ELGIN PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND (Formerly Elgin St Giles and St Columba’s South Church)
Annual Report & Financial Statements For the Year ended 30 November 2024
Congregation No: 311915
Scottish Charity No: SC 015164
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Year ended 30 November 2024
Contents
| Trustees annual report Independent Auditors report to the Trustees Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) Statement of financial position Statement of cash flows Notes to the financial statements |
Pages 3 - 7 8 - 10 11 12 13 14 - 23 |
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Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Trustees, Annual Report Year ended 30 November 2024 The trustees have pleasure in ptesenling Iheit rq)ort together with ihe fllwicial statements and the Independent Examiner's Report for the year ended 30 N0veber 2024. Refei'eknte alld Admillisti"ative Infoi"madon Charity Name: Elgin Parish Church of Scotland chrIti. Reglstrallon Nnmber: SC015164 retired. on sabbatical. Te51ed OT deceased during the year Sesslon Clerk: Church Ti'easurer: AuditOl-5: Mjllet AcCowitltS Ltd Beyolld Aldgate Tower, 2 LellWI Sl. Lolldon El 8FA Legal Adsor5. Cockbunis, 82 Higli Strect, Elgin IV30 IDS The Royal Bank of Scotland plc. 209 Hig] Street, Elgm IV30 IDL Virgin Molley, 151 High Strect. Elgill, tv30 IDS BaDkei3:
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 30 November 2024
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 November 2024.
Presbytery Restructuring of Congregations
On 1[st] December 2023 the former congregations of Elgin St Giles & St Columba’s South Church, and Birnie and Pluscarden Churches linked with Elgin High, were United to become Elgin Parish Church of Scotland.
This report and accounts represent the activities of Elgin Parish Church of Scotland for the year to 30[th] November 2024 with the comparative figures now restated for the former Elgin St Giles & St Columba’s South Church only, so direct comparisons are not relevant. Adjustments for the change in accruals basis have been completed as required by the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
The Church is administered in accordance with the terms of the Model Deed of Constitution.
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
Members of the Kirk Session are the charity trustees. The Kirk Session members are the elders of the church and are chosen from those members of the church who are considered to have the appropriate gifts and skills.
Organisational Structure
Certain responsibilities are delegated to the Finance Committee and the Property Committee as appropriate. The Kirk Session met eight times this year and is responsible for all matters within the church.
Objectives and Activities
The Trustees confirm that they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) on public benefit.
We are aware of the guidance on public benefit, and have taken it into account when exercising the charity's powers and duties.
Our charitable activities are designed to benefit the public by pursuing our stated charitable purposes. Where any private benefit may arise from these activities, it is incidental to the advancement of our charitable purposes and is not an end in itself. This is in accordance with the principles of OSCR.
The Church of Scotland is Trinitarian in doctrine, Reformed in tradition and Presbyterian in polity. It exists to glorify God and to work for the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom throughout the world. As a national Church, it acknowledges a distinctive call and duty to bring the ordinances of religion to the people in every parish of Scotland through a territorial ministry. It co-operates with other Churches in various ecumenical bodies in Scotland and beyond.
The Kirk Session has now made permanent the arrangement of having just one service each Sunday in Elgin Parish Church of Scotland. Communion was celebrated four times a year at the Sunday and at the midweek services. Special services were held on Christmas Eve. During Holy Week, a Communion Service is held on Maundy Thursday and a special service on Good Friday. There are two weekly Bible Study groups and there was also an additional eight week Bible Study course. There are two services held monthly at Anderson’s Care Home which is attended by about 10 residents. A monthly service is also held at The Grove and Spynie Care Homes, and the Ministry team also pay regular visits to both Abbeyside and Abbeyvale Care Homes.
The Ministry team hold a school assembly at West End Primary school bi-monthly. Regular Home Communions are done at the Care Homes and in the homes of parishioners.
Some of our office-bearers play a major part in the Christian Aid Committee for Elgin, and many of our congregation are involved in Christian Aid Week which raises large sums for Christian Aid. Our own congregation also provides support for the Church in Malawi, with a specific link to the community of Ekwendeni.
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On a social level, there are weekly groups for badminton and for indoor bowling. A Men’s Group and Ladies Group also meet twice a month. In the past year the Parish continued a weekly Bible Study, a monthly Healing Service and a Parish Bereavement Service.
