Almost 5,000 people have joined the fight to save Ayr Ice Rink in less than 24 hours.
An online petition has been met with huge public support as a backlash greeted the move to shut up shop later this year at Limekiln Road.
Curling chiefs have sparked fury with their decision to melt the ice for good - insisting "unprecedented" energy costs have left them with no option.
But fellow clubs who use the ice are determined to keep fighting and are mobilising huge support to find an eleventh hour solution.
A change.org petition launched is already on course to break 5,000 signatures less than one day after being set up by desperate campaigners who want to save the facility.
Hundreds of kids face being left without a base to pursue their passion as figure skating and ice hockey clubs contemplate being wound up from October.
To sign the petition visit https://www.change.org/p/save-ayr-ice-rink?
Politicians are now calling on intervention at local and national government level to prevent disaster happening.
Carol Mochan, Labour MSP for South Scotland, said today: "This is a massive blow not just for Ayr but the many people from surrounding towns and villages that use the rink. It is one of the only venues in this area where so many people can enjoy the ice and to lose it would be a serious blow to Ayrshire and beyond.
"There is a long and proud history of ice sports in Ayr and we should be doing everything we can to protect that heritage. Far too many sports' facilities are concentrated in the bigger cities. Failing to protect these venues will seriously damage Scottish sport in the long run.
"The surging cost of energy and mounting inflation is making life very difficult for many venues across the region and I will be doing everything I can to make the case that such valued community assets need to be protected for future generations as well as those who enjoy them now."
Are you involved with the campaign to save the rink? Get in touch and share your story by emailing: news@ayrshirepost.co.uk
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