Charity registration number SC016471 (Scotland)
HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Vestry's report | 1 - 7 |
| Independent examiner's report | 8 |
| Statement of financial activities | 9 |
| Balance sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 11 - 22 |
HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
VESTRY'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
The vestry present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 June 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 church'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
Introduction
The members of the Vestry (Charity Trustees) are pleased to present the annual accounts for Holy Trinity, Stirling, for the year ended 30 June 2025.
Holy Trinity is a congregation in the United Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane of the Scottish Episcopal Church (SEC). The Episcopal Church has a distinct voice within the Christian landscape of Scotland and within the Anglican Communion. Holy Trinity aims to be an inclusive and welcoming community in and for Stirling and to reflect this in our worship and Christian discipleship. Music plays an important part in our services as we seek to worship God through engaging the brain and all the senses.
This report and accounts present a brief overview of the general activities in the life of Holy Trinity and a financial summary for the past year.
Achievements and performance
Under the guidance and leadership of Rev'd Canon Christoph Wutscher, Rector of Holy Trinity, the church maintains regular services, bible studies and fellowship groups. As a Canon of the Diocese of St Andrews, the Rector is a member of the Cathedral Chapter and Bishop’s Advisory Council. Canon Wutscher has engaged in Tuition of ordinands and trainee Lay Readers with the Scottish Episcopal Institute (SEI) and at a "Study and Sing" day at the University of St Andrews. From his Study Sabbatical during the early part of the year, the Rector has used images, writing and music associated with Hildegard in the 2025 Lent Groups and plans to use some in services.
The pattern of three services in church each week and congregation numbers have been reviewed. The Rector shares lead of the services with Rev’ds Ian Boa and Val Nellist taking turn in doing so and with permanent Deacon Rev’d Rebekah Sims also contributing. The midweek service on Thursday mornings (to suit needs) and the main Sunday service at 10:30 am continued throughout the year. The early Sunday Service (8:30 am) continued to be held on the first Sunday of each month until October 2024 and resumed at Easter and monthly from then on for the remainder of 2025. At Christmas, in Holy Week, at Easter and on other mid-week Feast days, there are extra services to mark these occasions in appropriate ways. There have been various other additional services. In November at an All Souls Sung Eucharist service, names were read out in remembrance of loved ones who have died. At Advent and Epiphany, there were additional evening carol services. Candlemas evensong was celebrated with the congregations of St Mary’s, Dunblane, St Saviour’s, Bridge of Allan and St Modoc’s, Doune participating. Bishop Ian presided at the Ascension Day Eucharist in Holy Trinity at the end of May with congregations from the ten Dunblane Area Council churches. There have been several funeral services in Holy Trinity during the year for worshippers who have died and other requesting episcopal rite.
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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
VESTRY'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Congregational singing and music are part of the worship at the main services, with some pieces regularly led by a cantor or by a group. An instrumental group periodically leads the music and singing on a variety of instruments, instead of the organ, at some main services. The midweek and main Sunday services are followed by social time with refreshments available. This is popular on Sundays enabling people to connect with others.
On-line Worship Resources are provided for prayer and worship at home or elsewhere every Sunday, as well as for the additional Christmas, Easter and other seasonal services. The Sunday sermon, additional music from the Director of Music and Bible readings and intercessions from members of the Congregation are recorded. They are made available with a downloadable pew sheet on the Worship Resource page of the Holy Trinity website.
The Clergy Ministry Team met in March at The Bield at Blackruthven to consider the future strategy and pastoral matters. This was agreed as useful and productive. Housebound people are visited by lay people from the congregation, with home communions administered by the Rector, assistant clergy or lay pastoral visitors (reserved sacrament). This lay pastoral group has grown. Members are licensed by the diocese as required for this SEC ministry with licences renewable every three years.
