Registered Charity No: SC010781 The Black Isle Charge th Accounts foryear ended 30 September 2025 Administrative Information Principal Address: The Black Isle Charge Rectory 1 Deans Road Fortrose IV10 8TJ Charity Trustees (Vestry Members) FatherAlex Lane CJN, Rector of Black Isle Charge Isla Cruden (Vestry Secretary) Sandie Evans Alison Garraway Lord Donald Graham Dr Heather Ireland Janet MacLennan Gillian Newman Lay Reps Joan Deakin Dr Jean Davis Dr Helen Robinson Alt Lay Reps Ann Danson Trish McKeggie Craig Simms Honorary Treasurer Peter Furniss ACMA CGMA Bankers Bank of Scotland 2- 6 Eastgate Inverness IV2 3NA Independent Examiner Brian Spence BA CA 18 Academy Street Fortrose IV10 8TW
Annual Report of the Members ofthe Vestry The rn¢mb¢rs of the Vesty are pleased to present their annual report together th with their financial statements for the year ended 30 September 202). Structure and Governance In ternis of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006, the Vestry reports to the congregation as follows. l. The Black Isle ChargJe is a regyistered Scottish Charity (SC010781) 2. It is a memb¢r of the Diocese of Moray, Ross and Caithness of the Scottish Episcopal Church and is in full communion with the Anglican Church. 3. The superior authority is the Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness 4. All of ils affair8 are governed by the Vestry Members Appolntment ofvestry Members Vestry members are elected or appoinled by the Annual General Meeting established by constitution and under Canon Law of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Th¢r¢ is no formal induction programme for Vestry Members but ongoing guidance is given. Ihrough th¢ Vestry Secre1Ary passing on information, to ensure ihat Vestry membets arc familiar wth the Church-'s values, ¢iiills and responsibilities as the designated trustees of a charily. AII members of the Vestry have signed a Declaration stating that they are not diSqlif1¢d from acting as a Charity truste¢ in tem15 of Section 69 and 79 of the Charities and Trust¢¢ Investment {Scotland) Act 2005. The signed declaralions are held by the Vesfry Secretary. Administrative Structure It is the duty of the Vestry to manage and safeguard the assets of the church and assist the Rector in matters affecting Ihe spiritudl welfare of the congregation. Thev are also responsible for k¢¢ping' proper accounting records and en.8uring the accounts are prepared in accordance 'Ith the tcnns of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Alt 2005 and the Charilies Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The Vestry considers the risks faced by. the Black Isle Charge and ensures that proper risk management procedures are in place to mitigate those risk%. Charitable Objectives and Activities Th¢ Church's principal activities include public worship in sacnunent and prayer, Christian educalion, charitable work and fundraising for local, national and international needs and social meetings for all age groups within the church and the wider commwiity. Page 1
Achievements and Performance l am pleased to report that OUT newly appointed Rector joined us on I" Febnwy 2025. Our previous Rector was in post for fourt¢¢n years and our neTh' Rector. Fr Alex Lane, has built on the previously" good work of his predecessor by introducing a number of changes ,hICh are already havingl a very positive impact boih in respect of the fomiat of services and nuniber held eaLh week, in particular at our Churches tn Fortrose and Cromarty. In 2024 the Vesiry Committee had already arranged for a bToadband connection to be made to St Andrews Church in Fortrose with the intention of providingJ a streamingT service for the benefit of thos¢ who have difficulty in regularly alL¢nding services, dnd also to introduce a Surn Up payment facility so that visitors to the Chiirch can casily make a donation using cards or mobile phones. Under Fr Alex's stewardship thcsc have now been introduccd in both St Andrew's Church in Fortrose and St Regulus Church in Cromarty. Also, a newly installed more versatile printing machine enables order of service booklets to be provided ,hIch are much easier for congr¢galion members to follow and are noNN' in use al all three of our Churches. Our regular fund-raising activities are spear h¢ad¢d by our Charity Shop based Èn Fortrose which is well Supported