OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-12-31-accounts

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 00790125 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1039817

Welsh Highland Railway Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited Financial Statements 31 December 2024

THOMPSON JONES BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED

Chartered Accountants

2 Heap Bridge Bury BL9 7HR

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Financial Statements

Year ended 31 December 2024

Page
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the director's report) 1
Independent examiner's report to the trustees 9
Statement of financial activities (including income and
expenditure account) 10
Statement of financial position 11
Statement of cash flows 13
Notes to the financial statements 14
The following pages do not form part of the financial statements
Detailed statement of financial activities 29

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report)

Year ended 31 December 2024

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name Welsh Highland Railway Limited
Charity registration number 1039817
Company registration number 00790125
Principal office and registered The Station Building
office Tremadog Road
Porthmadog
Gwynedd
LL49 9DY
The trustees
Mr E L Thomas (Appointed 3 May 2025)
Mr M M Chapman
Mr S G W Currinn
Mr G Farr (Resigned 13 September 2025)
Mr R A Sinclair
Mr M C Herbert (Resigned 14 July 2025)
Mr N Pell
Mrs H F Leslie (Appointed 6 April 2024)
Mr N J Cutmore
Mr O S Mann
Mr D M Meller (Resigned 21 September 2024)
Mr M O S Jones (Appointed 13 September 2025)
Mr A G Wray (Appointed 13 September 2025)
Company secretary Mr R D Menzies
Independent examiner Mr S. Gretton Watson A.C.A. Chartered Accountant
2 Heap Bridge
Bury
BL9 7HR

- 1 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The registered company number is 00790125 (England and Wales) and the registered charity number is 1039817.

The company's governing document is its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Each member has undertaken to contribute a maximum of £1 to the assets of the company in the event of its winding up.

Directors

The members of the Board are each elected by the membership and serve for a maximum term of three years.

There being no new candidates for directorship the existing directors continued to serve throughout the year, with the exception of Mr D M Meller, who resigned in September. Mr G Farr continued to serve as Chairman and Mr N Pell continued to serve as Deputy Chairman.

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities for the Financial Statements

The directors, who are also trustees for the purposes of the Charities Acts, are required by law to prepare financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity at the end of the financial year, and of the financial activities and total recognised gains or losses for the year.

The directors are of the opinion that, in preparing the financial statements, appropriate accounting policies have been consistently applied, supported by reasonable and prudent estimates and judgements and all applicable accounting standards have been followed. They are also satisfied that the charity has adequate resources to meet its operational needs for the foreseeable future, and accordingly, we continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

The directors are responsible for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity, and which enable us to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Statement of Recommended Practice; Accounting and Reporting by Charities. The directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

- 2 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

Objectives and activities

In pursuing the charity's objectives set out in its Memorandum of Association the directors continue to give careful consideration to the advice of the Charity Commission on public benefit. These objectives include:

a) to advance the education of the public in matters concerning railways; and

b) for the public benefit to provide or assist in the provision of facilities for the recreation and other leisure time operations in the interest of social welfare and with the object of improving conditions of life, with particular reference to the former narrow gauge railway between Dinas and Porthmadog known as the Welsh Highland Railway.

The charity is continuing to develop its conservation work, and its interpretation to visitors to its operation in Porthmadog, including making further improvements to:

a) its museum/heritage centre, which illustrates the development of narrow gauge railways in the area and around the world;

b) its demonstration railway which links physically with the re-instated Welsh Highland Railway at Pen y Mount Junction; and

c) the railway rolling stock and other railway artifacts in its care.

All are collectively marketed as the 'Welsh Highland Heritage Railway'.

Members' continued support in this is vital, whether as volunteers, donors or simply by supporting from a distance.

Strategic report

The following sections for achievements and performance and financial review form the strategic report of the charity.

- 3 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

Achievements and performance

Visitor Numbers

Based on tickets sold the total number of visitors in 2024 was 9,569 compared with 9,502 for 2023, 8,563 for 2022, 4,474 for 2021, 561 for 2020 and 8,564 for 2019.