Faith is shared in various ways including practical actions by the congregation. Contribution of items for Start-Up Stirling foodbank continued throughout the year, with baskets for regular contributions. Extra contributions of food items and toiletries items were given through a “Reverse Advent Calendar” during December. In Lent, donations at social time after the Sunday services were shared with Start-Up Stirling (£200) and there was also a special collection for the Bishop’s Lent Appeal (£250) to support USPG working with the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East to support the work of reconstruction and medical aid. In Christian Aid week, an on-line 'e-envelope' was set up and worshippers at Holy Trinity raised £1,830 rising to £2,000 with added Gift Aid.
Other Activities undertaken through the congregation include: -
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‘HT Tots’ during School term times for mums, dads and grandparents parenting small children to meet, share tales of ‘tears, tantrums and triumphs’ and words of wisdom whilst the children play. Volunteers from the congregation create a welcome, serving drinks and snacks.
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The Young Adults group has continued to run jointly with St Saviour’s Church, Bridge of Allan. The group, many students, most from overseas, meet and get to know each other in a varied programme of activities, including games, visits, prayer and meditation.
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The church was regularly opened outside service times for visitors and people seeking quiet space on Wednesdays and Saturdays from June to September 2024. In 2025, regular opening has been offered again in Holy Week before Easter and during the summer months. Whilst numbers coming in are small, all welcome the opportunity presented whatever their reason for doing so.
Meetings, study and fellowship groups have mainly been in-person although with some use of on-line "Zoom", either during the winter months or for convenience of small groups considering matters midweek. The groups have generally been well attended with stimulating discussions.
The church building, hall and grounds were reviewed with an external facilitator last year as Holy Trinity is working towards its 150th anniversary in 2028 and the SEC goal of Congregations attaining net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Following a presentation at the 2024 Annual Congregation Meeting, the congregation accepted the concepts outlined, agreeing that the Vestry and Flourishing Future group should develop an action plan for Holy Trinity’s. Progress has been slow. However, discussions are in hand with Architect Tod and Taylor towards developing a brief for taking this further and producing a programme and approximate estimates for possible developments.
The garden group looks after the flower beds created to attract bees, butterflies etc at the front of the church. Proposals for new trees, shrubs and other planting has been discussed with a landscape designer. A plan has been drawn up and appropriate permissions are to be sought. This is likely to involve some recurring additional costs for looking after elements that are beyond the volunteer resources available.
The church hall is used daily by various community clubs and societies and also for private functions. These help to bring well-being and other benefits to their participants. The work of ‘Stirling4Community’ to encourage community and reduce loneliness and isolation is particularly valued.
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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
VESTRY'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Holy Trinity has received a variety of gifts during the year. Volunteers have helped giving time to help with particular needs – cleaning and decorating the church, contributing to the worship in so many ways, compiling the church magazine, looking after the fabric, administering the use of the hall and opening the church for public access. Others have: -
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Contributed regular donations to the conservation repairs and the new hall floor;
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Given extra donations to help towards income;
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Organised Social Functions for Special Occasions and fund-raising.
More details of all aspects of Holy Trinity's life are to be found in the Report Booklet for the Annual Congregational Meeting and on the church website http://www.holytrinitystirling.org.
Buildings and Grounds
Architects Tod and Taylor of Edinburgh, who have Accreditation in the Conservation of Historic Buildings, are engaged by the Vestry to provide architectural advice and guidance. The property convenor manages and coordinates care of the church, hall and rectory buildings.
Regular maintenance of the "A" listed church building is a continuing requirement with expense commitment. The next Quinquennial Inspection (QI) is due and will identify features that need to be watched or require routine maintenance.
