A bid to block vital cash for Scotland’s oldest curling club has been dubbed “crazy”.
The comment was made in response to Councillor Mac Roberts’ stance on the issue.
Mr Roberts had questioned the commitment of Kinross Curling Trust to continue fundraising if it was granted a six-figure sum from the local authority.
Although dedicated members have spent the last two years battling to secure the future of the sport and have just 12 months to refurbish their existing rink completely, he claimed they would become complacent unless the money was given as a loan and that they had “plenty of time” to explore other avenues.
A report put before members of the strategic policy and resources committee clearly stated that applications to several charitable trusts had been rejected.
Mr Roberts said: “I feel that if we give them this grant, then they can relax to a certain extent. There may be other fundraising options that are available to them which they have time to research.
“I would rather make this a loan than a grant in the hope that they could raise those funds.”
He was backed by Councillor Barbara Vaughan, who, despite saying it could add value to Perth and Kinross, questioned both the viability of the rink and the ability of the trust to continue to raise enough money to keep it open.
She described the plans to provide a £125,000 grant as “dangerous”.
“I’m not in any way suggesting the money is not forthcoming, but it comes as a loan rather than a grant,” she added.
Mrs Vaughan also claimed there was “no indication” that the trust had sought sponsorship, although a number of people associated with curling in Kinross had already helped raise £335,000 through various methods.
Councillor John Kellas described his colleagues’ responses as “incredible” and said any delay in providing funding would put the project in a precarious situation.
He said: “I think the business case put forward is one of the best and brings economic value to the area and secures curling as a high profile sport in Perth and Kinross.
“I think to incur consequently increased revenue costs is just crazy.”
Meanwhile, committee convener Ian Miller revealed that at least one of the groups approached by Kinross Curling Trust was already reconsidering its stance.
He told members it wasn’t unusual for organisations to show caution until the council is involved.
Mr Miller continued: “I think the appraisal of this funding application is one of the most positive assessments I have seen in recent times.
“That reflects the huge amount of hard work put in by the Kinross Curling Trust to secure the future of curling in Kinross.”
Mr Roberts bid to defer a decision on funding was put to the vote and only attracted support from two other councillors, with the majority choosing to support the grant.
The rink, which is based at the Green Hotel, is used by more than 1,000 people each year and could be forced to close at the end of 2014 when new EU legislation comes into effect, outlawing existing refrigeration equipment.
At least £800,000 is needed to bring the facility up to modern standards and the venture has been well supported locally, as well as receiving funding from sportscotland of £300,000.
Once the trust has met its target, work will begin next summer and is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Members have ambitious plans to increase overall occupancy by almost 10% over three years, as well as to create a tourist attraction by offering curling weekends for visitors to the area.