Museum/Heritage Centre

The museum, the newer part of which was completed in 2009, continues to be the centrepiece of our offer to our visitors. It contains a wide range of exhibits illustrating the development of the various narrow-gauge railways that operated in the area. There is an emphasis on participation, with visitors able to access several exhibits providing an interactive ‘hands on’ experience. It takes in the carriage shed, erected in 1984, which continues to house the locomotives and other operational rolling stock of the railway.

Train Service

Trains were operated and the museum opened on 166 days in 2024, compared with 147 days in 2023, 144 days in 2022, 82 days in 2021, 12 days in 2020 and 145 days in 2019.

The timetable remains under constant review, both in terms of days of operation, and the service offered. Our passenger numbers continue to be heavily dependent on public and school holidays, with daily patterns fluctuating according to weather conditions. Passenger reaction will continue to be monitored.

Fares were increased for 2024, examples being adult to £14.00 (from £12.75) and family to £37.00 (from £34.00).

Public comments suggest that our offer continues to represent good value for money.

All services have operated between Porthmadog and Pen y Mount.

Miniature Railway

The miniature railway continues to be very popular with our visitors.

Marketing

We have continued to use Facebook to provide a frequent stream of news, photographs and details of new sales items. This costs little more than time and is also a way of engaging instantly with potential customers.

An expanded range of driver experiences has been introduced, providing additional income as well as supporting the charity's objectives.

In pursuit of our search for new markets, we have continued to participate in the re-invigorated Great Little Trains of Wales marketing panel, now formally constituted as Great Little Trains of Wales Limited.

There continues to be a need for better researched information to help inform decisions on marketing

- 4 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

strategy

Volunteers

A small but faithful band of volunteers maintains the company's operations and infrastructure. We are pleased to have recruited several young enthusiastic staff to the railway who constitute a very welcome addition to complement those active but aging retirees who form the other significant group.

The company suffers from the same problems of recruitment which affect other heritage railways, and voluntary organisations in general.

Membership

Membership numbers stabilised during the year. For historic reasons a disproportionate number of our members are life members.

The membership total at the end of 2024 was 572 (547 in 2023), made up of Life 261 (was 267), Senior 173 (was 158), Full 57 (was 67), Associate 0 (was 5), Family 49 (was 40), Junior 4 (was 2), and Unwaged 9 (was 8).

Locomotives and Rolling Stock

Russell and Gelert

Steam locomotive Gelert was used throughout the season, and Russell from September when it was returned to service following a mechanical failure.

Emma and Glaslyn

Diesel locomotive Emma worked the majority of turns, with Glaslyn as standby. Emma was returned to service at the beginning of the operating season following a major overhaul, based at Gelert's Farm.

Baldwin

Ownership of this locomotive, which was the subject of a long-term loan arrangement with the Imperial War Museum, transferred to the Company from the beginning of 2023 and the largely rebuilt locomotive was delivered back to our railway from the workshops of Vale of Rheidol Trading Limited at Aberystwyth in May that year. Further to technical issues which came to light during subsequent commissioning and running in trials the locomotive was returned to Aberystwyth for inspection and then additional agreed works carried out. It was returned to Porthmadog in 2025 where further examination and testing is under way.

Kathy

Overhaul of Kathy continued, based at Gelert's Farm. Completion and commissioning will provide welcome relief for Glaslyn, which has given forty years of service as main or standby passenger diesel locomotive.

Heritage Train

The rebuild of 'Toastrack' No. 42, based at Gelert's Farm, was completed in 2023. The carriage is now

- 5 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

in service and popular with visitors particularly on fine days. Sponsorship is in place to equip one or more of our existing heritage carriages with dual braking to enable interoperability with Festiniog Railway Company equipment. The replica Pickering brake carriage built by the Festiniog Railway Company at the latter's Boston Lodge Works and completed in 2021 has continued to operated successfully. We now have two carriages incorporating access for disabled passengers.

Health and Safety

The directors take the view that the safety of the travelling public and those working on the railway is paramount.

We are pleased that the charity was able to maintain its good safety record during 2024.

