Scottish sports minister Shona Robison has helped mark the official launch of a new £3.9m ice rink at the Auchenharvie Leisure Centre in Stevenston, North Ayrshire.

North Ayrshire Council commenced the overhaul of the facility in April 2010, with a total of £300,000 invested by funding agency Sportscotland. The new ice rink replaces a former 'fun rink' facility and offers a 56m x 30m facility, with 360-degree protective glazing; two team dugouts; spectator seating; and changing areas.

Work took 11 months to complete and was undertaken by CBC on behalf of the council. KA Leisure operates the leisure centre. Robison said: "We can't underestimate the valuable role that sport can play in community life and the importance of making sure that people have access to it.

"Facilities such as this will help to ensure that people across North Ayrshire have more and better opportunities to participate in sport and ensure that we are setting Scotland on a path to a healthier future."