A major part of the youth work of the congregation is St. Giles’ Theatre Group, in which about a 150 young people take part. The group had a production of Bugsy Malone on stage in April 2024 and rehearsals have resumed for a 2025 production.
The parish is very much involved in community outreach and support and host “Kicks” and High Jinx Groups. The ministers of the parish are currently serving on the Board of Trustees of The General Anderson Trust Care Home. Many of our members are very active in community projects for example Rotary, Rotaract, Anderson’s Care Home and Moravia to name a few.
Strategic report
The following sections for achievements and performance and financial review form the strategic report of the charity.
Achievements and Performance
There were two Baptisms during the year and four young families joined the church. Sadly, the ministry team did around 71 funerals over the past 12 months and provided the necessary pastoral support to families in the parish during their time of grief. The Sunday School has twelve regular attendees, with the older children receiving bible lessons. The Sunday School preformed a Nativity play both in December 2023 and December 2024 as we returned to a normal Christmas programme.
The Union on 1[st] December 2023 continues to be a success with approximately 160 weekly worshippers, many of whom attend the post-service fellowship in the hall also and the various splinter groups, for example, Lunch Club, Drop in Teas and Café Church.
Outreach to the five local primary and two secondary schools continues with donations of, sadly, much needed cereal bar and breakfast cereals. Our community development officers continue their presence in developing community links for the local youth in conjunction with other local Christian denominations, Street Pastors and School Pastors. In our promotion of our Christian practice, we have a chaplain pastorally looking after 150 teenagers in our theatre group.
Although the UK Home Office relocated some asylum seekers previously housed at the Eight Acres Hotel in Elgin to other accommodation within its asylum estate, a total of 68 people were supported by the local community including Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Ministry team and congregation by providing pastoral care and donations of personal care items and warm clothing.
With the closure of Birnie Kirk in November 2023, our friends from the Roman Catholic Church contacted Elgin Parish Church of Scotland regarding a joint venture at Birnie Kirk, an ideal setting and opportunity as part of our ecumenical partnership in connection with the Church of Scotland’s and the Roman Catholic Church’s St Margaret’s Declaration.
The Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham in Scotland have made a bid to keep Birnie Kirk in regular use and have been holding ecumenical mid-week Evensong and monthly Mass on the first Saturday of the month. These services have been well attended by multiple faiths followed by some refreshments and fellowship in the Kirk Hall.
Fundraising through coffee mornings, appeals and retiral offerings by our Office Bearers and wider congregation have benefited not only Christian Aid and Ekwendeni as mentioned previously but also, Moray Food Plus, Street Pastors, Anderson’s Care Home and further afield with the recent collection of 77 filled boxes and cash donation of over £300, to the Blythswood Shoebox appeal for countries in Eastern Europe.
As we move into 2025 and the first anniversary of Elgin Parish Church of Scotland, a fund-raising quiz-night was organised and joint ecumenical Christmas services with both Pluscarden Abbey and the Scottish Ordinariates. Looking ahead, the planning of a Burns’ Supper is underway. A busy first year for the Parish with strong connections within the local area and Christian faiths working in partnership to serve the local community.
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Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Trustees’ Annual Report (Cont’d) Year ended 30 November 2024
Financial Review
Receipts in 2024 were significantly higher at £960,791 when compared to 2023 but only after receipt of £20,000 from the Consolidated Fabric Fund Revenue account (see appendix) held in Edinburgh and the receipt of £750,056 of funds from Uniting congregations (see note 5). Following the Union, the comparative values relate to the former Elgin St Giles & St Columba’s South church only so direct comparisons are not relevant. Adjustments for the change in accruals basis have been completed as required by the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Additional clerical and property maintenance resource was required by the combined charges, and energy costs were also significantly higher.
Overall, we report a Surplus of £737,211 in the past year.
Just before the year end the former Elgin High Church manse at Daisy Bank, Forteath Avenue, Elgin has been sold with the proceeds invested in Church of Scotland Investors Trust Growth Fund units.
Investment Policy and Performance
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland has taken advantage of the expertise delivered by the Church of Scotland Investors Trust and placed surplus funds in their Growth Fund Units and Income Fund Units. Short term cash deposits are also placed in the Investors Trust Deposit funds. The Trustees receive reports on the performance of the funds and decide if they believe any alternative approach should be adopted. At this time, they are satisfied with the performance of these Funds.