With the confirmation of various grants for essential conservation repairs to the church and competitive tenders, work started in September 2024 and continued into late summer of 2025. These primarily comprised removal of vegetation and roots from masonry and repointing, overhauling the cast iron guttering and downspouts, with renewal where necessary, and repainting. The storm in January 2025 blew off some slates. They were replaced by the sub-contractor for the guttering when on site, at an additional cost covered by insurance. Supplementary work was also carried out, at some extra cost, to replace eroded and damaged stonework, installing a manhole cover, repainting the fleche, painting the outside doors and repairing a leak on the south side aisle and restoring internal plaster. The total amount was met by the grants awarded and the funds raised by the congregation. Conditions of some grants required raising public awareness about looking after historic buildings and possible careers in the crafts needed. These were communicated through experience visits for school students, information on Holy Trinity’s notice board and website, displays within the church and progress bulletins.
The wooden hall floor, installed when the hall was built, had begun to splinter due to wear. Sanding prior to resealing had reduced the thickness and some areas were splintering. As it presented dangers for some users, various possibilities were considered. Use of sound flooring recovered from elsewhere was found to provide a sustainable solution. There has been some fund raising towards this. A grant was also offered and replacement work agreed for late summer 2025.
Annual clearance of gutters and other periodic maintenance are essential to keep the buildings in good condition and for public safety. The need for access plant to reach many parts of the building, both inside and out, makes some elements more costly. Some items in the electrical systems of both church and hall also require further attention.
The Rectory as a modern house is generally in good repair although with items regularly needing attention.
Some of the expenditure for routine maintenance and the items outlined above will have to be met from regular income, for which review of regular giving would help, by fund-raising efforts and events, specific donations etc. Grants may be available in some circumstances. If not, costs will be met from reserves. For major items such as the landscaping proposals and development of plans for our 150th Anniversary and net-zero measures, some grant funding may be available. This requires meticulous research and applications will need to be supported by Holy Trinity’s own fund raising.
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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
VESTRY'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Financial review
Holy Trinity’s finances for the year to 30 June 2025, have been much more complex than in recent years. The main reason for this has been the grants received and monies paid out for the conservation works on the church building. Overall Holy Trinity’s income this year was double that in 2023-2024 and expenditure two and a half times.
With total income of £253,458 above the top level for receipts and payments accounts, the form used in recent years, national accounting regulations require accounts to be expressed as accrued accounts.
Holy Trinity's unrestricted Income for 2024-2025 was 6½ percent higher than in 2023-2024. Income is mostly derived from giving and donations. Most of Congregational Giving comes through Standing Orders with only small amounts coming by Planned Giving Envelopes and from open offerings by cash or debit card. The amount raised in this way in 2024-2025 was down from the previous year although Gift Aid Tax Recovered was about the same. Hall Donations and Donations for Baptisms, Wedding and Funerals were about the same. The rent paid by Stirling Council for the car park continues to augment this income.
Unrestricted Expenditure was around £5,000 more than income and also lower than in 2023-2024. Some donations have been given for specific items which are included as unrestricted expenditure (eg church flowers) and have been included as part of unrestricted income. Variations in income and expenditure from month to month are closely monitored and highlighted in finance reports to Vestry meetings and additionally when necessary.
The majority of the restricted income has come from the grants and specific contributions received for the conservation work and renewal of the hall floor. Similarly, the restricted expenditure has been almost entirely on the conservation work and hall floor. Both are much higher than in 2023-2024 but expected to reduce substantially next year, although there will be some residual grant income and payments. As Holy Trinity church is a listed building it has been possible to recover the VAT payments through the national Listed Places of Worship Scheme.
Holy Trinity occasionally benefits from legacies with one received this year. Where legacies have no specific purpose attaching, it is the Vestry's general aim to use them for specific objectives such as building improvements and new furnishings, in preference to use for general day to day expenditure.
All charges are asked to draw up budgets for the year ahead, and take account of mission and building plans for the forthcoming five-year period in preparing financial plans. The budget takes account of anticipated changes to income and costs to provide the Vestry with guidance for action and plans.
Reserves policy
Holy Trinity's reserves are made up of unrestricted and restricted funds. Unrestricted funds can be spent on any relevant activity; restricted funds can only be spent on a defined activity (e.g. renovation work, organ restoration). The reserve is primarily held in National Savings Bonds with the balance in Current and Savings Bank Accounts. The funds from Legacies have been moved into the Fabric Savings Account.