Land and Buildings

Towards the end of the year a contract was let for recladding the carriage shed to bring it up to a standard commensurate with its additional museum function, with a schedule for completion prior to commencement of the 2025 operating season. An initial financial contribution towards a completed refurbishment has been received.

Further works on the Company's land at Cae Hir continue to be temporarily deferred.

Risk Management

Detailed assessments of the risks facing the charity have been drawn up as part of a series of business plans prepared over the years, the most recent having been adopted by the Board in 2009. This is kept under constant review, with the risks identified being taken into account informally as part of the day to day operation of the company. The directors are working towards the preparation of a new business plan, including a more comprehensive risk management strategy.

Staff and Directors

The directors wish to thank all of our members, volunteers, paid staff and sponsors for their manifold contributions during 2024. Our successes could not have been achieved without the hard work of a great many people, whether for just a few hours volunteering, or from a distance.

Access to the railway beyond Pen y mount

The co-operation with the Festiniog Railway Company initiated in recent years has continued. Preparations commenced towards the end of the year for the operation of Russell and our heritage train on a small number of trips between Porthmadog and Beddgelert/Caernarfon in early 2025.

- 6 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

Financial review

The results for the year are summarised in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 10, showing a net surplus on unrestricted funds of £51,882 (2023: £5,324), together with donations received for Special Projects of £9,361 (2023: £9,361).

There was a deficit on operating the railway of £52,586 (2023: £24,417) before donations.

Gross income from operating the Railway, including the contributions from the gift shop and cafe, amounted to £109,949 (2023: £113,179). Operating costs amounted to £162,535 (2023: £137,596).

Significant items in operating costs include wages £19,082 (2023: £17,147), insurance £16,246 (2023: £18,490), marketing £7,522 (2023: £8,489) and depreciation £29,464 (2023: £28,035).

Other income offsetting the operating deficit consisted of donations to general funds of £102,743 (2023: £10,586), donations to the ‘Resilience Fund’ of £1,020 (2023: £1,275), Welsh Government grants totalling £285 (2023: £285), and membership subscriptions of £8,718 (2023: £7,742). The costs of servicing the membership with Journals and other administration expenditure amounted to £4,541 (2023: £5,121).

Cwmni Rheilfford Beddgelert cyf

As a charity we are required to operate our book and gift shop through a separate company in order to protect charity assets from commercial pressures. Shop sales decreased to £64,192 (2023: £72,647) resulting in a net surplus of £6,623 (2023: £11,519) after overheads. Cwmni Rheillfordd Beddgelert cyf bears half the staff wage cost of the ticket office and shop plus all the running costs of the building.

Reserves Policy

The directors currently have a policy to maintain unrestricted reserves to support an operating season's expenditure costs. This is reviewed based on activities and the nature of the charitable company's income streams.

The calculation of the required reserves is an integral part of the charitable company's planning and budgeting processes and is reviewed on an annual basis. When capital expenditure has been authorised by the Trustees on projects that have been the subject of a specific appeal, the company transfers an equivalent sum from restricted funds to unrestricted reserves in order to recognise the expenditure during the year on the relevant project.

Restricted Funds (Special Projects)

There is a table under note 22 showing the donations received under fundraising for special projects, together with expenditure charged against each fund and the cumulative position.

- 7 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

The trustees' annual report and the strategic report were approved on 13 September 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Mr R D Menzies Charity Secretary

- 8 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Year ended 31 December 2024

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Welsh Highland Railway Limited ('the charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mr S. Gretton Watson A.C.A. Chartered Accountant Independent Examiner

2 Heap Bridge Bury BL9 7HR

13 September 2025

- 9 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account)