by the local community and by many holidaymakers who visit the area during thc summer. There are plans to install a Sum up facility in the Charity Shop although the nalure of the building is making this difficult to 4ichieve quickl}'. Our other fundraising activitics include attendance al Sl Boniface Fair and The Black Isle show for the first time this year: both of which are held in August of each year. With the aid of member donations, the Charge has invested in two suitably inscribed g(ebOeS to identify and attract extra interest. In respect of our work for the Cornmunit51 wc haiie conlinued to hold a service in the Eilean Dubh care home in Fortrose. The service is augmented by our small choir from St Andrews Church. Additionally, the Fortrose and Rosemarkie F'riendship Club continues to hold its fortnightl?. meetings throughout most of th¢ year. Our leam of volunteers from all thre¢ of our Churches continue to fund-raise throughout the year for the Blythewood Care Chartty and this )'ear they malched l(ISt year's pertorniance of filling 550 boxes, the majorit! of which were shipped to Ukraine. St Andrew's Church has an oil-fired central boiler which, although still very etTictent, is not acceptable for Net Zero. Work has now commenced on finding a suitable alternative means of heating. This is not proving an easy task given the church is of a traditional siyle and is 200 years old in the coming year. It ts vcry important that we keep our congregations warm in our cold winiers but equ(illy, we rnusl not in any way detract from the exisling fealiires of this beautiful Church. This remains an important challenge for the Vesiry Comrnittee in the coming year. The considerable achievements in the last year are the result of the untiring work of membcrs of the Vestry Committee together ll.'ith the support by so many members of our three congregations. Special thanks are given to Fr Alex together with our retired ministers Rev Christine Mylne and Fr Arthur Sinclair and to the lay members who act as servers at our services. Page 2
Financial Review The summary of the receipts and paymenls, as ststed on page 5 of the accounts. shows an overall deficit for the year of £26:426 compared to a surplus of £30,372 last year. It should be noted that the InteegnuM is entirely responsibl¢ for the unusual patterns of both income and expenditure that are now reported and are fully in line with ¢xpcctalions. Invome showed dn increase over lasl year partly from the sale of unil trusl investments (£10,000) to meet the cost of quinquennial inspections at St Andrews and St Regulus Churches. In addition, donations, including gift aid, increased by about £12.000 to provide funding for the one-off streaming project at St Andrews Church and the purchase of two gazebos for use at fundraising events such as St Boniface Fair, and the Black Isle Show. Compared to last year expenditure increased by £89,31 l. There was an increase of £29,645 in respect of stipend costs and expenses and a further £34:557 on Refurbishment of the Rectory and Removal Costs in r¢spect of Fr Alec. Purchases of additional unit trust investment accounted for a further £1 0,000. Much of the increased cosl were funded from cost savings in the previous year and is non-recurring. As anticipaied our net assets stated on page 6 reduced by £22,222 from £75,527 to £53.305. Most of this movement retlects the income and expenditure transactions during year. There were purchases and sale ol. our unit trust holdings. Each of these being £1 0.000. offset one another. However, it is pleasingy to note that there was an increase in the markel valll¢ of our holding of £4,194 during the year, helping to mainlain our ov¢rall asset valu¢ above £50,000. The arrival of our new Rector provides the opportunity to prepare budgets reflecting necessary changes for the successful continuation of the Charge. Our costs are unlikely to reduce with the demands of net zero and other essential maintenance improTrernents required because of th¢ Quinquennial Reports. Our ever-present priority against the backdrop of staiic and aging congregatÉon numbers. will be to seek more innovative mechanisms for raisin income to meet the Challenges looming ahead. Reserves The Vesty Committee has adopted a policy of trying to maintain a level of unrestricted reserves such that in the event of a significant drop in income. the church would be able to maintain its current level of activities for a reasonable period until replacement funding can be obtained. Conclusion The Members of the Vestry would like to thank all those who contribute their time, energy and money so generously to ensure the continuation and development of the Black Isle Charge as a centre of worship and focus for the community. On behalf of the Trustees JSQ Isla Cruden - Vestry Secretary 9 June 2026 Page 3
