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Charity Registration No. SC012212 (Scotland)
THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
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THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | William Ruthven Gemmell | |
|---|---|---|
| Alec Dougal Stewart | (Appointed 21 March 2025) | |
| Charity number (Scotland) | SC012212 | |
| Principal address | c/o Murray Beith Murray LLP | |
| 3 Glenfinlas Street | ||
| Edinburgh | ||
| EH3 6AQ | ||
| Independent examiner | Ian Bilsland FCCA | |
| Drummond Laurie | ||
| Unit 5, Gateway Business Park | ||
| Beancross Road | ||
| Grangemouth | ||
| FK3 8WX | ||
| Bankers | Royal Bank of Scotland | |
| 36 St Andrew Square | ||
| Edinburgh | ||
| EH2 2YB | ||
| Solicitors | Murray Beith Murray LLP | |
| 3 Glenfinlas Street | ||
| Edinburgh | ||
| EH3 6AQ | ||
| Investment advisors | Rathbones Investment Management | Ltd |
| 10 George Street | ||
| Edinburgh | ||
| EH2 2PF |
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THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
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 - 10 |
SYM140
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THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 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 Trust Deed, Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
Objectives and activities
The Charity's objectives are established in its Constitution, and these are such charitable purposes as the Trustees may determine at their sole discretion.
The Charity awards grants to eligible institutions and individuals and these are reviewed by the Trustees annually. The grants to institutions are intended to help these institutions provide tangible benefits to such beneficiary groups as the Trustees may deem appropriate.
The Charity also commits to making grants to support students in continuing further education in Scottish academic institutions who have experienced unexpected hardship during their course. Grants are paid by means of settling fees for students directly to their universities or other educational institutions.
To sustain the Charity's activities, the Trustees maintain an endowment fund, the income from which is used to finance the Charity's grant-making activities.
Achievements and performance
In this reporting period, the Charity awarded grants to nine institutions worth a total of £49,700 (2024: £47,000 to nine). The grants were awarded to finance such activities as those institutions receiving funds deemed appropriate.
Financial review
The financial statements, presented overleaf show that the Charity's gross income, excluding funds released from the Endowment Fund, amounted to £52,044 in this reporting period (2024: £48,185). Investment income generated by the Endowment Fund amounted to £51,433 (2024: £47,000) and other sources of income together amounted to £611 (2024: £1,185).
Gross expenditure in Unrestricted Funds amounted to £55,783 (2024: £51,721).
The value of the Charity's Endowment Fund stood at £1,664,213 at the end of this reporting period (2024: £1,560,210).
Investment management costs chargeable to the Charity's Endowment Fund amounted to £7,011 in this reporting period (2024: £8,175).
Reserves Policy
The Charity's reserves at the end of this reporting period stood at £29,663 (2024: £33,401), The Trustees generally seek to apply the whole free income of the Charity, making reasonable provision for professional fees and outlays where appropriate.
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THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Investment Policy
The Trustees have instructed Investec Wealth & Investments UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Rathbones Group to manage the Charity's investment funds on a discretionary basis. Rathbones Investment Management Limited acquired Investec Wealth & Investment UK Ltd on 21 September 2023 with full integration on 12 April 2025. The Trustees have advised that they are prepared to accept a medium level of risk. Investec Wealth & Investments UK Ltd are instructed to seek a balanced return between both capital growth and income.
Risk Management
The Trustees monitor the performance of each institution supported by the Charity. Where appropriate, the Charity may require institutions that receive grants to provide a copy of their Annual Report and Accounts to facilitate the consideration of support in future years.
The Trustees have considered the risks to which the Charity is exposed. These relate in the main to investment management and have been ameliorated by the employment of an investment manager. Another risk to which the Charity is exposed is fraud. However, the Trustees consider the low level of donations made by the Trust reduces the risk. In addition, at least one of the Trustees will have some knowledge of any chosen charitable body to which a donation is made and donations made to students are made directly to an appropriate education institution.
Plans for the future
The Trustees plan to continue to award grants, provided sufficient funding remains available.
Structure, governance and management
The Charity is an unincorporated Trust constituted by Deed of Trust by Miss Cecilia Agnes Melvill Sym dated 26 March 1979 and registered in the Books of Council and Session on 17 May 1979.
The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: William Ruthven Gemmell Miss Carole Hope (Resigned 21 March 2025) Alec Dougal Stewart (Appointed 21 March 2025)
Trustees are assumed (and resign) with consent of the existing Trustees, under Section 3 of the Trusts Act (Scotland) Act 1921.
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
..............................
Alec Dougal Stewart
Trustee 26 June 2026 Dated: .........................
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THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
I report on the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 30 September 2025, which are set out on pages 4 to 10.
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 Investments (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity's Trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(d) of the 2006 Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the financial statements as required under section 44(1)(c) of the Act 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 2006 Accounts Regulations. 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 seeks 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 connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
(a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
(i) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations; and
-
(ii) to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations;
have not been met or
- (b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Ian Bilsland FCCA
Drummond Laurie Unit 5, Gateway Business Park Beancross Road Grangemouth FK3 8WX
26 June 2026
Dated: .........................