Year ended 31 December 2024

2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 5 102,743 14,682 117,425 40,768
Charitable activities 6 3,321 3,321
Other trading activities 7 109,949 109,949 113,179
Investment income 8 2,986 2,986 3,455
───────── ──────── ───────── ─────────
Total income 218,999 14,682 233,681 157,402
═════════ ════════ ═════════ ═════════
Expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds:
Costs of raising donations and
legacies 9 4,744 4,744 5,121
Costs of other trading activities 10 162,373 163 162,535 137,596
───────── ──────── ───────── ─────────
Total expenditure 167,117 163 167,279 142,717
═════════ ════════ ═════════ ═════════
───────── ──────── ───────── ─────────
Net income 51,882 14,519 66,402 14,685
═════════ ════════ ═════════ ═════════
Transfers between funds 2,257 (2,257)
───────── ──────── ───────── ─────────
Net movement in funds 54,139 12,262 66,402 14,685
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 1,703,345 180,744 1,884,089 1,869,403
──────────── ───────── ──────────── ────────────
Total funds carried forward 1,757,484
════════════
193,006
═════════
1,950,490
════════════
1,884,088
════════════

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 14 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

- 10 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Financial Position

31 December 2024

2024 2023
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 15 1,330,563 1,350,111
Investments 16 75,000 40,000
──────────── ────────────
1,405,563 1,390,111
Current assets
Stocks 18 8,200 675
Debtors 19 265,667 199,357
Cash at bank and in hand 307,569 334,788
───────── ─────────
581,436 534,820
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 20 36,508 40,842
───────── ─────────
Net current assets 544,928 493,978
──────────── ────────────
Total assets less current liabilities 1,950,491 1,884,089
──────────── ────────────
Net assets 1,950,491 1,884,089
════════════ ════════════
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds 193,006 180,744
Unrestricted funds:
Revaluation reserve 108,415 109,108
Other unrestricted income funds 1,649,069 1,594,237
──────────── ────────────
Total unrestricted funds 1,757,484 1,703,345
──────────── ────────────
Total charity funds 23 1,950,490
════════════
1,884,089
════════════

For the year ending 31 December 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

The statement of financial position continues on the following page.

The notes on pages 14 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

- 11 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Financial Position (continued)

31 December 2024

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 13 September 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

Mr R A Sinclair Director

The notes on pages 14 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

- 12 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Cash Flows

Year ended 31 December 2024

2024 2023
£ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income 66,402 14,685
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 29,464 28,035
Government grant income (285) (285)
Other interest receivable and similar income (2,986) (3,455)
Accrued expenses/(income) 150 (484)
Changes in:
Stocks (7,525) 1,200
Trade and other debtors (66,310) (81,991)
Trade and other creditors (4,484) (14,589)
──────── ────────
Cash generated from operations 14,426 (56,884)
Interest received 2,986 3,455
──────── ────────
Net cash from/(used in) operating activities 17,412 (53,429)
════════ ════════
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible assets (9,916) (54,482)
Acquisition of subsidiaries (35,000)
──────── ────────
Net cash used in investing activities (44,916) (54,482)
════════ ════════
Cash flows from financing activities
Government grant income 285 285
──────── ────────
Net cash from financing activities 285 285
════════ ════════
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (27,219) (107,626)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 334,788 442,414
───────── ─────────
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 307,569
═════════
334,788
═════════

The notes on pages 14 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

- 13 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31 December 2024

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is The Station Building, Tremadog Road, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9DY.

2. Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.

3. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Consolidation

The charity is not required to prepare consolidated accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, and has taken advantage of the option not to prepare consolidated financial statements contained in Section 398 of the Companies Act 2006 on the basis that the charity and its subsidiary undertakings comprise a small group.

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

- 14 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

- 15 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Freehold property - 2% straight line Rail, rolling stock and plant and - Various rates between 10% reducing balance and 2% to machinery 50% straight line

Investments in associates

Investments in associates accounted for in accordance with the cost model are recorded at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

- 16 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Investments in associates (continued)

Investments in associates accounted for in accordance with the fair value model are initially recorded at the transaction price. At each reporting date, the investments are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value taken through income or expenditure. Where it is impracticable to measure fair value reliably without undue cost or effort, the cost model will be adopted.

Dividends and other distributions received from the investment are recognised as income without regard to whether the distributions are from accumulated profits of the associate arising before or after the date of acquisition.

Impairment of fixed assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units.

Stocks

Stocks are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the stock to its present location and condition.

Government grants

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the charity will comply with the conditions attaching to them and the grants will be received.

Where the grant does not impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income when the grant proceeds are received or receivable. Where the grant does impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income only when the performance-related conditions have been met. Where grants received are prior to satisfying the revenue recognition criteria, they are recognised as a liability.