Risk Management
The Trustees are aware of potential risks when involved with youth groups and individuals considered to be at risk. There is an active Safeguarding group monitoring these matters. Financial risks are minimised with regular reporting to Trustees. The Property committee do regular visits to the various properties owned by the Congregation and have a programme of works aimed at maintaining the buildings in good order.
Reserves Policy
The charity trustees have considered the reserves required and have taken into account their current and future liabilities. It is the Trustees’ policy to hold reserves of approximately twelve months expenditure including designated funds. At the year end the Church held unrestricted funds of £1,691,859, Restricted funds of £63,354 and Endowment funds of £1,504. A significant proportion of the unrestricted funds are represented by Church buildings. The Trustees believe the liquid reserves are appropriate at this time as various Capital projects may be considered in the coming year.
Trustees’ Responsibilities in Relation to the Financial Statements
The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in Scotland requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the method and principles in the applicable Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operational existence.
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Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Trustees’ Annual Report (Cont’d) Year ended 30 November 2024
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). They 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.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information on the congregation’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf,
Session Clerk Date: 27[th] Aug 2025
Minister Date: 27[th] Aug 2025
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Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Year ended 30 November 2024
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ELGIN PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Elgin Parish Church of Scotland (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 30 November 2024 which comprise Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash Flow and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 30 November 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the Year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
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Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Year ended 30 November 2024
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 require us to report to you if, in our opinion :
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the information given in the trustees’ report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
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proper accounting records have not been kept; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 6 within the trustees report, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Other matter
We draw to your attention that the comparative period financial statements were unaudited as the company was previously below the audit threshold.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditor under section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and noncompliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:
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the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
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we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charity through discussions with trustees and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the sector;
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we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the charity, including taxation and charities legislation.
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Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Year ended 30 November 2024
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we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and
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identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.
We assessed the susceptibility of the charity's financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
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making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and
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considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:
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performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;
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tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;
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assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias; and
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investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:
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agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
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reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
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enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims; and
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.
Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.
A further description of our responsibilities is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.[ 5]
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Date 28 August 2025
Millet Accountants Ltd (Statutory Auditor) Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
Millet Accountants Ltd is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006 Beyond Aldgate Tower, 2 Leman Street, Aldgate, London E1 8FA
