Charity Registration No. SC009458 (Scotland)
LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
THE A9 PARTNERSHIP LIMITED Chartered Accountants 47 Commercial Road Lerwick Shetland ZE1 0NJ
LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Mrs A Erskine | |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs W Manning | ||
| Mrs E Leask | ||
| Charity registration | Scotland | SC009458 |
| Registered office | 3 Bellevue Park | |
| Lerwick | ||
| Shetland | ||
| ZE1 0EE | ||
| Independent examiner | The A9 Partnership Limited | |
| 47 Commercial Road | ||
| Lerwick | ||
| Shetland Isles | ||
| ZE1 0NJ | ||
| Bankers | Bank of Scotland | |
| 117 Commercial Street | ||
| Lerwick | ||
| ZE1 0DN |
LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 11 |
| The following pages do not form part of the statutory financial statements | |
| Detailed statement of financial activities | 13 - 14 |
LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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)".
Objectives and activities
Lerwick Congregational Church seeks to advance the Christian faith through its work, witness and outreach in the local community.
Public benefit
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Activities
We hold weekly services and through them we have an active outreach in to the community. The women also meet monthly from October - March with guest speakers and a time of fellowship. we also attend World Day of Prayer services, Bible Week services and Bible Study groups.
As we are a small fellowship with too few members to sustain a minister we are indebted to locum preachers who prepare and take our weekly services and enable us to have regular worship.
We are committed to carrying out the duties required to maintain a Christian presence in our community.
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
Our members are very supportive of charitable work within the community. This financial year we have supported:
-
Dogs Against Drugs
-
Shetland Care Attendant Scheme
-
RNMDSF
-
Shetland Foodbank
-
Shetland Stroke Group
We sold the Manse in October and we have deposited the proceeds in a 30-Day Notice deposit account. Our income from offerings will need to be supplemented from these funds to meet our outgoings. The sale of this property is a one-off event.
Financial review
Unrestricted income for the financial year, excluding proceeds for the sale of the Manse, totalled £11,912 (2024: £19,149). Unrestricted expenditure, excluding costs to sell the Manse, totalled £21,945 (2024: £20,120).
Net unrestricted proceeds received for the sale of the Manse was £258,872 and excludes any original purchase costs.
Unrestricted reserves at the end of the financial year were £297,821 (2024: £48,982).
Going concern
Funds for the sale of the Manse will be used to cover costs of the charity going forward as current incomings are not expected to be of a level to cover all future costs. There are no going concern issues at this time however, the trustees intention is to dissolve the charity and transfer surplus assets to local charities.
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LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is an unincorporated association and has been a registered charity since 13 December 1907. The governing document is its constitution.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mrs A Erskine Mrs W Manning Mrs E Leask
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
New trustees are appointed as per the charity's constitution. All trustees give their time voluntarily.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Wilma Manning Mrs W Manning Trustee
25 August 2026
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LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025, which are set out on pages 4 to 11.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(a)-(c) of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 does not apply.
It is my responsibility to examine the financial statements as required under section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements.
Independent examiner's statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1)(a) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and Regulation 4 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006, and
-
to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006
have not been met, or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
The A9 Partnership Limited The A9 Partnership Limited
47 Commercial Road Lerwick Shetland Isles ZE1 0NJ 1 September 2026
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LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 9,191 | 10,252 |
| Charitable activities | 3 | 1,623 | 8,897 |
| Investments | 4 | 1,098 | - |
| Other material income | 273,111 | - | |
| Total income | 285,023 | 19,149 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | 5 | 21,945 | 20,120 |
| Other material expenditure | 14,239 | - | |
| Total expenditure | 36,184 | 20,120 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds | 248,839 | (971) | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||
| Fund balances at 1 January 2025 | 48,982 | 49,953 | |
| Fund balances at 31 December 2025 | 297,821 | 48,982 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Other material income and expenditure for 2025 relates to the sale of property - Manse, 44 Murrayston.
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LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Notes Current assets Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds 12 |
2025 £ 618 299,140 299,758 (1,937) |
£ 297,821 297,821 297,821 |
2024 £ - 48,982 48,982 - |
£ 48,982 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48,982 | ||||
| 48,982 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 25 August 2026
Wilma Manning Mrs W Manning Trustee
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LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
These financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 are the first financial statements of Lerwick Congregational Church prepared in accordance with FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The date of transition to FRS 102 was 1 January 2024. The reported financial position and financial performance for the previous period are not affected by the transition to FRS 102.
Charity information
Lerwick Congregational Church is registered as an unincorporated Scottish charity.