- 17 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments

A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs.

Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.

Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.

Where investments in shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably, the investment is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investments are subsequently measured at cost less impairment.

Other financial instruments, including derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value, unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Other financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value, with any changes recognised in the statement of financial activities, with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated hedging relationship.

Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities in which the initial gain was recognised.

For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial assets that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impairment. Other financial assets are either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics.

Any reversals of impairment are recognised immediately, to the extent that the reversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised.

4. Limited by guarantee

The charity is a company limited by guarantee, having no issued share capital. In the event of the charity being wound up the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The number of members at 31 December 2024 was 559 (2023: 532).

- 18 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

5. Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Donations
General donations 86,097 86,097
Baldwin 590 10,793 10,793
Gelert restoration 60 60
Russell restoration 3,549 3,549
Heritage train fund 280 280
Resilience fund 1,020 1,020
Grants
Government grant income 285 285
Subscriptions
Membership subscriptions 8,718 8,718
Other donations and legacies
Covenanted donation from subsidiary company 6,623 6,623
───────── ──────── ─────────
102,743 14,682 117,425
═════════ ════════ ═════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Donations
General donations 10,586 10,586
Baldwin 590 5,648 5,648
Gelert restoration 60 60
Russell restoration 3,353 3,353
Heritage train fund 300 300
Resilience fund 1,275 1,275
Grants
Government grant income 285 285
Subscriptions
Membership subscriptions 7,742 7,742
Other donations and legacies
Covenanted donation from subsidiary company 11,519 11,519
──────── ─────── ────────
31,407 9,361 40,768
════════ ═══════ ════════

- 19 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

6. Charitable activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Other income- National Grid 3,321 3,321
═══════ ═══════ ════ ════
7. Other trading activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Income from traffic 106,495 106,495 109,800 109,800
Cafe franchise fee 3,454 3,454 3,379 3,379
───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
109,949 109,949 113,179 113,179
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════
8. Investment income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Bank interest receivable 2,986 2,986 3,455 3,455
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
9. Costs of raising donations and legacies
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Costs of raising donations and legacies
- Subscriptions 4,744 4,744 5,121 5,121
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
10. Costs of other trading activities
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Costs of other trading activities 158,850 163 159,013
Costs of other trading activities - Finance 3,523 3,522
───────── ──── ─────────
162,373 163 162,535
═════════ ════ ═════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Costs of other trading activities 134,009 134,009
Costs of other trading activities - Finance 3,587 3,587
───────── ──── ─────────
137,596 137,596
═════════ ════ ═════════

- 20 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

11. Net income
Net income is stated after charging/(crediting):
2024 2023
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 29,464 28,035
════════ ════════
12. Independent examination fees
2024 2023
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 3,000
═══════
2,780
═══════

13. Staff costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 19,082
════════
17,147
════════

The average head count of employees during the year was 3 (2023: 3). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:

2024 2023
No. No.
Number of staff - engineering 2 2
Number of staff - booking office 1 1
──── ────
3 3
════ ════

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2023: Nil).

14. Trustee remuneration and expenses

No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees.

- 21 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

15. Tangible fixed assets

Freehold Plant and
property machinery Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 1 January 2024 414,056 1,442,008 1,856,064
Additions 9,916 9,916
───────── ──────────── ────────────
At 31 December 2024 414,056 1,451,924 1,865,980
═════════ ════════════ ════════════
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024 135,700 370,253 505,953
Charge for the year 6,000 23,464 29,464
───────── ──────────── ────────────
At 31 December 2024 141,700 393,717 535,417
═════════ ════════════ ════════════
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024 272,356 1,058,207 1,330,563
═════════ ════════════ ════════════
At 31 December 2023 278,356 1,071,755 1,350,111
═════════ ════════════ ════════════
16. Investments
Shares in
group
undertakings
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2024 40,000
Additions 35,000
────────
At 31 December 2024 75,000
════════
Impairment
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
════════
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024 75,000
════════
At 31 December 2023 40,000
════════
All investments shown above are held at valuation.
17. Investment entities
Subsidiaries and other investments
Percentage of
Class of share shares held
Subsidiary undertakings
Cwmni Rheilffordd Beddgelert Cyfyngedig Ordinary 100

