ICE rinks may be off limits right now, but a Buckie schoolgirl has been skating competitively for Scotland – at a local industrial estate.

Emilie Lawson normally competes for Moray Figure Skating Club in national competitions, winning three silver medals in her first year on the circuit.

Covid-19 put paid to the 11-year-old’s plans to step up to level one figure skating in 2020, with Moray Leisure Centre’s rink closed down for almost a year.

But a pair of off-ice skates, which have wheels rather than blades and are used from training purposes, allowed Emilie to practise her skills during the lockdown.

When the firm who make her skates organised an international event last week, it allowed Emilie to compete again, by heading down to the smooth tar of Rathven industrial estate to show off her spins and jumps.

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Mum Jennifer said: “She represented Scotland and skated against countries all over the world. She had a brilliant and beautiful skate, which I videoed skating to her music Spoonful of Sugar controlled by brother Ollie.”

The video was with the judges this week, and Emilie will find out next Monday how well she did when the results are announced.

Emilie was able to return to ice for a short period last year when Inverness ice rink reopened.

The Cluny Primary pupil, who steps up to Buckie High after the summer break, also met with her coach in the car park of Elgin High School for regular off-ice sessions.

Her parents Jennifer and Greig are proud of her efforts, and her mum added: “Emilie loves her skating and can’t wait to get back onto the ice rink.

“She really misses competitions and hopefully she will get back to competing again after a very successful year with her three trophies.”

Dedicated Emilie practises five days a week, including three days with her coaches at home for fitness, strength, flexibility and developing her jumping skills.

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