## **The Church of Scotland** 

## **Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland** 


## **Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** 

**For the year ended 31 December 2025** 

**Congregation No: 281683** 

**Scottish Charity Number: SC016829** 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements - Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

|**CONTENTS**||
|---|---|
||**Pages**|
|**Trustees’ Report**|**3 - 12**|
|**Report of the Independent Examiner**<br>|**13**|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**||
|**(Incorporating Income and Expenditure Account)**<br>|**14**|
|**Balance Sheet**<br>|**15**|
|**Accounting Policies**<br>|**16 - 17**|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**<br>|**18 - 26**|
|**Appendix**<br>|**27**|



2 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

## **Trustees’ Annual Report** 

The Trustees present the annual report and financial statements of Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland for the year ended 31 December 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies as detailed on pages 16 and 17 and comply with the General Assembly Regulations for Congregational Finance, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective from 1 January 2019”. 

## **Objectives and Activities** 

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. 

Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland (“the Church”) is a parish church.  It is the amalgam of four former Church of Scotland congregations (Bridgend Church, Middle Church, West Church and Wilson Church).  The pastoral work of the congregation is carried out by the Pastoral Care team with support from the members of the Kirk Session and wider congregation. 

The Church utilises three buildings; during this year, all our buildings were vested to the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland 

- Church Sanctuary – used for worship and other pastoral services, including weddings, funerals and occasional concerts, exhibitions and talks 

- Church Halls – a suite of hall accommodation which is used for midweek worship, meetings, Church organisational activities and hire to the wider external community 

- The Manse – the home of the Minister and her family. 

As of 31 December 2025, the congregational roll of full communicant members totalled 338 (2024 – 331). There are a further 25 people involved in the life of the congregation who are not members as such. 

During the year ended 31 December 2025 there were 4 funerals and 1 wedding conducted at St. Matthew’s Church. 

## **Faith and Worship** 

Worship is a primary function of the congregation. Regular services take place each Sunday at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary, with additional services at Christmas and Easter. In 2025 services were also held on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and on Maundy Thursday. Services have continued to be live streamed on Zoom and available on “YouTube”. 

The congregation has enjoyed and been challenged by the worship leadership of Rev Fiona Bullock.  When she was absent due to holidays, etc., services were conducted by members who were retired ministers, or led by the elders. The Sacrament of Holy Communion was celebrated on 3 occasions throughout the year during the Sunday service in the sanctuary, and also on Maundy Thursday. 

3 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

## **Trustees’ Annual Report (continued)** 

## **Objectives and Activities (continued)** 

## **Faith and Worship (continued)** 

During our Sunday worship we honoured Sanctuary Sunday, Perthshire Pride and Disability Awareness Sunday and we held a Guild Dedication service. In March we were joined by members of the John Buchan Society, commemorating the 150[th] anniversary of the author’s birth.  A Service of Remembrance was held on Sunday 9 November 2025, which was attended by the uniformed organisations affiliated to St Matthew’s Church. Services of ordination and admission of new Elders took place on 5[th] October and 30[th] November, with three new members also admitted at the latter. 

Worship also takes place in a more informal way. In April 2025 there were Lent meditations each morning of Holy Week and in December 2025 there was a week-long series of Advent meditations held in the sanctuary, each led by members or friends of the congregation. The Church was also open each day providing a quiet space at a busy time. There is now also a permanent prayer table in the sanctuary, and a prayer space was available in the Session Room during the Church of Scotland’s National Day of Prayer on November 29[th] . 

We create space for people to explore faith. ‘Faith Natters’ is a regular discussion group, which meets without agenda or programme to discuss matters of faith and life.  It is a vibrant group, which includes members who join through Zoom from beyond Scotland. Membership classes were held in November. For several months, the Minister hosted a prayer space and drop-in sessions for those who wanted to meet with her. 

