination that will stay with them for life.”

It said the rink, which opened in 1991, has supported “generations” of skaters, some of whom have represented Scotland at national and international level, while others have launched careers in professional skating shows such as Disney on Ice.

It added: “Importantly, some of the current young figure skaters training at this rink are members of the Team GB Figure Skating Development Squad, demonstrating the high-performance pathway that exists within this facility.

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“These achievements are not by chance, they are the result of consistent access to a dedicated rink, quality coaching, and a supportive community environment. Without this rink, those pathways simply disappear.”

The rink is also home to Inclusive Skating, a programme for skaters with additional needs, established in 2014.

The petition added: “Closing the Ice Rink would remove far more than a sports facility. It would take away opportunities at every level from first steps on the ice through to elite performance disrupt lives, and dismantle a vital community asset that plays a key role in youth development across North Lanarkshire. “

One signatory to the petition said she and her family had fled Ukraine due to the war and settled near Coatbridge, where her children were regular attendees of the Time Capsule.

She said: “We're from a frontline city in Ukraine. Thanks to this rink, my 11-year-old son continued his journey toward his dream of becoming a professional hockey player. My 6-year-old daughter wants to be a figure skater; she just tried it and fell in love with it. Please don't deprive children of their future!”

Coatbridge MSP Mr MacGregor said he had met with a number of groups that use the rink regularly.

He said: “It’s also fair to say I can’t think of another similar resource within North Lanarkshire where these clubs, groups and individuals would go if there is no ice rink. While I understand the report outlines some cost savings and I’m sympathetic to the idea of new facilities I’m fully of the belief that such decisions cannot happen without proper consultation.

“We need to understand the impact of closing such a well used resource on the groups that use it and the communities it serves.”

The Time Capsule is also home to a water park, which reopened last year after a £1.5 million refurbishment. Last year, it was forced to close temporarily amid investigations after a number of children appeared to have taken unwell while using the slides.

A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “A report will be discussed at the Communities Committee on Monday 27th of April.”