Ayr's skating clubs have welcomed recent news over Ayr Ice Rink amid hopes to bring the site into community ownership.

Last month it was confirmed by Ayr Curling that the local community centre would be put up for sale, citing energy costs and the war on Ukraine as reasons.

The news brought outcry from users of the rink as well as politicians.

A petition was even launched to save the ice rink, gathering thousands of signatures.

And it has now been confirmed that the sale of the rink will be done on the open market, rather by a liquidator, igniting hope that a sale could lead to a community owned ice rink.

Ayr Bruins hockey club, Ayr Figure Skating Club (AFSC) and Kyle Figure Skating Club (KFSC) welcomed the news, and have confirmed that a charity is in the middle of being created that could bring the local rink into community ownership, run by those who use it.

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A statement from the three groups said: "Ayr Bruins, AFSC AND KFSC welcome this decision - which is certainly preferable to the rink being sold by a liquidator - as it now presents the opportunity for the rink to be purchased as an ice rink, and not just a development opportunity.

"Combined with the knowledge that South Ayrshire Council also have, by rights, first refusal on any sale of Ayr Ice Rink, give renewed hope that a positive resolution of this situation, name that Ayr Ice Rink is saved from closure, is possible.

"If the rink is to be saved, the question then is, how should it be run?

"Ayr Bruins, AFSC and KFSC believe that Ayr Ice Rink can and must be operated as a three-sports community focused ice rink.

"We are in the final stages of creating a new charity, with a view of being able to step in at any point and begin operating the rink in such a manner. We would like the curling community to join our charity, however so far, no representatives have come forward.

"The group is organising an exhibition and club skate on Saturday, August 12, starting at 3.15pm, where we have invited MPs, MSPs and the press, so we would encourage all parents, grandparents, friends and supporters to come and show your support to the ice rink."