The Vestry's policy is to maintain the unrestricted reserves at a level that will support the current level of activities for a reasonable period until replacement funding is obtained. Excluding the legacies received in previous years, the unrestricted reserve of Savings Bonds and Current Account balance at the end of the year is sufficient to meet about seven months expenditure at this year's level. Cover for six months of normal expenditure is recommended.
Investment policy
Monies not needed to fund day to day expenditure have been invested in National Savings Bonds. Whilst the interest on the Bonds was at a minimal level these provided a safe haven, but no significant income, and they do not provide for growth in line with inflation or more. During the past year, Bank Interest Rates have started to drop reversing the increases of early 2023. Holy Trinity, as a charity, is no longer able to invest in National Savings because of its rule changes. There are other possible investments such as SEC Unit Trusts which might be considered but these would have to be made at an optimum time for best value and return.
Structure, governance and management
Holy Trinity is an unincorporated association, governed by a constitution last amended in 2003 . As a member congregation of the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane in the Scottish Episcopal Church, it is also governed by Canon Law of the Scottish Episcopal Church. The management team of the Church is known as the Vestry. For the purposes of charities law, the members of the Vestry are the Charity Trustees of the church. Details of the vestry members are given below.
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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
VESTRY'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
| Registered Charity No: | SC016471 |
|---|---|
| Registered Contact Address: | 28 Glamis Gardens, Dalgety Bay, KY11 9TD |
| Principal Address: | Holy Trinity Church, Albert Place, Stirling FK8 2QL |
| Website: www.holytrinitystirling.org | |
| Vestry Members: | Rev'd Canon C Wutscher, Rector - Chairperson |
| (Charity Trustees) | Mrs R Campbell, Secretary |
| Mr R Nellist, Treasurer | |
| Mrs C Johnston, also elected as Lay Representative | |
| Rev’d I Boa | |
| Mrs H Gray | |
| Mrs M Kenyon | |
| Ms A Lees | |
| Mr N Morris | |
| Mr R Piper | |
| Mrs A Pittock | |
| Rev’d R Sims | |
| Mr A Tyler | |
| Bankers: | Bank of Scotland |
| Dunblane Branch | |
| Dunblane | |
| PO Box 1000 | |
| BX2 1LB | |
| Independent Examiner: | Fiona Haro CA |
| Thomson Cooper | |
| 3 Castle Court | |
| Carnegie Campus | |
| Dunfermline | |
| KY11 8PB |
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
Apart from the Rector, ordinary Vestry members are elected by the Congregation in annual meeting. Vestry members, except for the Secretary and Treasurer, usually serve for a term of 3 years and after a break of one year may serve for another term. The Rector is appointed by the Vestry and the Bishop of the Diocese.
New vestry members are given an outline of their roles and responsibilities. The Vestry Secretary regularly updates members of the vestry on relevant changes in legislation and best practice relating to charities. Each person is asked annually to confirm their eligibility to act as a “charity trustee” for the purposes of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and to sign this declaration.
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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
VESTRY'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Statement of Vestry's Responsibilities
The vestry are responsible for preparing the Vestry's Report and the 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 vestry to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the church and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the church for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the vestry are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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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 operation.
The vestry are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the church and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the church and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Vestry reviews the Constitution periodically to confirm that it continues to be applicable. A review by the Vestry in January 2025 did not recommend consideration of any changes as needed.
The Vestry normally schedules six meetings in the year. It regularly considers the risks faced by Holy Trinity and ensures that appropriate risk management procedures are in place to mitigate those risks. In 2024-25 it met on five occasions, in January by using "Zoom" to save travelling during inclement weather. A steering group consisting of the Rector, Secretary, Treasurer, Lay Representative and Property Convenor has also met at various times to discuss finances and other issues. The Vestry members have been informed of steering group discussions.