- 22 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

18. Stocks

2024 2023
£ £
Loco fuel and lubricants 8,200 675
═══════ ════
19. Debtors
2024 2023
£ £
Trade debtors 3,933
Amounts owed by group undertakings 201,481 135,390
Prepayments and accrued income 150 150
Other debtors 64,036 59,884
───────── ─────────
265,667 199,357
═════════ ═════════
20. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024 2023
£ £
Trade creditors 4,255 10,140
Accruals and deferred income 13,268 13,403
Members' loans 2,100 2,100
Other creditors 16,885 15,199
──────── ────────
36,508 40,842
════════ ════════
21. Deferred income
2024 2023
£ £
At 1 January 2024 5,553 5,838
Amount released to income (285) (285)
─────── ───────
At 31 December 2024 5,268 5,553
═══════ ═══════
22. Government grants

The amounts recognised in the financial statements for government grants are as follows:

2024 2023
£ £
Recognised in creditors:
Deferred government grants due within one year 5,268 5,553
═══════ ═══════
Recognised in income from donations and legacies:
Government grants income 285
════
285
════

- 23 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

23. Analysis of charitable funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At
At 1 January 31 December
2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 1,594,237 218,999 (167,117) 2,950 1,649,069
Revaluation reserve 109,108 (693) 108,415
──────────── ───────── ───────── ─────── ────────────
1,703,345 218,999 (167,117) 2,257 1,757,484
════════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═══════ ════════════
At
At 1 January 31 December
2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 2023
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 1,558,377 148,041 (142,717) 30,536 1,594,237
Revaluation reserve 109,801 (693) 109,108
──────────── ───────── ───────── ──────── ────────────
1,668,178 148,041 (142,717) 29,843 1,703,345
════════════ ═════════ ═════════ ════════ ════════════
Restricted funds
At
At 1 January 31 December
2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Rolling stock 144,688 14,682 (163) (2,257) 156,950
Extension fund 36,056 36,056
───────── ──────── ──── ─────── ─────────
180,744 14,682 (163) (2,257) 193,006
═════════ ════════ ════ ═══════ ═════════
At
At 1 January 31 December
2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Rolling stock 165,169 9,361 (29,842) 144,688
Extension fund 36,056 36,056
───────── ─────── ──── ──────── ─────────
201,225 9,361 (29,842) 180,744
═════════ ═══════ ════ ════════ ═════════

- 24 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

23. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)

Restricted funds - Rolling stock

At 31
At 1 January Current Capital Fund December
2024 Year expenditure transfers 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Baldwin 590 1,658 10,793 (2,257) (163) 10,031
Gelert restoration 2,274 60 2,334
Russell restoration 48,347 3,549 51,896
Karen restoration 4,477 4,477
Heritage train fund 87,932 280 88,212
───────── ──────── ─────── ──── ─────────
144,688
═════════
14,682
════════
(2,257)
═══════
(163)
════
156,950
═════════

The Restricted Funds above arise from appeals for donations to enable the Trustees to undertake specific capital expenditure which is beyond the resources of the everyday operation of the railway.

Baldwin 590

Until the end of 2022 this locomotive was on long term loan from the Imperial War Museum on the understanding that it will returned to operation on our railway, in the guise of 590, one of the original three locomotives on the Welsh Highland. To date we have purchased a boiler and a contract has been signed with Vale of Rheidol Trading Limited for the completion of the rebuilding of this locomotive. Physical work began early 2019, with completion envisaged in 2023. Ownership transferred to the Company at the beginning of 2023 and the largely rebuilt locomotive was delivered back to our railway in May 2023. Further to technical issues which came to light during subsequent commissioning and running in trials the locomotive was returned to Aberystwyth for inspection and then for further agreed works to be carried out, with a view to return in 2025.

Gelert

Ownership of Gelert is now in the hands of a formally constituted charitable trust (Charity no. 1171674), the use of the locomotive being subject of a formal long-term loan arrangement with the company.