Independent Examiners Report to the Vestry members of the Black Isle Charge for the Year Ended 30 September 2025 I report on the financial ststements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2025 which are s¢t out on pages 5 to 8. Respective responsibilities of Vestry Members and examiner The Church's Vestry mcrnbers are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the temis of the Charilies and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 ('Ihe 2005 Act") and 'ith ihe tern]s ot the Charities AcLounts (Scoiland) Regulations 2006 las amended) ("the 2006 Regyulations"). The Church's members of the vestry consider that the audit requirement ot. Re&Julation 10( I )(d) of the 2006 Regulations does not appl},. It is my responsibility to examine th¢ accounts as required under section 44(1)(c) of the 2005 Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's statemenl M}. examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation I l of the 2006 Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounls presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts seeks explanations from the trustees concerning 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 accounts. 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 requircmcnts to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1)(a) of the 2005 Act and R¢gulation 4 of the 2006 Regulations, and to pr¢pare acc()unts which accord with accounting records and eompl), with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Regulations have noi been met. or 2. 10 which, in my opinion. attention should be dra in ord¢r to ¢nabl¢ a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Brian W. Spence B 18 Academy Slreei Fortrose IVIO 8TW CA Date: . Pagye 4
Tha Black l$l• Charge ststtments of Rgcfrlpts and Payments for the Year ending 30 sept8Mr 2025 2025 2024 Notes Un-rostri¢ted Rostrictsd Totsl Receipts Donations Receipts from FundraisingActivities Receipts from Investments (including sales) Other Income incl. Council tax tsfunds 81.422 10,230 11,587 8,954 110.193 400 81.822 10,230 11,587 6.954 110,593 69,787 10.381 1,103 4,034 85.305 io 400 Payments Payments Relatingto Charitable Activitie5 Costs relatingto new RectorAppoiniment Expenses for FundralsingActivities Gran15 and Donations Unit Trust Purchases li 87,760 34,547 3,332 1,370 10.000 137,009 87.760 34,547 2,332 1.370 10,000 137.009 47.403 3,061 2,789 1,680 li li 12 13 54,9 Surplu$l- Deficit for Year -26,816 400 -26,416 30.372 The notes on page5 7 & 8 form an integral part of these accounts and provide further analysis . of the above totals Page 5
The Black Isle Charge Statement of Balances as al 30.September 2025 2025 Un-restricted Restricted 2024 Notes Total Funds Reconciliation Cash at bank Balance at Beglnnlngof Year Surplusl- Deficitfof Year Balance as at 30.09.2025 31,962 -26,816 5,146 4,884 400 36,846 -26,416 10.430 8.474 30,372 36,846 5,284 Investments (SEC Unit Trust Pool) Market value at Beginning of Year Purchases during the year Gross valuatlon after purchases Disposals duringthe year Netvaluation after disposals Increase in Market Value in year Market Value at End of Year 38,681 10,000 d8,681 10,000 38,681 4,194 42,875 38,681 10,000 48,681 10,000 38.681 4,194 42,875 33.567 13 33,567 33,567 5,114 38,681 TotalAssets 48,021 5,284 53,305 75,527 Fund Balances At Beginning of Year Total Surplusl- Deflcll foryear Movement in Investments 70.643 -26,816 4,194 4.884 400 75,527 -26,416 4,194 40,041 30,372 5.114 Balance as at 30.09.2025 48,021 5,284 53,305 75,527 Restricted Fun(Js Balance Brought Forward Donations and Grants received in yeai Costs in current year Balance Carried Fomard 4.884.00 400.00 0.00 5,284.OLI 4,484.00 400.00 0.00 4,884.00 Cash at Bank Investments 5,284 0.00 4,884.00 0.00 4,884.00 5,284.00 The notes on pages 7 & 8 form an integral part of these accounts. Statement oftheTrustees The accounts as laid out on pages 5 to 8 01 these Financial Statements were approved bythe Board of Trustees on the 9 June 2026 gd. Q_ Signed On Behalf of the Boarcl Page 6