Under recent legislation, organisations having controlling interest in any land are required to record this in the national property register. As the Vestry has day to day responsibility for the church grounds and rectory, registration in compliance is recorded with the names of the Vestry Secretary and Treasurer. The £600 fee for Holy Trinity was advanced from diocesan funds, requiring repaying. This was contributed by specific donations and remitted after the end of June. Whilst it is no doubt justified where large land holdings are involved, it represents a non-productive overhead detracting from main objectives of this or any registered charity.
Relationship with Diocese and Province
The Diocese and the Province support Holy Trinity through the pastoral oversight of the Bishop, and the Diocesan and Provincial support functions provided. Holy Trinity is represented by the Rector and the Lay Representative at the Diocesan Synod and in other Diocesan matters. Additionally the Rector and some members of Holy Trinity congregation serve on Diocesan or Provincial Committees, and in other roles. Member churches of the SEC commit to supporting the costs of the Diocese and the Province through an annual ‘quota’ payment. This is set by Diocesan Synod and for several years has been 16% of net income (after certain allowances) for each Church in the Diocese. Synod was recommended by the Diocesan Administration Board to raise this to 18% over five years, with an extra ½ per cent applying from 2026.
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 Holy Trinity as a centre of worship and a focus for the community.
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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
VESTRY'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
The vestry's report was approved by the Vestry.
On behalf of the Trustees
..............................
Mr R Nellist Vestry Treasurer
27-03-26 Date: .............................................
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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE VESTRY OF HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
I report on the financial statements of the church for the year ended 30 June 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 22.
Respective responsibilities of vestry and examiner
The church's vestry 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 church vestry 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.
Fiona Haro CA Thomson Cooper 3 Castle Court Carnegie Campus Dunfermline KY11 8PB 27-03-26
Date: ............................
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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Notes £ £ Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 2 63,001 142,437 Charitable activities 3 35,060 - Other trading activities 4 2,835 1,399 Investments 5 2,133 808 Other income 6 5,765 20 Total income 108,794 144,664 Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 320 350 Charitable activities 8 105,663 169,035 Total expenditure 105,983 169,385 Net income/(expenditure) 2,811 (24,721) Transfers between funds (5,584) 5,584 Net movement in funds (2,773) (19,137) Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 July 2024 234,163 58,990 Fund balances at 30 June 2025 231,390 39,853 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 205,438 69,293 11,209 35,060 37,050 - 4,234 2,333 630 2,941 2,222 780 5,785 - - 253,458 110,898 12,619 670 347 - 274,698 110,603 7,132 275,368 110,950 7,132 (21,910) (52) 5,487 - - - (21,910) (52) 5,487 293,153 234,215 53,503 271,243 234,163 58,990 |
Total 2024 £ 80,502 37,050 2,963 3,002 - |
|---|---|---|
| 123,517 | ||
| 347 117,735 |
||
| 118,082 | ||
| 5,435 - |
||
| 5,435 287,718 |
||
| 293,153 |
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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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 JUNE 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fixed assets | ||||||
| Tangible assets | 13 | 156,520 | 156,520 | |||
| Current assets | ||||||
| Debtors | 14 | 2,123 | 3,369 | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 116,509 | 134,024 | ||||
| 118,632 | 137,393 | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | 15 | |||||
| one year | (3,909) | (760) | ||||
| Net current assets | 114,723 | 136,633 | ||||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 271,243 | 293,153 | ||||
| The funds of the church | ||||||
| Restricted income funds | 19 | 39,853 | 58,990 | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 20 | 231,390 | 234,163 | |||
| 271,243 | 293,153 |
27-03-26
The financial statements were approved by the vestry on .........................
On behalf of the Trustees
.............................. Mr R Nellist Vestry Treasurer
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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is a church located at Albert Place, Stirling FK8 2RG with the address of one of the Charity Trustees (The Treasurer) stated in the OSCR record for contact purposes.
