Council considering using Kelso ice rink as temporary mortuary during Covid-19 outbreak

The Border Ice Rink at Kelso could be turned into a temporary mortuary if deaths from Covid-19 rise sharply.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has seen 20 Borderers lose their lives so far, and Scottish Borders Council is preparing for the worst in case there is a sharp rise in deaths.

The idea of using ice rinks as temporary mortuaries is not a new one, and similar preparations are already being made elsewhere in the UK, such as Nottingham and Cheshire.

In Milton Keynes, the Planet Ice facility is already in such use.

The Border Ice Rink in Kelso was built in 1964.

A council spokesperson told us: “We are involved in detailed planning, along with Scottish Government, on many issues arising from the implications of Covid-19.

“As part of that work in the coming weeks, the council will be fulfilling its statutory obligations by supporting funeral directors in the area with the provision of a temporary mortuary.

“We will ensure that, working with the funeral directors, all necessary provisions are in place and that any tragic loss of life during the current pandemic is handled with care and respect.”

Ice rinks are being considered for that use by other councils because of their low temperature and controlled environment.

Also, the existing infrastructure of an ice rink can typically be adapted faster and more effectively than those of other buildings.

They have also been widely used on the continent – including the Palacio de Hielo in Madrid – where the death toll has been much larger to date.

However, it’s not likely to be a cheap option.

A study by ice rink construction company Ice Tech UK circulated to government officials in March puts the cost of running such mortuaries at ice rinks at around £50,000 per month.

That report states: “We have assessed that each typical ice pad could hold between 850 and 1,250 bodies depending upon the storage arrangements proposed and agreed.

“Being able to maintain the deceased body for several days or weeks in low temperature conditions will afford the authorities time to correctly identify, assess and prepare the deceased in a manner befitting traditional British standards and beliefs.”

Built in 1964, Kelso Ice Rink is the only such facility in the Borders, and, as with all such leisure amenities, closed to the public on March 17.