AN APPEAL HAS been issued for individuals with drive and new ideas to step forward and change a “stagnant” management board at the Moray Leisure Centre.
The centre has been heavily criticised in recent years and drawn into several high-profile rows over its management style and continuing dependence on local authority funding.
Key users have been left disillusioned over the management of the centre, currently run by a Board of Directors consisting of representatives from Moray Council alongside local business and community members.
However, with three recent resignations the current membership of the Board is three councillors – Douglas Ross, Mike Shand and Allan Wright – plus Dr Mark Houston, resulting in three new recruits being sought.
Now Bill Nicol, who has been one of the driving forces being the development of Curling in Moray and for whom the rink at the Moray Leisure Centre is a vital resource, has said that the opportunity for new blood on the Board is both historical and vital.
He told insideMoray: “This is a historical occasion because as far as I know this is the first time the Moray Leisure Centre has publicly asked for applications to a Directorship in the 23 years since it opened.
“For a number of years the Centre has become stagnant and the lack of transparency in the management of day to day and forward planning is affecting the viability of the whole enterprise. It needs new directors with ambition and foresight, people who will breathe new life into the facility.
“It needs bringing up to a standard Moray can be proud of so that it can again become an asset that will be with us for many years – sadly, at this present time it is only stumbling along on a day to day basis.”
Bill is urging people in Moray who believe they can make a difference to the running of the Centre to grasp this unique opportunity.
The Ice Rink has only recently received vital investment that will help ensure the growing popularity of Curling but in Figure Skating, for which the rink has become famous throughout the UK.
There is also a thriving Ice Hockey club while all other facilities at the Centre have been well used – but, in the view of many, badly managed.
Bill pulled no punches over the difficulties that would be faced by new Directors: “The leadership required of Board Members is challenging, especially working in the current climate of scarce resources – and, of course, the Board Director positions are unpaid.”
Anyone interested in becoming a Director should contact Lilian Lackie, HR Administrator, Moray Leisure Centre, Borough Briggs Road, Elgin, IV30 1AP. Lilian can also be contacted by email to lilian.lackie@mlc-elgin.co.uk.
Applications must be lodged by 12noon on Friday, April 15.