1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the church'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 church is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The church 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 church. 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 vestry have a reasonable expectation that the church has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the next 12 months. Thus the vestry 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 vestry 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.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the church 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 church 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 church 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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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 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 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Computers 20% straightline
Freehold land and assets in the course of construction are not depreciated.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
The church, hall and rectory are not shown in the statement of balances. The Trustees believe that it is not possible to place a market value on the church and hall. The valuation of the church building for insurance purposes by the Ecclesiastical Insurance Surveyor in November 2017 was £12.47 million and the separate hall £412,097, and the building and contents cover at renewal in August 2024 were £20.95 million for the church and £3.33 million for the hall.
1.7 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the church reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
1.8 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.
1.9 Financial instruments
The church 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 church's balance sheet when the church 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.
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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
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.
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 church’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.10 Employee benefits
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the church is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
1.11 Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ Donations and gifts 61,487 15,277 Legacies 1,000 - Grants 514 127,160 63,001 142,437 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 76,764 63,109 9,523 1,000 - - 127,674 6,184 1,686 205,438 69,293 11,209 |
Total 2024 £ 72,632 - 7,870 |
|---|---|---|
| 80,502 |
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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
3 Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ Sale of goods 1,319 - Charitable rental income 33,741 - 35,060 - Income from other trading activities Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ Fundraising events 2,835 1,399 Income from investments Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ Interest receivable 2,133 808 Other income Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ Insurance payouts and compensation 5,765 - Key deposits - 20 5,765 20 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 1,319 601 - 33,741 36,449 - 35,060 37,050 - Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 4,234 2,333 630 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 2,941 2,222 780 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 5,765 - - 20 - - 5,785 - - |
Total 2024 £ 601 36,449 |
|---|---|---|
| 37,050 | ||
| Total 2024 £ 2,963 |
||
| Total 2024 £ 3,002 |
||
| Total 2024 £ - - |
||
| - |
4 Income from other trading activities
5 Income from investments
6 Other income
- 14 -
HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
7 Expenditure on raising funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | funds | |||
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fundraising and publicity | ||||||
| Staging fundraising | ||||||
| events | 320 | 350 | 670 | 347 | - | 347 |
8 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Direct costs Staff costs Locum fees Travel and reimbursed expenses Worship related costs Groups and congregation expenses Music, licenses, piano and organ tuning expenses Quota Sundry HT magazine Church running costs Hall running costs Council tax and rectory costs Church and Hall buildings major repairs and renewals Share of support and governance costs (see note 9) Governance Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
2025 £ 42,733 548 955 2,451 273 9,437 14,632 1,401 135 17,514 11,094 4,386 168,100 273,659 1,039 274,698 105,663 169,035 274,698 |
2024 £ 40,138 139 871 2,947 525 10,116 15,029 1,823 - 17,150 12,120 3,671 13,193 |
|---|---|---|
| 117,722 13 |
||
| 117,735 | ||
| 110,603 7,132 |
||
| 117,735 |
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HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
9 Support costs allocated to activities
| Governance costs comprise: Audit fees Administrative expenses |
2025 £ 1,020 19 1,039 |
2024 £ - 13 |
|---|---|---|
| 13 |
10 Vestry
None of the vestry (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the church during the year, although out of pocket expenses for purchases etc on behalf of the church are reimbursed. In 2025, 7 (2024: 10) trustees were reimbursed a total of £5,018 (2024: £5,237) for general expenditure such as travel, repairs and stationery.
The Rector receives the Scottish Episcopal Church standard stiped and pension contributions in accordance with SEC approved stipendiary amounts for the posts. As is customary, the Rector occupies the Rectory on a rent-free basis, with the council tax required also paid by Holy Trinity.