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Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Statement of Financial Actii'iti¢5 Resmied LMt711dii Lllre51rirtcd Flld5 2023 Res14Tied Ln4Tixdii Restrifled Funds 202J Rt$1471eJ Residied Year elldcd 30 November 2024 Note Ullrc5tiirted Funds 2024 Rc5tricted Fllnds 2024 FndS 2024 Total 2024 FndS 2023 Total 2023 Income and fd0ments frntD: Donations and legacies Cliariiablt actLI'iII¢s Othcr tsadiDg actiNities InTreslJ]Rnts 135.807 3.050 33.842 17.786 135,807 3,050 33.842 18.036 87.665 2.500 27.270 7.202 87.665 6,023 27.270 7.202 3,523 250 723.154 45.398 770,050 960,791 Total Intome 913.639 45.648 124.037 3,523 128,160 Expend]l OD: Raisillg fimds Chgsiiable acti3'itits 948 245.010 948 256,209 11.199 104.449 104,449 Tot9] eXpendire 245.958 11.199 257.157 104.449 104.449 Nel 5ntoJnellexpendlture) before 667.681 34.449 703.634 20.188 23.711 Net gaillsIOosses) investments 33.577 33,577 1,138 1,138 Net llltomelleipeDdlture) 701.258 34.449 737211 21.326 24.849 INel moiement In funds 701.258 34.449 737211 21.326 Rcrollci]iation orruDds.' Total Funds btougbt foThv8rd 990.601 28.905 1.019.5(KS 969.275 25382 994.657 Totsl funds Caled fonvgrd 1691.859 03.354 1.756,717 990.(rf>1 28.905 1,019.506
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Balance Sheet At 30 November 2024 Restated [TDxlldltÈd 30 01, 2023 30 Nov 2024 Notè Flxed Assets: Tallble assets Investwents Total Flxed Assels 864.000 354.827 1,218.827 714.(K)O io 215.425 929,42.S Cllri'ent Assets DebtOTS Cash at bank and in hand li 10.038 545.764 10.770 83.541 Total CuiTCUt Assets 555.802 94,311 Curi'enl Llabllltles Crethtors and ac(nu5 falling due within one year ct Cui-i'ellt A55CtS 12 17.912 537.890 4,230 90.081 Total Assets Less Cw'i'ent Llabllltles 1756,717 1.019 506 Net Assets 1.756.717 1.019..506 Funds of tbe rknai'ity.: Endowment Fullds 1,504 Restricted tncome Funds Unrestsicted Funds 63.354 1,691.859 28.905 990.601 Total rhaiity fullds 15 1,756,717 1.019,506 These fmancial statements were approved by the board of trnsiees and authorised for issue on and are Sied on behalf of the board by.. Session Cleik -4urN O?f TreuTer 12
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland At 30 November 2024 Statement of Cash flows
| Net income/(expenditure) per statement of Financial Activities Cash flows from operating activities Adjusted for Addition of fixed assets Addition of investments Disposal of fixed assets Interest received Dividends received Net gains on investments Decrease / (Increase) in Debtors Increase in Creditors Net cash provided by operations Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 30 November 2024 Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operating activities Net Cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from Investing activities Interest received Dividends received Net cash used in investing activities Cashflow for the period Change in Cash and Cash equivalents in reporting period Opening Cash and Cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Closing Cash and Cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period Represented by: Cash on Deposit Bank Current Accounts Closing cash and cash equivalents |
30 Nov 2024 737,211 (450,000) (105,825) 300,000 (7,431) (10,605) (33,577) 732 13,682 444,187 444,187 444,187 7,431 10,605 18,036 462,223 462,223 83,541 545,674 168,949 376,815 545,764 |
Restated Unaudited 30 Nov 2023 24,849 - - - (302) (6,900) (1,138) (10,770) 4,230 |
|---|---|---|
| 9,969 | ||
| 9,969 | ||
| 9,969 | ||
| 302 6,900 |
||
| 7,202 | ||
| 17,171 | ||
| 17,171 66,370 |
||
| 83,541 | ||
| 30,000 53,541 |
||
| 83,541 |
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Elgin Parish Church Of Scotland Year ended 30 November 2024
General Information
The charity is a public benefit entity registered in Scotland. The address of the registered office is Williamson Hall, Duff Avenue, Elgin IV30 1QS.
Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies, which have been applied consistently in the current and preceding year in dealing with items which are considered material to the accounts, are set out below.
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) effective from 1 January 2019 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional and presentation currency of the entity.
Change in accounting basis
The charity has transitioned from preparing its financial statements on a receipts and payments basis to a fully accruals basis, effective 1[st] December 2023.
On 1st December 2023 the former congregations of Elgin St Giles & St Columba’s South Church, and Birnie and Pluscarden Churches linked with Elgin High, were United to become Elgin Parish Church of Scotland.
This report and accounts represent the activities of Elgin Parish Church of Scotland for the year to 30th November 2024, with the comparative figures now restated for the United congregations. Following the Union, the comparative values relate to the former Elgin St Giles & St Columba’s South church only so direct comparisons are not relevant. Adjustments for the change in accruals basis have been completed as required by the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Acquisition accounting
The union of Elgin St Giles & St Columba’s South Church, Birnie and Pluscarden Churches and Elgin High, to become Elgin Parish Church of Scotland, has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with the provisions set out within section 19 of FRS 102. Assets have been measured at their fair value (there were no liabilities on union). See note 17 for further details.
Fund accounting
Funds are classified as either restricted funds or unrestricted funds, defined as follows.
Restricted funds are funds subject to specific requirements as to their use which may be declared by the donor or with their authority or created through legal processes, but still within the wider objects of the charity.
Endowment funds are funds which have been given on the condition that the original capital sum is not reduced, but the income there from is used for the purpose defined in accordance with the objects of the charity.
Unrestricted funds are expendable at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. If parts of the unrestricted funds are earmarked at the discretion of the trustees for a particular purpose, they are designated as a separate fund. This designation has an administrative purpose only and does not legally restrict the trustees’ discretion to apply the fund.