## **Pastoral and Communication** 

There is a Pastoral Care team, whose members keep in touch with those hospitalised or in care homes. The Pastoral Care team plays a major and important role in keeping in touch with the bereaved, housebound and others in need of pastoral care, organising the delivery of the sanctuary flowers each week. 

The Magazine Editor compiled a Church Newsletter of which around 250 were distributed monthly during 2025 as a way of communicating with church members and friends.  Church Family News is shared each week during the Sunday service, and information about upcoming events is also shared on Facebook and on our website. 

## **Church Organisations** 

In addition to worship and pastoral care, the Church supports a number of activities by which members and friends of St Matthew’s Church are given an opportunity to serve and meet socially, within and outwith our buildings: 

- _The Guild_ – our Guild is part of the Church of Scotland Guild, one of Scotland’s largest voluntary organisations; meeting fortnightly from September to May, it aims to fulfil the objectives of invitation, encouragement, commitment and fellowship which lead to providing opportunities for continuing growth in Christian faith.  The Guild lives out these objectives through project work, exploration of discussion topics and a wide variety of meetings and other times of fellowship. 

- _Boys Breakfast Blether_ – once a month there is an open invitation to all men to meet for fellowship and breakfast in the pub/restaurant next door. 

- _Flower Ministry_ –the sanctuary is decorated each week with flowers, donated by church members; after the service, in conjunction with the Pastoral Care team, the flowers are distributed to members of the congregation. Volunteers, led by our Flower Convener, also took responsibility for the decoration of the Church at Christmas, Easter and other special services during 2025. 

4 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

## **Trustees’ Annual Report (continued)** 

## **Objectives and Activities (continued) Church Organisations (continued)** 

- _Sunday Coffee_ – operating on a rota basis, volunteers organise the serving of coffee, tea, juice and biscuits to the congregation in the sanctuary after morning services. As a Fair-Trade Church, St Matthew’s is committed to serving fairly traded tea and coffee. 

- _Catering Team –_ this team provides tea, coffee and biscuits when required to some regular users of the sanctuary and at concerts and events and thus undertakes a ministry of hospitality. 

- _Fellowship Team –_ in 2025 this group organised social and fellowship events including the annual Burns Supper, an outing to Pitlochry Theatre, and a congregational lunch. 

- _Scottish Country Dance Club_ – this group meets on Wednesday evenings from September to April in the main hall and is open to all. 

- _Badminton Club_ – this group meets on Thursday evenings from September to April in the main hall and is open to all. 

- _Walking Group_ – this group meets monthly for healthy exercise and fellowship. 

- _Warm Spaces_ –Warm Spaces is part of a city-wide initiative with financial support from Perth and Kinross Council, aimed at providing fellowship and activities, particularly for people who look for a warm space when heating their own home becomes difficult. Following the success of the previous year, we once again hosted “Warm Spaces” on a Wednesday and Friday afternoon throughout January, February and March and welcomed 440 people into our “Warm Space”. There were games afternoons with carpet bowls, musical events and a variety of very interesting and informative talks on a diverse range of subjects. 

- _Uniformed Organisations_ – during the week various uniformed organisations associated with the church meet. These are 22nd Perthshire Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, 20th Perth Guides, Brownies and Rainbows and Riverside Explorer Scout Unit. Approximately 150 young people are involved in these organisations using St Matthew’s halls throughout the week. They also took part in our Remembrance Sunday service and took part in the annual Founders and Thinking Day service. 

## **Contribution to Mission** 

The church is part of the wider Church of Scotland and is therefore a part of the wider mission of the national Church. 

At a local level, members support the work of Christian Aid and other development agencies; St. Matthew’s Church is a member of Perth Action of Churches Together (PACT) and hosted its annual Carol service in 2025.   In 2025, we welcomed some asylum seekers into our fellowship, and some members participated in counter protests outside a local hotel housing asylum-seekers, where anti-immigration demonstrations were taking place. Through our presence at the Perthshire Pride Festival and our annual Pride service, we are reaching out to the LGBTQI+ community, ensuring that they know St Matthew’s is a safe space. Members are involved with various charities as well as supporting Perth & Kinross Foodbank, Christian Aid, Starter Packs, CrossReach, Blythswood Care and Perth Street Pastors. 