11 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| 1 | 1 | |
| Employment costs | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 33,648 | 29,900 |
| Other pension costs | 9,085 | 10,238 |
| 42,733 | 40,138 |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
12 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
- 16 -
HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
13 Tangible fixed assets
| Freehold land and buildings Computers £ £ Cost At 1 July 2024 156,520 300 At 30 June 2025 156,520 300 Depreciation and impairment At 1 July 2024 - 300 At 30 June 2025 - 300 Carrying amount At 30 June 2025 156,520 - At 30 June 2024 156,520 - |
Total £ 156,820 |
|---|---|
| 156,820 | |
| 300 | |
| 300 | |
| 156,520 | |
| 156,520 |
The Rectory was purchased in July 2004 for £182,000. The Diocese retains a share amounting to approximately 14% of the purchase price. It has been occupied by the Rector from September 2016. The building insurance rebuild value for the Rectory in July 2024 was £429,061. The vestry considered the value at 30 June 2025 is not materially different to the cost.
14 Debtors
| Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2025 £ 1,648 475 2,123 |
2024 £ 3,369 - |
|---|---|---|
| 3,369 |
15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| 15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
||
|---|---|---|
| Notes Deferred income 16 Trade creditors Accruals 16 Deferred income Other deferred income |
2025 £ 2,247 642 1,020 3,909 2025 £ 2,247 |
2024 £ - 760 - |
| 760 | ||
| 2024 £ - |
- 17 -
HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
| 16 Deferred income Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows: Deferred income is included within: Current liabilities Movements in the year: Deferred income at 1 July 2024 Resources deferred in the year Deferred income at 30 June 2025 17 Retirement benefit schemes Defined contribution schemes Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes |
(Continued) | (Continued) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 £ 2,247 - 2,247 2,247 2025 £ 9,085 |
2024 £ - |
|
| - - |
||
| - | ||
| 2024 £ 10,238 |
The Scottish Episcopal Church National Body operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the church in an independently administered fund.
| 18 Special collections on behalf of others Start-up Stirling Bishop’s Lent Appeal Advent Shelter Scotland Church Music in Scotland and Royal School of Church Music |
2025 £ 192 246 - - 438 |
2024 £ 293 250 154 240 |
|---|---|---|
| 937 |
Social Time donations in Advent and Lent were shared with "Start-Up Stirling". Special Collections were made during Lent for the Bishop’s Lent Appeal.
In 2024 additional collections were made during Advent for Shelter Scotland. A Retiring Collection was taken on Music Sunday, 9 June and shared between the newly formed Church Music Scotland and the Royal School of Church Music.
The Vestry agreed that when Special Collections produced “odd” amounts, contributions should be raised to “round totals”. Any funds collected were fully paid in the same year.
- 18 -
HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
19 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
| At 1 July 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers At £ £ £ £ Collection for registration fee - 613 (600) (13) Diocese of St Andrews - 2,800 - - Sabbatical expenses 87 - - (87) Diocese - Recovery 1,686 - - - Organ Renovation 25,715 808 - - Church Conservation Repairs 25,979 132,955 (153,550) - Hall Projects 626 7,143 (15,035) 7,266 Flourishing Future - 325 - - New Furnishing 884 - - - Church Development 2,291 - (200) - Key Deposits 140 20 - - Maintenance Payments and Job Retention 1,572 - - (1,572) New Hall Boiler 10 - - (10) 58,990 144,664 (169,385) 5,584 Previous year: At 1 July 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers At £ £ £ £ Sabbatical expenses - 88 - - Diocese - Recovery - 1,686 - - Organ Renovation 24,685 1,030 - - Church Conservation Repairs 24,180 8,499 (6,700) - Hall Projects 625 - - - New Furnishing - 1,316 (432) - Church Development 2,291 - - - Key Deposits 140 - - - Maintenance Payments and Job Retention 1,572 - - - New Hall Boiler 10 - - - 53,503 12,619 (7,132) - |
30 June 2025 £ - 2,800 - 1,686 26,523 5,384 - 325 884 2,091 160 - - 39,853 30 June 2024 £ 88 1,686 25,715 25,979 625 884 2,291 140 1,572 10 58,990 |
|---|---|
- 19 -
HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
19 Restricted funds
(Continued)
Collection for Registration Fee - a collection to fund the property registration fee.