Going concern
The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the ability of the charity to continue for the foreseeable future, and therefore has adopted the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.
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.
Useful economic life of tangible assets
The annual depreciation charge for tangible assets are sensitive to changes in the estimated useful economic life and residual value of the assets. The useful economic life and residual value of the assets are assessed annually. They are amended when necessary to reflect current estimates, based on technological advancement, future investments, economic utilisation and the physical condition of the assets. See Accounting policies: Fixed Assets for the depreciation policy and see note 9 for the carrying amount of the assets.
Recognition of income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
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Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Year ended 30 November 2024
Donated services and facilities
Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by
the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102) the general volunteer time of congregation members is not recognised.
On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or
facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised as expenditure in the period of receipt.
Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.
Recognition and allocation of expenditure
Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay for expenditure.
Fixed Assets
The charity has the right to occupy and use for its charitable objectives certain tangible fixed assets, including Elgin St Giles’ Church, and the manse at 18 Reidhaven Street, Elgin, vested in the Church of Scotland General Trustees. No consideration is payable for the use of these assets. Expenditure incurred on the repair and maintenance of these assets is charged as resources expended in the statement of financial activities in the period in which the payment is made. Following the Union other assets were transferred to the new Elgin Parish Church of Scotland congregation including the following: Elgin High Church and Hall, the Elgin High Church Manse, Daisy Bank, 5 Forteath Avenue, Elgin, Birnie Church, Birnie Church Hall, Pluscarden Church, and Birnie & Pluscarden Church Manse. All surplus assets are to be disposed of when agreed with the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland and the Presbytery of the North East and Northern Isles.
All tangible fixed assets costing in excess of £5,000 having a value to the charity greater than one year, other than those acquired for specific purposes, are capitalised. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis to write off the cost original value, less residual value, of tangible fixed assets over their estimated useful lives:
Buildings No depreciation charged Fixtures & fittings 5 years straight line
Investments
Fixed asset investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date. Unrealised gains and losses represent the difference between the market value at the beginning and end of the financial year or, if purchased in the year, the difference between cost and market value at the end of the year. Realised gains and losses represent the difference between the proceeds on disposal and the market value at the start of the year or cost if purchased in the year.
Taxation
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland is recognised as a charity for the purposes of applicable taxation legislation and is therefore not subject to taxation on its charitable activities. The charity is not registered for VAT and resources expended therefore include irrecoverable input VAT.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held at The Royal Bank of Scotland, Virgin Money, Scottish Widows bank and on deposit with the Church of Scotland Investors Trust.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any discounts due.
Creditors
Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
15
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland
Notes forming part of the financial statements
| For the year ended 30 November 2024 1. Donations and Legacies Offerings Tax recovered on Gift Aid 2. Income from charitable activities Weddings and Funerals Church Organisations - Donations 3. Income from other trading activities Rent Received from Property Rent Received from Hall Lets 4. Investment Income Dividends received Deposit interest 5. Other Income Receipts from General Trustees Transfer of Union Balance (note 17) |
Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ 111,034 24,773 135,807 1,798 1,252 3,050 9,006 24,836 33,842 10,605 7,181 17,786 20,000 703,154 723,154 |