The retiral offerings at Communion and any special offerings at Christmas and other times are sent to relevant charities and details of these are shown at note 13 to the financial statements. 

5 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

## **Trustees’ Annual Report (continued)** 

## **Objectives and Activities (continued)** 

## **Future Mission – Perth City Mission Plan** 

The Presbytery Mission Plan for the city of Perth states: 

_St Matthew’s Church to take on Pastoral responsibility for Parish of St John’s Kirk of Perth. To work closely with Perth North Church and St John’s Kirk of Perth to minister to the needs of the city centre. For restricted status to be moved to unrestricted._ 

_St Matthew’s is located near to St John’s Kirk of Perth. St Matthew’s’ parish is to be extended to take on more responsibility for the city centre. Parish boundaries are to be adjusted accordingly. St Matthew’s, St John’s and Perth North Church to work collaboratively to develop a city centre mission._ 

_St Matthew’s has benefitted from a major internal refurbishment that has great potential for outreach to the city centre of Perth._ 

During 2025, discussions with fellow city centre churches, which had begun in 2024, were put on hold for a time this year due to a potential change in the Perth Presbytery Mission Plan.  However, having reverted to the original plan (as above) we look forward to resuming these discussions and moving forward to a City Centre Mission Plan with our fellow churches.  We have also been looking at ways in which the churches can work together as we take on pastoral responsibility for the parish of St John’s Kirk, and work has begun on drawing up a Memorandum of Understanding about the way forward. 

## **Wider Use of Our Buildings** 

The church provides a “home” for several wider church groups and local organisations that meet regularly within the building. Most are not related to our immediate parish but our location within the city and the quality of our facilities are attractive to them. The halls were fully refurbished a number of years ago as was the sanctuary in 2016. 

St Matthew’s has become “home” to the Presbytery of Perth’s regular meetings as it is a central location, with good AV facilities. Spill the Beans, a group which develops worship resources, still occasionally uses our central Scotland position, The Rock Choir meets twice weekly and Perth Choral Society also enjoys St Matthew’s as its rehearsal venue. Perth U3A, Perth Gaelic Society and RVS meet monthly in St Matthew’s and Royal Scottish Country Dance Society meet weekly, and weekly Yoga sessions are also held. There are a number of others who meet regularly. 

St Matthew’s is developing a reputation as a cultural centre within Perth. The flexibility of the sanctuary and its fine acoustics attract competitions and performances. In 2025, our facilities were used by Perform in Perth, and there were a number of concerts by, among others, our own organist Michael Ellacott, Tayside Big Band and the Bohemians. 

The sanctuary was kept open by volunteers on a rota basis in June, July and August, providing a welcome to locals and visitors alike. During the summer months, we successfully held a number of musical evenings, much enjoyed by all.    St. Matthew’s also took part in the annual Doors Open Day event in September. 

Our Facilities and Outreach Manager not only supported the various events but organised other events to ensure that the church opens its doors to a wide range of people. In 2025 Perth and Kinross Council used our church as a base for performers during the Christmas lights switch- on.    Tay Street, on which St Matthew’s is located, is often used for parades and the church has the opportunity to be part of these events. 

6 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

## **Trustees’ Annual Report (continued)** 

## **Objectives and Activities (continued) Wider Use of Our Buildings (continued)** 

The letting of the halls and sanctuary provide a useful source of finance, as well as giving us the opportunity of reaching out to the wider local community. It is also important to recognise the contribution of everyone whose work for the Church enables it to function. Beyond the work of the Minister whose contributions are already noted in this report, valuable contributions come from those who receive salaries (Facilities and Outreach Manager, caretaker and organist) and the army of other office bearers, members and volunteers who undertake a wide miscellany of work in the life of the Church.  The voluntary contribution to the work is immense but not readily quantifiable in a financial sense. 