1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 Heritage assets
In a departure from compliance with the FRS102 accounting standards regarding the treatment of freehold property the decision has been taken to not include the Church on the balance sheet of the charity. The current market value of the building is unknown and there is no evidence to suggest that an active market for the property exists therefore it would not give a true and fair view of the financial position of the charity if this tangible asset were to be included.
Last year did not include the value of the Manse as it was unknown, and has since been sold during this year.
The heritage assets were originally donated to the charity, therefore had no initial valuation and have not been valued until disposal. Disposals have gone out to market to achieve the best price for the charity. The Trustees ensure the preservation of the assets.
All other applicable standards and legislation have been complied with. There is no monetary effect on the current or prior period financial statements as a result of the departure.
The Church is open during weekly services, which anyone is welcome to attend.
1.7 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.8 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
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LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 8,701 | 10,252 |
| Other | 490 | - |
| 9,191 | 10,252 | |
| Income from charitable activities | ||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Other trading activities | ||
| Charitable rental income | 1,523 | 8,707 |
| Other income | 100 | 190 |
| 1,623 | 8,897 |
3 Income from charitable activities
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LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
4 Income from investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Interest receivable | 1,098 | - | |
| 5 | Expenditure on charitable activities | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Direct costs | |||
| Supply costs | 2,202 | 2,601 | |
| Insurance | 2,512 | 2,953 | |
| Advertising and stationery | 563 | 482 | |
| Heat and light costs | 6,786 | 4,426 | |
| Repairs ad maintenance | 2,115 | 3,343 | |
| Donations | 2,130 | 2,205 | |
| Organist | 660 | 720 | |
| Legal and professional fees | 718 | 549 | |
| Travel expenses | 441 | 459 | |
| Miscellaneous costs | 2,425 | 2,046 | |
| Affiliation and Guild fees | 393 | 336 | |
| 20,945 | 20,120 | ||
| Share of support and governance costs (see note 6) | |||
| Support | 1,000 | - | |
| 21,945 | 20,120 | ||
| Analysis by fund | |||
| Unrestricted funds - general | 21,945 | 20,120 | |
| 6 | Support costs allocated to activities | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Governance costs | 1,000 | - | |
| Analysed between: | |||
| Other trading activities | 1,000 | - |
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LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| 7 Net movement in funds 2025 £ The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements 1,000 8 Trustees None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits charity during the year. 9 Employees |
2024 £ - |
|---|---|
| from the |
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| Total There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000. 10 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Prepayments and accrued income 11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income 12 Unrestricted funds |
2025 Number - 2025 £ 618 2025 £ 1,937 |
2024 Number - |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ - |
||
| 2024 £ - |
||
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At | 1 | January | Incoming | Resources | At 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | resources | expended | December | |||
| 2025 | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| General funds | 48,982 | 285,023 | (36,184) | 297,821 |
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LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| 12 | Unrestricted funds | (Continued) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Previous year: | At 1 January | Incoming | Resources | At 31 | |
| 2024 | resources | expended | December | ||
| 2024 | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | 49,953 | 19,149 | (20,120) | 48,982 | |
| 13 | Related party transactions |
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
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LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
The following pages do not form part of the statutory financial statements which are the subject of the independent examiner's report.
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LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| INCOMING RESOURCES Donations and Legacies Offerings received Donations Guild Income from Charitable Activities UF Charitable income 1 - property rental within Charitable objects UF Charitable income 1 - miscellaneous Other Incoming Resources UF Other interest receivable non-operating Sale of Manse Manse costs refunded TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES |
2025 £ 8,334 367 490 9,191 1,523 100 1,623 1,098 272,000 1,111 274,209 285,023 |
2024 £ 9,962 290 - |
|---|---|---|
| 10,252 | ||
| 8,707 190 |
||
| 8,897 | ||
| - - - |
||
| - | ||
| 19,149 |
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LERWICK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| OUTGOING RESOURCES Charitable Expenditure Supply costs Insurance costs Advertising and stationery Heat and light costs Repairs and maintenance Donations Organist fees Legal and professional fees Travel expenses Miscellaneous expenses Affiliation and guild costs UF CA1 - Share of support costs Other Expenditure Manse - costs to sell TOTAL OUTGOING RESOURCES NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS |
2025 2,202 2,512 563 6,786 2,115 2,130 660 718 441 2,425 393 1,000 21,945 14,239 14,239 36,184 248,839 |
2024 2,601 2,953 482 4,426 3,343 2,205 720 549 459 2,046 336 - |
|---|---|---|
| 20,120 | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| 20,120 | ||
| 971 |
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