The Black Isle Charge N¢tss to the Accounts for the year •nded 30 sèptèMr 2026 1 8a818 of Accountlng These accounts have beern prepared on the Receipts & Payments basis in accordance with the Charities & Trustee Investment Iscoliandl Act 2005 and the CharitiesAccount5 (Scotlandl Regulations 2006 las amended). 2 Naturè and purpo$• of fund$ Unreslricted funds are thoselhat may be used at the discretion of theirusiees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specthed by the donor or when funds 8 raised for a 8pecAfic purpose. During the y•ar a Stewafdship Grant of £400 was received and added to the Non Spe(3r General Reserve. The latter is being m8inl8inèd to Cover 8ny unexpected repair expenditure or for fijture net zero project$. The reslrKted fund at the 30 September 2025 now stands al t5.284 matje up as follows.. 2025 2024 Non Specific General ReseNe Weffaro Fund 4.036 1.248 5,284 3.636 1.248 4,884 3 Related Party Transaction$ Followingthe retirement of the Rectorollhe Black Isle Charge on 30 September 2023. there were no salary, pensk)n or 6xp8n$e8 to ieport for 2023-24. Fr Alex Lane joined us on 1st Febmary 2025 50 the Rectors salary and penslon and gxpenses fewted for 2025 are for the eight months to 30 September 2025 2025 2024 Rectors Salary and Pension Rectors Expenses 27,904 1,741 29,645 No remuneiation orexpenses were paid to anyothertrusrees. orlo anyconneoled persons during the year12024 ." Nill. 4 Investsnents ISEC Unit Trust Pool) The market value ol invèstments al 30th September 2025 has been calculated using th¢ unlt prl¢e as advised bythe Scottish Episcopal Church UnitTrust Pool. Additional purchases toialling£lO,000 were made on l October 2024. Following Quinquefjnial inspecth)ns at St Andrews and Sl Regulus Churches in Juty 2025 it was necessary to dispos$ of £10,000 investment$ to fund their CXJSt plus remedlal work. Thè Market Value of our Investments 8130 September 2025 wa5 £42,875 12024, £38,8611. 5 Gift Aid Receipts During the year daim$ for 9fft aKI We made on a quarterty basks. This process ensuie$ that a full year of gift aid income appèars in any Onè year. The annual figures also include gtft aid on cash payment ttems bèlow £20 claimed on an annual basis at the 6nd of the fis1 year. 6 Bank Account The Charge's bank account is held wth Bank of Scotland, Cty Branch. Invefness. Page 7
Th8 Black Isle Charge Notes io thg A¢¢c*unts for the Year Ended 30 September 2025 2025 20241 irted Restricted Total 7 Donatlon8 CongregationalGiving 64Y2 16,740 140 64.542 16.740 140 53.423 IS.964 400 WeddinglFunèiaVChri5teningDonatlOn5 81,422 81.422 69.787 8 Receipt from fund ralslng acti¥lUe8 Charity Shop St Bonilace Fair Oiher Fund Raising 8,414 706 8,414 8,91S 750 716 10.230 10,230 10.381 9 Investment Income Unil Trust Investment Sales UnilTrust Divioends 10,000 1.587 11,567 10.000 1,587 11,587 1.103 1.103 10 other Income Stewardship Grant Refund re Overpaid Council Tax ishop's Lenten Appeal Pr¢e$ Collected Sl Regulus Carol Serwlc8 Donatson S$le of Pews re Sl Andrews & St Regulus Southern Sudan Appe81 Income Colle¢led Interregnum Thank you Gifts lo Volunteers Collected (Xher Re¢eipts 400 4,631 610 400 4.631 610 295 825 495 200 870 348 6.954 495 200 670 348 7,354 2.514 4.034 400 11 Payments relating to Charitable AGtivitye5 Re¢tor's Emoluments RÈctor's Expense5 Cloryy Deputising Costs Rectorycosis Church Opeoting Cost5 Quota- Diocese ol Noiay Charity Shop- operating costs Rector Recruitment and Appoiniment Cos Re¢tory Refurbishment Costs New Rector Rernoval Costs New RetlDr Institution Costs l Feb 2025 Streaming Equip Sl Andrew51 Funded by Oonalionsl Bla&< Isle Show (Largely Funded by DOnatnSI Inteiregnum Gffts 10 Volunteers (See Income) Other Sundry Items 27.904 1.741 4,821 8.469 29.507 9,264 3,332 27,4 1,741 4,821 6,469 29,507 9,264 3,332 7,784 9,038 20,370 8,053 2,789 19,679 12.590 2.288 3,048 3,740 670 19.679 12.590 2,288 3,048 3.740 670 586 125.839 2,000 2.158 53.253 125,639 12 Grants and Dona¢ion$ Made SOMA Adopt a Chil Bi$hop's Lenten N4)P881 Payment St Regulus Carol Service DonatK)n South Sudan Appeal 200 200 360 610 200 360 295 825 610 200 1,370 200 1.370 1.680 13 UnltTru5t Purchas88 l Octotw 2024 10,000 10.000 Page 8