## **Buildings** 

Physical building repair works to the exterior of the church and halls commenced in the autumn of 2024 and continued through until Easter 2025. Some remedial work was also required to roofs, walls and steeple. Trustees are very grateful to General Trustees for grant support totalling £170,000 and a loan of £30,000. At the year-end, the loan balance was £30,000 although a partial repayment of £10,000 was approved by Kirk Session & was repaid to General Trustees on 5[th] January 2026. Consequently, the outstanding loan balance carried forward is £20,000. 

The Trustees were required to consider the impact of the Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land (RCI). This publicly searchable register is managed on behalf of Scottish ministers by Registers of Scotland and holds the names of the persons holding the controlled interest. The Register applies to Church of Scotland properties. However, following agreement between the General Assembly and the Registrar, where titles are held vested in the General Trustees there is no need to list individuals on the Register since they are part of the legal body – the General Trustees. However, where titles are vested locally, separate registration is required with the public register naming those holding principal posts as Minister, Session Clerk & Treasurer. Whenever any change in postholder arises across these roles, updates to the Register are required, incurring time & cost. After due consideration the Kirk Session agreed unanimously to seek a transfer of the titles of the church, halls & manse to the General Trustees. This vesting process was completed during 2025. It has no impact on the way our buildings are managed. 

## **Achievements and Performance** 

In addition to the many uses and activities in our halls and sanctuary mentioned previously, the flat attached to the church premises continued to be used as a holiday let and allowed the ongoing work of the church to continue in 2025. It is intended that any surplus from this source be used for mission work. 

## **Financial Review** 

Results for the year ended 31 December 2025 are given in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 14. The assets and liabilities are given in the Balance Sheet on page 15. 

The trustees regard the position of the charity as of 31 December 2025 to be satisfactory, although are aware of ever-increasing financial burdens which continue to prove challenging. In this regard, it is planned to undertake a wide-ranging review of all our various income streams, including how best to utilise our facilities to ensure they are minimally operating from a ‘cost neutral’ standpoint, in the immediate short term. The proposed review aims to make premises accessible to many users, offer welcoming facilities, and benefit the church overall. 

7 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

## **Trustees’ Annual Report (continued)** 

## **Financial Review (continued)** 

In summary, total income amounted to £386,591 (2024 - £198,880), total expenditure (excluding transfer of manse of £366,636) amounted to £395,455 (2024 – £206,678) resulting in a deficit for the year of £8,864 (2024 – deficit £7,798). 

Income from direct offerings and donations, including tax recovered by way of ‘Gift Aid’ and ‘Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme’ amounted to £96,865 for the year (2024: £99,267).  Hall & Sanctuary hire income was £29,137 (2024: £27,231) which is pleasing, however rising costs continue to present challenges for all. 

Fund-raising & events income increased by 7% to £17,599, while other incomes from the likes of café sales linked to various events & wedding and funerals both decreased year-on-year.  Income generated from the use of the church flat as a holiday let decreased to £22,537 (2024: £25,625). While any decreased income is disappointing, letting of the flat continues to provide a useful income stream which helps to contribute to the wider charitable work of St. Matthew’s Church. 

In analysing the underlying financial position of the charity it is necessary to look individually at the activity for the year, split between restricted and unrestricted funds.  Unrestricted funds reflect the financial intromissions stemming from core day to day activity, whereas restricted funds tend to reflect the outcome of transactions and funds which have specific, donor related conditions attached. 

Charitable expenditure for 2025 is shown at note 4 on page 20.  The major items of expenditure include the assessed ‘Giving to Grow’ contributions which are paid to the parent body of the Church of Scotland, staffing costs, together with a major building maintenance project, undertaken with assistance of grant funding received from General Trustees of the Church of Scotland. 

The trustees continue to review the overall cost position on an ongoing basis with a view to identifying appropriate cost control and cost saving measures in the year ahead. This is obviously difficult due to the ongoing situation in which everyone finds themselves with the current cost of living crisis. 