Restricted Funds 2024 £ - - - - - - - - - - 250 250 - 45,398 45,398 |
Endowment Funds 2024 £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,504 1,504 |
Total 2024 £ 111,034 24,773 135,807 1,798 1,252 3,050 9,006 24,836 33,842 10,605 7,431 18,036 20,000 750,056 770,056 |
Restated Unaudited Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 63,772 23,893 87,665 900 1,600 2,500 8,798 18,472 27,270 6,900 302 7,202 - - - |
Restated Unaudited Restricted Funds 2023 £ - - - - 3,523 3,523 - - - - - - - - - |
Restated Unaudited Endowment Funds 2023 £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Restated Unaudited Total 2023 £ 63,772 23,893 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87,665 | ||||||||
| 900 5,123 |
||||||||
| 6,023 | ||||||||
| 8,798 18,472 |
||||||||
| 27,270 | ||||||||
| 6,900 302 |
||||||||
| 7,202 | ||||||||
| - - |
||||||||
| - |
16
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland
Notes forming part of the financial statements
| For the year ended 30 November 2024 6. Analysis of Expenditure Raising Funds Offering Envelopes Charitable Activities Giving to Grow Allocation Presbytery Dues Voluntary Additional Stipend Minister’s Expenses Ministerial Assistance Pulpit Supply Other salary costs Fabric Repairs & Maintenance Council Tax Other Building Costs Church Office Expenses Organ & Music Other Expenses Auditors renumeration Total |
Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ 948 948 98,337 5,556 - 5,563 5,154 - 46,498 26,765 4,344 31,764 6,185 - 9,144 5,700 245,010 245,958 |
Restricted Funds 2024 £ - - - - - - - - - 3,261 - 6,477 - 366 1,095 - 11,199 11,199 |
Endowment Funds 2024 £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total 2024 £ 948 948 98,337 5,556 - 5,563 5,154 - 46,498 30,026 4,344 38,241 6,185 366 10,239 5,700 256,209 257,157 |
Restated Unaudited Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ - - 48,575 1,378 - 2,001 300 570 8,431 12,248 3,909 17,794 3,808 - 5,435 104,449 104,449 |
Restated Unaudited Restricted Funds 2023 £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Restated Unaudited Endowment Funds 2023 £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Restated Unaudited Total 2023 £ - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | ||||||||
| 48,575 1,378 - 2,001 300 570 8,431 12,248 3,909 17,794 3,808 - 5,435 |
||||||||
| 104,449 | ||||||||
| 104,449 |
Support costs have not been separately identified as the trustees consider there is only one charitable activity. Therefore support costs relate wholly to that activity and have not been separately identified.
17
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Notes forming part of the financial statements
| Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Notes forming part of the financial statements |
||
|---|---|---|
| for the year ended 30 November 2024 7. Staff costs and numbers Salaries and wages Total |
2024 £ 46,498 46,498 |
Restated Unaudited 2023 £ 8,431 |
| 8,431 |
The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year was as follows:
| Restated | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unaudited | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Number | Number | |
| Full time equivalent employees | 1.5 | 0.7 |
No employee had employee benefits in excess of £60,000 in 2023 or 2024.
All Church of Scotland congregations contribute to the National Stipend Fund which bears the costs of all ministers' stipends and employer's contributions for national insurance, pension and housing and loan fund. Ministers' stipends are paid in accordance with the national stipend scale, which is related to years of service. For the year under review the minimum stipend was £31,642 and the maximum stipend (in the fifth and subsequent years) £38,884.
8. Trustee Remuneration and Related Party Transactions
The Church’s insurance policy includes Trustee Indemnity Insurance for all its trustees.
During the year to 30 November 2024 expenses amounting to £4,090 were reimbursed for travel expenses to two members of the ministry team (2023: £1,562 - one member for travel expenses) and council tax costs of £3,696 were paid in respect of our congregational manse for one member (2023: £3,605 council tax costs – one member).
During the year to 30 November 2024 five trustees who are members of the Kirk Session received salaries for providing services for Ministerial support and Premises maintenance (2023: 2 trustees in respect of premises maintenance).
| Year to 30/11/24 3,394.25 1,237.00 7,031.40 1,520.00 6,600.00 19,782.65 |
Year to 30/11/23 2,618.75 800.50 - - - |
|
|---|---|---|
| Totals | ||
| 3419.25 |
No salary or expenses were paid to any other Trustee.
There were no other related party transactions.