Diocese of St Andrews - funding to support stipend.
Sabbatical expenses - funding to support sabbatical expenditure.
Diocese - Recovery - funding to support Sacristy roof and interior repair following lead theft in 2022-23.
Organ Renovation - funding to support organ renovations.
Church Conservation Repairs - funding to support conservation repairs.
Hall Projects - funding to support hall projects.
- Flourishing Future funding to support garden alterations and church building development including improvements to the heating. Some of the funds for the garden have been applied to recent small changes in the garden layout and tree surgery.
New Furnishing - funding to cover costs of new furnishings.
Church Development - funding to support church development.
Key deposits - funding for hall key deposits.
Maintenance Payments and Job Retention - funding for church maintenance and the verger's wages.
New Hall Boiler - funding for the hall's new kitchen boiler.
20 Unrestricted funds
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 July 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers At £ £ £ £ Music and Organ (214) 53 - 162 Flower Fund 12 16 - - Buildings expenditure 529 - - (529) Rectory 156,520 - (3,130) - General funds 77,316 108,725 (102,853) (5,217) 234,163 108,794 (105,983) (5,584) |
30 June 2025 £ - 28 - 153,390 77,972 231,390 |
|---|---|
- 20 -
HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
| 20 | Unrestricted funds | (Continued) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Previous year: | At 1 July 2023 | Incoming | Resources | Transfers | At 30 June | |
| resources | expended | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Music & Organ | (214) | - | - | - | (214) | |
| Flower Fund | 110 | 4 | (101) | - | 12 | |
| Buildings Expenditure | 529 | - | - | - | 529 | |
| Rectory | 156,520 | - | - | - | 156,520 | |
| General funds | 77,271 | 110,894 | (110,849) | - | 77,316 | |
| 234,215 | 110,898 | (110,950) | - | 234,163 |
Music and Organ - funds designated for the regular expenditure on music and the church's organ.
Flower Fund - funds designated for the purchase of flowers.
Buildings expenditure - funds designated for expenditure on the church building.
Rectory - the Rectory was purchased in July 2004 for £182,000 and the Diocese retains a share amounting to approximately 14% of the purchase price.
21 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ At 30 June 2025: Tangible assets 156,520 - Current assets/(liabilities) 74,870 39,853 231,390 39,853 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 £ £ At 30 June 2024: Tangible assets 156,520 - Current assets/(liabilities) 77,643 58,990 234,163 58,990 |
Total 2025 £ 156,520 114,723 |
|---|---|
| 271,243 | |
| Total 2024 £ 156,520 136,633 |
|
| 293,153 |
22 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
- 21 -
HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
23 Prior period adjustment
Changes to the balance sheet
| At 30 June 2024 As previously reported Adjustment As £ £ Fixed assets Tangible assets - 156,520 Capital funds Income funds Restricted funds 60,147 (1,157) Unrestricted funds 76,486 157,677 Total equity 136,633 156,520 Changes to the profit and loss account Period ended 30 June 2024 As previously reported Adjustment As £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 99,005 (18,503) Charitable activities 19,484 17,566 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 118,672 (937) Net movement in funds 5,435 - |
restated £ 156,520 |
|---|---|
| 58,990 234,163 |
|
| 293,153 | |
| restated £ 80,502 37,050 |
|
| 117,735 | |
| 5,435 |
During the year, it was established that the prior year interest had been misstated, and was therefore affecting the restricted fund balance. This has been adjusted and the balance is now correct in both 2024 and 2025.
Further, it was established that collections on behalf of other organisations should be presented in the balance sheet. These have been fully paid in the year they were received.
To better represent the charity's assets a portion of the rectory price was brought into the 2024 and 2025 accounts.
Finally a portion of prior year income was reallocated between notes to provide a more accurate analysis.
- 22 -