At the end of the financial year, the charity held funds of £44,987 (2024 - £420,487) which included restricted funds totalling £31,808 (2024 - £32,530).  The remaining unrestricted funds amounted to £13,179 (2024 - £387,957).  The significant change in the unrestricted funds balance is due to the vesting of the church manse with General Trustees of the Church of Scotland, as already explained on page 7 of these accounts, under the heading ‘Buildings’. 

## **Risk Management** 

The trustees have overall responsibility for systems of procedure and control over the activities of the charity. Such systems can only provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against errors and fraud.  Within this framework the trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed. Trustees are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to major risks. 

## **Reserves Policy** 

Details of the reserves of the charity at 31 December 2025 are set out at note 12 of the financial statements. Within unrestricted funds, the general fund balance at the end of the year was (£4,679), a reduction on the previous year balance of £14,643. It is the aim of the trustees to take appropriate action in the short term, with a view to firstly addressing this position & thereafter to build up reserves equivalent to approximately six months’ expenditure. The Kirk Session is continuing to consider steps to ensure that our regular income is increased to ensure that necessary expenditure which is required on buildings of the size, age and nature 

8 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

## **Trustees’ Annual Report (continued)** 

## **Reserves Policy (continued)** 

of the church and halls contained therein can be met and continue to be confident in moving forward to the next stage in the congregation’s development. 

## **Structure, Governance and Management** 

The Church is a registered charity number SC016829 and is administered in accordance with the terms of the Deed of Constitution (Unitary Form) and is subject to the Acts and Regulations of the General Assembly of The Church of Scotland. 

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. The minister, who is a member of the Kirk Session, is elected by the congregation and inducted by Presbytery. 

The Kirk Session is responsible for the spiritual and temporal affairs within the Church which latter include most notably finance and fabric. The Kirk Session meets in ordinary course on five occasions in the year and on as many other occasions as may be necessary to fulfil its responsibilities.  In 2025 the Kirk Session met on twelve occasions.   Most of our  trustees have attended the mandatory Trustee Safeguarding Course, with only a few remaining, waiting for the opportunity to do so. 

The Kirk Session is chaired by the Minister. The Session Clerk is responsible for all administrative aspects of the operation of the Kirk Session. 

Elders and other interested members of the congregation participate in various ministry teams such as Safeguarding, Pastoral Care and Stewardship and Finance (including Fabric). Elders also take their full part in the Presbytery of Perth with two currently serving. 

Work on the formation of Teams was continued during 2025. When complete the plan is that the Kirk Session will meet about four times a year with the Kirk Session being able to delegate tasks and an appropriate level of decision taking to a smaller body, the Kirk Session Executive as well as a number of teams. This we hope will encourage more people throughout the church to get involved with the day-to-day activities of the church as well as planning and development. The teams are Faith and Worship, Care, Mission and Outreach, Fellowship, Communication, Facilities Management, Finance and Administration and Property Maintenance. 

The congregation meets in general meeting on at least one occasion during the year to transact the business of its Stated Annual Meeting, which took place on Sunday 5[th] October 2025 (postponed from June 2025 due to pastoral issues.)    Additional general meetings of the congregation are convened as and when necessary to attend to urgent, unplanned business. There were no such meetings in 2025. 

Other than the trustee changes noted below there were no other changes in the structure of the charity during the year or up to the date of this report.  We record with gratitude the faithful and dedicated service of John Dewar who retired at the end of 2024 after ten years as our Treasurer (and who acted as Treasurer till his replacement was found.)  We also record thanks to Raymond Young for his time serving as our Session Clerk. 

