Raith face £14,000 action

The action arises from stewarding at Starks Park

First division Raith Rovers FC face being wound up after a security firm began a legal action over an allegedly unpaid debt.

Rock Steady Security claims it is owed £14,976 by the Kirkcaldy club for stewarding and security it provided at Starks Park during the 1998-99 season.

The action at the Court of Session could lead to an interim liquidator being appointed at the club if a settlement is not reached.

After a brief hearing on Friday, Lord Nimmo Smith agreed to continue the action until Tuesday.

Rock Steady, of Constitution Street, in Edinburgh, maintains that it met the club in July last year to make arrangements to settle the debt.

It said it was agreed that Raith Rovers would pay the money it alleges is owed no later than the end of the 1999-2000 season, but that the money remains outstanding.

The case has been continued

Counsel for the firm, Michael Howlin, told the court: "This is a debt which has been extant for over a year.

"It does seem to be the case that this company (Raith Rovers) is one in considerable difficulties."

He said that Rock Steady was seeking the protection of the Insolvency Act over the money it claims it is owed.

"It is inappropriate to form the view that this is some troublesome creditor.

"The truth of the matter is that the money has been owed for quite a long time.

"It was rescheduled and now the rescheduling has collapsed," said Mr Howlin.

Andrew Smith, counsel for the club, said a solicitor acting for Raith Rovers had been trying to negotiate a potential settlement and it had come as a surprise when the court proceedings arose.

"There is an intention and desire to try and discuss settlement," said Mr Smith.

He said Raith Rovers was looking for a continuation for seven days and asked Lord Nimmo Smith to use his discretion to continue the petition to wind it up.