18
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2024
9. Tangible Fixed Assets
| Cost At 1 December 2023 Additions Additions from Union Disposals At 30 November 2024 Accumulated Depreciation At 1 December 2023 Charge for year Eliminated on Disposals At 30 November 2024 Net Book Value At 30 November 2024 At 30 November 2023 |
Freehold Land & Buildings 718,398 - 450,000 (300,000) 868,398 4,398 - - 4,398 864,000 714,000 |
Fixtures & Fittings 234,318 - - 234,318 234,318 - - 234,318 - - |
Total 952,716 - 450,000 (300,000) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,102,716 | |||
| 238,716 - - |
|||
| 238,716 | |||
| 864,000 | |||
| 714,000 |
19
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland
Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2024
| 10. Investments Market value at 30 November 2023 Transfers at date of union market value Unrealised gain / (loss) on investments Market value at 30 November 2024 Investments at cost The following investments are held (Market Value): Growth Fund units – 22,084 units Growth Fund units – 18,697 units Income Fund Units – 8,499 units 11. Debtors Gift Aid Tax Refund Due Other (detail where material) 12. Creditors Creditors Accruals Social security and other taxes 13. Analysis of Net Assets Among Funds Fixed Assets Investments Current Assets Current Liabilities Net assets at 30 Nov 2024 Fixed Assets Investments Current Assets Current Liabilities Net assets at 30 Nov 2023 |
General £ 864,000 352,523 493,248 (17,912) 1,691,859 General £ 714,000 215,425 65,406 (4,230) 990,601 |
Designated £ - - - - |
2024 £ 215,425 105,825 33,577 354,827 210,965 141,338 119,660 93,829 354,827 2024 £ 6,325 3,714 10,038 2024 £ 5,555 11,172 1,185 17,912 Restricted £ - 2,304 61,050 - 63,354 Restricted £ - - 28,905 - 28,905 |
Restated Unaudited 2023 £ 214,287 - 1,138 215,425 167,856 124,995 0 90,429 215,425 Restated Unaudited 2023 £ 6,214 4,556 10,770 Restated Unaudited 2023 £ 1,793 2,123 313 4,230 Endowment £ - - 1,504 - 1,504 Endowment £ - - - - - |
Total £ 14,000 354,827 555,802 (17,912) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | 1,756,717 | |||||
| Designated £ - - - - |
Total £ 714,000 215,425 94,311 (4,230) |
|||||
| - | 1,019,506 |
20
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Notes forming part of the financial statements
for the year ended 30 November 2024
14. Volunteers
In common with all congregations of the Church of Scotland the congregation benefits from the contribution made by volunteers who give their time and talents willingly for the benefit of the Church. The areas of congregational life which rely on the contribution of volunteers are many and varied and much of the activity would be unable to continue were it not for the commitment shown.
| Restated | Restated | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15. | Movements in Funds | At 1 Dec | At 30 Nov | |||||||
| 2023 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2024 | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Endowment funds | ||||||||||
| Unrestricted funds | - | 1,504 | - | - | 1,504 | |||||
| - | 1,504 | - | - | 1,504 | ||||||
| Restricted funds | ||||||||||
| Birnie/Pluscarden Fabric | - | 5,879 | 5,879 | - | - | |||||
| Birnie/Pluscarden Organ | - | 2,721 | - | - | 2,721 | |||||
| Birnie/Pluscarden Fabric | - | 3,859 | 3,859 | - | - | |||||
| Birnie Graveyard Fund | - | 763 | - | - | 763 | |||||
| Sunday School – Capital | - | 8,490 | - | - | 8,490 | |||||
| Sunday School offerings | - | 232 | - | - | 232 | |||||
| Youth - Carital | - | 5,000 | - | - | 5,000 | |||||
| Youth Income | - | 788 | 707 | - | 81 | |||||
| Music & Praise | - | 4,220 | 366 | - | 3,854 | |||||
| Disabled Access facilities | - | 13,696 | - | - | 13,696 | |||||
| Lunch Club | 1,775 | - | (15) | - | 1,790 | |||||
| St Giles Theatre Group | 27,130 | - | 403 | 26,727 | ||||||
| 28,905 | 45,648 | 11,199 | - | 63,354 | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||||||||
| McArthur Bequest | - | 15,000 | - | - | 15,000 | |||||
| Harry Guines’s Estate | - | 12,821 | - | - | 12,821 | |||||
| C Anderson Legacy | - | 11,778 | - | - | 11,778 | |||||
| Bonthrone Fund | - | 10,000 | - | - | 10,000 | |||||
| General Funds | 990,601 | 848,018 | 245,958 | - | 1,642,260 | |||||
| 990,601 | 897,617 | 245,958 | - | 1,691,859 | ||||||
| Total funds | 1,019,506 | 944,769 | 257,157 | - | 1,756,717 | |||||
| Restated | Restated | |||||||||
| Unaudited | Unaudited | |||||||||
| At | 1 | Dec | At 30 | Nov | ||||||
| 2022 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2023 | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Restricted funds | ||||||||||
| Lunch Club | 1,466 | 9,969 | 9,660 | - | 1,775 | |||||
| St Giles Theatre Group | 23,916 | 46,046 | 42,832 | - | 27,130 | |||||
| 25,382 | 56,015 | 52,492 | - | 28,905 | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||||||||
| General Fund | 969,275 | 125,775 | 104,449 | - | 990,601 | |||||
| 969,275 | 125,775 | 104,449 | - | 990,601 | ||||||
| Total funds | 994,657 | 181,790 | 156,941 | - | 1,019,506 |
21
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Notes forming part of the financial statements
for the year ended 30 November 2024
Purposes of Endowment Funds
Income from the Endowment Fund is available for unrestricted purposes.