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THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Unrestricted Endowment funds funds 2025 2025 Notes £ £ Income from: Investments 2 52,044.39 - Expenditure on: Raising funds 3 - 7,010.75 Charitable activities 4 55,782.80 - Other 9 - 20.00 Total resources expended 55,782.80 7,030.75 Net gains/(losses) on investments 10 - 111,032.93 Net movement in funds (3,738.41) 104,002.18 Fund balances at 1 October 2024 33,401.49 1,560,210.45 Fund balances at 30 September 2025 29,663.08 1,664,212.63 |
Total 2025 £ 52,044.39 7,010.75 55,782.80 20.00 62,813.55 111,032.93 100,263.77 1,593,611.94 1,693,875.71 |
Total 2024 £ 48,185.17 |
|---|---|---|
| 8,175.39 | ||
| 51,720.80 | ||
| - | ||
| 59,896.19 | ||
| 128,237.18 | ||
| 116,526.16 1,477,085.78 |
||
| 1,593,611.94 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Investments 11 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Capital funds Endowment funds - general Income funds Unrestricted funds |
2025 £ £ 1,659,303.66 34,572.05 34,572.05 1,693,875.71 1,664,212.63 29,663.08 1,693,875.71 |
2024 £ £ 1,552,673.19 40,938.75 40,938.75 1,593,611.94 1,560,210.45 33,401.49 1,593,611.94 |
2024 £ £ 1,552,673.19 40,938.75 40,938.75 1,593,611.94 1,560,210.45 33,401.49 1,593,611.94 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,593,611.94 | |||
| 1,560,210.45 33,401.49 |
|||
| 1,593,611.94 |
26 June 2026 The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................
.............................. Alec Dougal Stewart Trustee
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THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Accounting convention
The Endowment Fund represents the principal sum settled to the Trust, which the Trustees have invested in accordance with the powers conferred on them by the Trust Deed for the benefit of future beneficiaries; the Trust Deed confers on the Trustees the power to apply such funds for charitable purposes at any time and may do so at their sole discretion. The Trustees apply the unrestricted income of the Trust Fund for the benefit of the current beneficiaries in accordance with their policy for donations.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity.
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 unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.
1.4 Incoming resources
Investment Income is included in the Account in the year in which it is received.
1.5 Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised in full in the year in which it is paid.
2 Investments
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Income from listed investments 51,433.08 Interest receivable 611.31 52,044.39 |
Total 2024 £ 46,999.93 1,185.24 |
|---|---|
| 48,185.17 |
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THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 3 Raising funds Endowment funds general 2025 £ Investment management 7,010.75 7,010.75 4 Charitable activities 2025 £ Grant funding of activities (see note 5) 49,700.00 Share of support costs (see note 6) 5,506.80 Share of governance costs (see note 6) 576.00 55,782.80 5 Grants payable 2025 £ Grants to institutions (9 grants): Other 49,700.00 |
Total 2024 £ 8,175.39 |
|---|---|
| 8,175.39 | |
| 2024 £ 47,000.00 4,180.80 540.00 |
|
| 51,720.80 | |
| 2024 £ 47,000.00 |
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THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
6 Support costs
| Support costs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Support costs Governance costs £ £ Murray Beith Murray General Fees 5,506.80 - Drummond Laurie Fee - 576.00 5,506.80 576.00 Analysed between Charitable activities 5,506.80 576.00 |
2025 £ 5,506.80 576.00 6,082.80 6,082.80 |
2024 £ 4,180.80 540.00 |
| 4,720.80 | ||
| 4,720.80 |
Governance costs includes payments to Drummond Laurie of £576 (2024: £540) for examination fees.
7 Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year.
8 Employees
There were no employees during the year.
9 Other
| Endowment funds general 2025 £ Other expenditure 20.00 20.00 |
Total 2024 £ - |
|---|---|
| - |
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THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 10 Net gains/(losses) on investments Revaluation of investments Gain/(loss) on sale of investments 11 Fixed asset investments Cost or valuation At 1 October 2024 Additions Realised Gain/(Loss) Unrealised Gain/(Loss) Disposals At 30 September 2025 Carrying amount At 30 September 2025 At 30 September 2024 Investments greater than 5% of portfolio comprised: JP Morgan US Equity Inc C2 GBP WS Lancaster Absolute Return Law Debenture Ord Shares 5p Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust Plc |
Endowment Total funds general 2025 2024 £ £ 103,625.04 116,968.09 7,407.89 11,269.09 111,032.93 128,237.18 Listed investments £ 1,552,673.19 249,023.13 7,407.89 103,625.04 (253,425.59) 1,659,303.66 1,659,303.66 1,552,673.19 2025 2024 £ £ 83,693.00 78,242.00 90,250.00 84,844.00 87,949.00 - 99,531.00 - 361,423.00 163,086.00 |
|---|---|
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THE SYM CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
11 Fixed asset investments (Continued)
12 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted Funds Endowment Funds 2025 2025 £ £ Fund balances at 30 September 2025 are represented by: Investments - 1,659,303.66 Current assets/(liabilities) 29,663.08 4,908.97 29,663.08 1,664,212.63 |
Total 2025 £ 1,659,303.66 34,572.05 1,693,875.71 |
Total 2024 £ 1,552,673.19 40,938.75 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,593,611.94 |
13 Related party transactions
William Ruthven Gemmell is a Trustee and was a Consultant of Murray Beith Murray LLP until his retirement on 31 January 2025, whom the Charity has engaged as legal agents.
Alec Dougal Stewart is a Trustee and a Member of Murray Beith Murray LLP whom the Charity has engaged as legal agents.
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Total Remuneration | 5,506.00 | 4,181.00 |
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