Financial Dispute Leads to Ban on Solway Sharks
A Scottish ice hockey team, the Solway Sharks, has been prohibited from playing at the council-owned Ice Bowl in Dumfries due to a financial disagreement concerning payments.
The Solway Sharks, representing the senior men's side from Dumfries, compete in the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) and use the Ice Bowl as their home venue.
Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) stated that it had demonstrated "considerable patience" with DJR Sport Ltd, the company managing the team, but has now opted to pursue legal action to recover a debt exceeding £65,000.
Solway Sharks' Response and Operational Challenges
In response, the Solway Sharks issued a statement explaining that the club operated last season without access to "key revenue streams" and has filed a formal complaint regarding the council's management of the situation.
The Solway Sharks are the only Scottish team competing in the second tier of UK ice hockey. Their nearest away fixture is in Leeds, approximately 160 miles (260 km) from Dumfries.
Home games at the Ice Bowl, affectionately known as the Shark Tank, have attracted significant support and large crowds.
Facility Upgrade and Payment Issues
The Ice Bowl was closed in May of the previous year for a multi-million pound refurbishment aimed at enhancing its sustainability and efficiency.
On Wednesday evening, the council released a statement indicating that DJR Sport Ltd had defaulted on a previously agreed payment plan, owing just over £65,000.
"We have shown considerable patience over an extended period,"
"We have agreed to revised payments and made repeated efforts to resolve the matter."
"Despite giving assurances, the company has again failed to meet agreed commitments, which represents a material breach of contract."
The council confirmed it will seek recovery of the debt through the courts.
"We will not be entering into any agreement with DJR Sport Ltd for ice hockey in future years,"
"Other than agreeing uplift of equipment, the company will have no further access to the council's Dumfries Ice Bowl facility."
"Although we are proud to support local sport across the region, we have a clear responsibility to safeguard public funds. That duty must take precedence here."
Scope of Dispute and Club's Position
The dispute pertains solely to the senior men's team managed by DJR Sport Ltd and does not affect the Solway Sharks' youth teams or Scottish National League sides.
The Solway Sharks expressed their disappointment with the council's statement, asserting it presented only "part of the picture."
"The reality is that throughout the 2025–26 season the club operated without access to key revenue streams, including the complete loss of bar income, and endured a prolonged period without practice ice at the start of the season,"
"Despite this, the club has continued to operate in good faith and has paid over £89,000 to the council under the current arrangement."
"We have consistently sought a constructive and realistic discussion to resolve the position, taking into account what has actually occurred over the last season."
Formal Complaint and Future Plans
The club has lodged a formal complaint regarding the council's handling of the matter.
"Our priority remains finding a sustainable way forward that allows the Solway Sharks to continue operating for the benefit of the local community,"
"For clarity, should a viable agreement not be reached, all sponsorship and season ticket funds will be refunded in full."
According to a letter of complaint submitted to the council and reviewed by BBC Scotland, the club operators criticized the management of the contractual agreement, particularly concerning changes in operational facilities and communication breakdowns related to financial difficulties.