Purposes of Restricted Funds
Birnie/Pluscarden Fabric Birnie/Pluscarden Organ Birnie Churchyard Fund Sunday School – Capital Sunday School offerings Youth - Carital Youth Income Music & Praise
Disabled Access facilities Lunch Club St Giles Theatre Group
Costs associated with the Birnie/Pluscarden Properties
Costs associated with the Birnie/Pluscarden Organs
Costs associated with the Birnie Churchyard
To be used to provide income for appropriate purposes involving the Sunday School
To be used to support good causes as chosen by the Sunday School
To be used to provide income for appropriate purposes involving youth of the Church
To be used for appropriate purposes involving youth of the Church
To be used for new hymn books, aids to singing and organ maintenance This fund is for the costs associated with providing facilities for the disabled under the terms of current legislation.
To assist with the weekly Elgin Parish Church of Scotland lunch club.
Funds to facilitate the operation of the Youth Theatre group within the Congregation
16. Collections for Third Parties
| Collections for Third Parties Christian Aid Step by Step in Moray Laich of Moray Trust Bus Embrace the Middle East Elgin Street Pastors Eco Congregations Church of Scotland HIV Programme Mission for Fishermen Ekwendeni Moray School Bank Crossreach Moray Womans Aid PoppyScotland Blythswood Care Scottish Bible Society Moray Food Plus Shelter Box Stroke Awareness Andersons Care Home |
2024 £ 500 200 100 31 215 336 1,487 68 259 214 400 400 213 312 - - - - - 4,735 |
2023 £ 1,209 - 200 - - - 379 - 204 - - - 432 - 100 242 460 212 155 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,593 |
| 16. | Effect of change in accounting policy on financial statements | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||
| Christian Aid | 500 | 1,209 | ||
| Step by Step in Moray | 200 | - | ||
| Laich of Moray Trust Bus | 100 | 200 |
22
Elgin Parish Church of Scotland Notes forming part of the financial statements For the year end 30 November 2024
17. Acquisition note
Upon the union of the churches, the following assets were acquired, stated at their fair value.
| CoS Investors Trust. Investments received. Growth Fund Units CoS. Deposit Funds. (Ex Elgin High) CoS. Deposit Funds. (Ex Birnie) Elgin High Bank accounts (Virgin Money) Birnie & Pluscarden Bank Accounts (Virgin Money) Daisybank Manse Elgin High Church & Hall |
Book Value Fair Value £105,825 £105,825 £104,856 £104,856 £28,361 £28,361 £29,362 £29,362 £31,652 £31,652 £300,000 £300,000 £150,000 £150,000 £750,056 £750,056 |
|---|---|
18. Effect of change of accounting basis on financial statements
| 2023 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Before Restatement | After Restatement | |
| Income | £117,390 | £128,160 |
| Expenditure | £100,219 | £104,449 |
| Debtors | - | £10,770 |
| Creditors | - | £4,230 |
There were no other effects on the financial statements due to the change of accounting basis.
19. Off balance Sheet Arrangements
FUNDS HELD ON BEHALF OF THE CONGREGATION BY THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GENERAL TRUSTEES
| CAPITAL ACCOUNT Credit Balances held at 30 November at cost Market Value of Balances at 30 November REVENUE ACCOUNT Credit Balance at 30 November TEMPORARY ACCOUNT Credit Balance at 30 November |
2024 2023 £ £ 42,353 - 57,578 - 87,416 - - - |
|---|---|
Notes
1. The above funds were transferred to Elgin Parish Church of Scotland at the date of the Union. During the year to 30 November 2024 £20,000 was withdrawn from the Revenue account noted above.
23