Plans to close the ice rink at a popular Lanarkshire leisure centre and replace it with an active play area have been met with protests from skating groups, who say they were blindsided by the decision.
North Lanarkshire Council will decide next Monday whether to close the rink at the Time Capsule in Coatbridge as part of a redevelopment.
A paper for the local authority says turning the facility into an active play area and padel courts would boost footfall and increase revenue.
The rink is used by a number of skating groups and hockey teams, who have told BBC Scotland News they would be left homeless if the proposal goes ahead.
The Time Capsule opened in 1991 and includes a water park, gym and a soft play area as well as the rink. It has received considerable investment over recent years, with a further £2.6m for the leisure centre approved by the council earlier this year.
However, a report to the council's communities committee says this funding can be used to "consider re-development/renewal of the offering to increase footfall and ensure long-term community and commercial viability."
Part of the redevelopment would see the ice rink shut, due to what council officers said is "the changing demands of the public". There has been an 8.6% drop in footfall at the rink from 2024/2025 to 2025/2026.
A net deficit of £213,962 was recorded for the rink in 2025/2026.
The report suggests converting it to a "fully accessible and inclusive play and activity zone", including padel courts and what is described in the paper as alternative fitness provision.
This would "deliver a trading profit which in turn will deliver an ongoing improvement in the overall financial position of the facility", with padel a fast-growing sport.
The move has sparked concern among many of the clubs and groups that use the building, as well as across skating and ice hockey clubs in Scotland.
Rhiannon Scott, who coaches with synchronised skating club Starlight Synchro, told BBC Scotland News that the move would have a huge impact on scores of young people. She said: "The first any of the clubs heard about this happening was on Saturday, so it's been a massive shock for us. "We've got early morning sessions, afternoon sessions and so many clubs using there. They're filled with kids - North Lanarkshire Figure Skating Club have at least 60 kids in there alone. "Then you've got all the youth ice hockey teams who use there. It's not like there isn't demand to use the rink. It gets kids in, it gets a lot of young females using it - are they going to use a soft play or activity area? "There is already a gym and soft play as part of the building. This is taking away something that's unique."
Programmes that take place at the rink include an early years introduction to ice skating, a figure skating junior academy and five junior ice hockey teams.
Janet Maxwell, a committee member with North Lanarkshire Figure Skating Club, has already set up a petition against the proposal.
She said: "The rink is not just a leisure facility; it is a vital training ground that has helped develop local talent over many years. "Skaters from this very rink have gone on to compete at high levels, including performances in Disney on Ice productions and other competitive achievements. "Removing such a facility would not only disrupt current development pathways but would also significantly limit future opportunities for young people in the area."
The council paper acknowledges "those directly affected will include a significant proportion of young people within the ice hockey and ice-skating clubs" but argues these groups only make up about 10% of the overall visitors to the facility.
It said market analysis showed there would be an increase in revenue by providing padel courts and activity areas for families and young people, while saving money by not having to ensure the rink remains cold.
The Paisley Pirates ice hockey team were among teams from outside Lanarkshire who reacted with dismay.
A social media post by the club stated: "We are shocked to have been informed of the risk to the ice rink at the Time Capsule.
"The fact this is even being discussed is an absolute travesty. A rink which is in constant use with many local clubs - ice hockey, figure skating to name a few."
North Lanarkshire Council have been approached for comment.