Location: Kelso, Scottish Borders
Technology: Solar PV, battery storage and heat pumps
CARES funding: £123,284
Background
Border Ice Rink has been part of the Scottish Borders community since 1964, providing facilities for curling, skating, ice hockey and other activities.
However, keeping an ice rink running comes with significant energy demands. The ice plant alone uses around 500kWh of electricity each day and rising energy prices had put increasing pressure on the rink’s finances.
Following several years of losses, during which closure was considered, Border Ice Rink Trust took over management in August 2024. Operating the rink as a not-for-profit charitable sports venue, the Trust identified reducing energy costs as essential to securing its future.
Bill Burgess, secretary of the Trust and project manager, said: “We had to do something in order to make the ice rink sustainable for the future because, in terms of increasing prices, there is only so much you can pass on to the people using the facilities.”
Project aims
The Trust developed a programme of renewable energy improvements designed to reduce running costs, cut carbon emissions and make the rink more resilient to future energy price increases.
Supported by the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) Community Energy Generation Growth Fund, a 100kWp solar array comprising 200 panels and 100kWh of battery storage was installed in December 2025. A further 40 panels (20kwp) were added in April 2026 supported by SSE Renewables.
The community backed the project too, with rink members and the skating community raising more than £15,000 through a Solar Pledge scheme.
A second phase, supported by the CARES Community Buildings Fund and match funding from SSE Renewables, enabled the Trust to replace its inefficient gas heating.
An air-to-air heat pump system was installed to provide responsive heating for the large upstairs Club Room and bar, while an air-to-water heat pump system supplies radiators and hot water in the rest of the building.
Bill said: “CARES was essential. Between the two grants they provided 80 per cent of the overall cost, without which we wouldn’t have been able to succeed.”
Outcomes
The improvements are already significantly changing how the rink uses energy.
Between December 2025 and the ice plant being switched off in March 2026, the solar panels generated 15,613kWh of electricity, equivalent to around 21 per cent of the rink’s electricity consumption during that period.
During the summer, when the rink’s energy consumption is lower, it can export surplus renewable electricity to the grid. By September 2026, 56,500kWh had been exported.
Replacing the gas heating system is expected to eliminate approximately 43,800kWh of annual gas consumption, equivalent to almost nine tonnes of CO2, while allowing the rink to make greater use of the renewable electricity it generates.
The new heating has also created a warmer and more welcoming environment in the café, Club Room, changing rooms and other areas.
Most importantly, lower running costs are helping to put the rink on a more sustainable financial footing while keeping activities affordable for the community.
“We’re certainly in a far better position,” Bill added. “Providing we can keep our curling numbers up, I think we’ve now got the financial resources to keep going.”
Lessons learned
Bill recommends that other community organisations considering renewable energy projects invest time in understanding their energy requirements before deciding on the technology.
For Border Ice Rink, early research and discussions with different contractors helped the Trust identify the right solution for different parts of the building. Having contingency and match funding available was also important in keeping the projects moving.
Community involvement proved particularly valuable, with members providing both financial support and backing for the Trust’s plans.
“Improvements like solar panels and air source heating will help to provide a sustainable future for your organisation. The process can be time-consuming but the benefits are immediate and long-term if you are successful.”