Russell

Russell is owned by the company and is the one surviving locomotive from the original Welsh Highland. The Trustees wish this fund to continue in order to assist in future maintenance.

Karen

Karen is owned by a consortium of members and the company, and is currently an important exhibit in the museum. Karen was the first steam locomotive operated by the company in 1983.

Heritage Train Fund

This fund was instigated to raise funds for the restoration and maintenance of rolling stock other than locomotives, including the original Welsh Highland Buffet Car and replica coach 25.

- 25 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

23. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)

Fundraising has continued in order to restore and construct other Welsh Highland rolling stock in the future.

Extension Fund

This fund commenced more than 20 years ago to raise funds for the rebuilding of the part of the original Welsh Highland trackbed that extends from our boundary to Pont Croesor. The company expended £158,263 of the funds raised, plus volunteer labour, but expenditure ceased when the Festiniog Railway Company took possession of the trackbed, requiring the company to eliminate the value of this work from the balance sheet. Some donors have generously continued their donations to the fund.

24. Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 1,330,563 1,330,563
Investments 75,000 75,000
Current assets 388,430 193,006 581,436
Creditors less than 1 year (36,508) (36,508)
──────────── ───────── ────────────
Net assets 1,757,485 193,006 1,950,491
════════════ ═════════ ════════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 1,350,111 1,350,111
Investments 40,000 40,000
Current assets 244,752 290,068 534,820
Creditors less than 1 year (40,842) (40,842)
──────────── ───────── ────────────
Net assets 1,594,021 290,068 1,884,089
════════════ ═════════ ════════════
25. Analysis of changes in net debt
At
At 1 Jan 2024 Cash flows 31 Dec 2024
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 334,788
═════════
(27,219)
════════
307,569
═════════

- 26 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

26. Capital commitments

At 31 December 2024 the company had contracted for capital commitments totalling £53,000 (2023: Nil). In addition, there are non-contracted for but authorised commitments of £39,000 (2023: £30,000).

27. Related parties

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the company received donations from the trustees totalling £2,763 (2023: £1,248).

- 27 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Management Information

Year ended 31 December 2024

The following pages do not form part of the financial statements.

- 28 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

Year ended 31 December 2024

2024 2023
£ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
General donations 86,097 10,586
Baldwin 590 10,793 5,648
Gelert restoration 60 60
Russell restoration 3,549 3,353
Heritage train fund 280 300
Resilience fund 1,020 1,275
Government grant income 285 285
Membership subscriptions 8,718 7,742
Covenanted donation from subsidiary company 6,623 11,519
───────── ────────
117,425 40,768
───────── ────────
Charitable activities
Other income- National Grid 3,321
─────── ────
Other trading activities
Income from traffic 106,495 109,800
Cafe franchise fee 3,454 3,379
───────── ─────────
109,949 113,179
───────── ─────────
Investment income
Bank interest receivable 2,986 3,455
─────── ───────
───────── ─────────
Total income 233,681 157,402
═════════ ═════════

- 29 -

Welsh Highland Railway Limited

Company Limited by Guarantee

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

2024 2023
£ £
Expenditure
Costs of raising donations and legacies
Journal costs 2,908 4,138
Membership administration 1,836 983
───────── ─────────
4,744 5,121
───────── ─────────
Costs of other trading activities
Loco fuel and running costs 6,635 3,909
Wages and salaries 19,082 17,147
Rates and water 938 281
Light and heat 5,689 4,784
Repairs and maintenance 68,085 43,232
Insurance 16,246 18,490
Other establishment 532 142
Legal and professional fees 2,930 2,850
Telephone 643 631
Other office costs 318 507
Depreciation 29,464 28,035
Bank charges 274 230
Gala and marketing expenses 7,522 8,489
Sundry operating expenses 2,356 2,712
Gala and event expenses 1,821 6,157
───────── ─────────
162,535 137,596
───────── ─────────
───────── ─────────
Total expenditure 167,279 142,717
═════════ ═════════
───────── ─────────
Net income 66,402 14,685
═════════ ═════════

- 30 -