9 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

## **Trustees’ Annual Report (continued)** 

## **Reference and Administrative Information** 

**Charity Name:** Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland **Charity Registration Number:** SC016829 **Congregation Reference Number:** 281683 **Contact Address:** St Matthew’s Church Tay Street Perth PH1 5LQ **Principal Office – Bearers** Minister: Rev Fiona C Bullock MA LLB BD Session Clerk: Raymond Young CBE BArch (retired 31 May 2025) Marjorie Clark (appointed 01 June 2025) Church Treasurer: John Dewar CA (Acting Treasurer) until 17 Craig Robson (appointed 18 September 2025) 

## **Trustees** 

The following is a list of those who served as trustees during the year ended 31 December 2025 and up to and including the date of approval of these financial statements: 

|**Kirk Session**|||
|---|---|---|
|Rev. Fiona Bullock|Moira Adam|Ann Attridge|
|Kenneth Bell|Fiona Bruce|Wendy Burnett|
|Alastair Byers|Carolyn Byers|Margaret Chalmers|
|Marjorie Clark|Mark Crichton|John Dewar|
|Christine Dobbs|Christopher Dobbs|Eric Duff|
|Michael Ellacott|Hamish Gray|Rhona Henderson|
|Nicola Macnee|Janet Martin|Dinah McAleese|
|Evelyn McLaren|Tom Morrison|John Paton|
|Margaret Robertson|William Robertson|Craig Robson|
|David Roderick|Isobel Sinclair|<br>Donald Stewart|
|Joyce Thom|Malcolm Thom|Andrew Turnbull|
|Raymond Young|||



The Kirk Session, following the advice of the General Assembly, has reviewed its membership and created a list of elders who are no longer trustees of the charity either because they wished to step back from trustee responsibility or have not attended meetings of the Kirk Session for a period of time. These elders can return to the Kirk Session and to trusteeship in the future. 

10 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

## **Trustees’ Annual Report (continued)** 

## **Reference and Administrative Information (continued) Kirk Session (continued)** 

The following trustee changes took place during the year and up to the date of this report:- 

Kenneth Bell resigned with effect from 20 February 2025. Margaret and William Robertson were removed as active elders with effect from 20 February 2025. 

Margaret Chalmers was ordained & admitted on 05 October 2025 Christine Dobbs was ordained & admitted on 30 November 2025 Christopher Dobbs was ordained & admitted on 30 November 2025 Eric Duff was admitted on 05 October 2025 Michael Ellacott was ordained & admitted on 05 October 2025 John Paton was ordained & admitted on 05 October 2025 Craig Robson was admitted on 30 November 2025 David Roderick was admitted on 05 October 2025 Malcom Thom was ordained & admitted on 05 October 2025 

## **Independent Examiner** 

Suzanne Kerr FCCA TC Group 4 Albert Place Perth PH2 8JE 

## **Bankers** 

Royal Bank of Scotland 12 Dunkeld Road Perth PH1 5RB 

11 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

## **Trustees’ Annual Report (continued)** 

## **Reference and Administrative Information (continued)** 

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: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the method and principles in the applicable Charities SORP; 

- make judgements and estimates which are reasonable and prudent; 

- state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operational existence. 

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, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the Deed of Constitution.  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. 

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf. 


## **Marjorie Clark Session Clerk** 

## **28 April 2026** 

12 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland** 

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are set out on pages 14 to 26. 

This report is made to the trustees, as a body, in accordance with the terms of my engagement. My work has been undertaken to enable me to report my opinion set our below and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the trustees, as a body, for my work or this report. 

## **Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Independent Examiner** 

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). 

The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation (10)(1) (a) to (c) of the 2006 Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the financial statements as required under section (44)(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement** 

My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Charities Accounts Regulations An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements. 

## **Independent Examiner’s Statement** 

In the course of my examination no matter has come to my attention: 

1. 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 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations and to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met, or 

2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. 


**Suzanne Kerr FCCA TC Group 4 Albert Place Perth PH2 8JE** 

**28 April 2026** 

13 



## **Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland** 

## **Statement of Financial Activities** 

|**Year Ended 31 December 2025**<br>**Note**<br>**Income and Endowments from:**<br>Donations and Legacies<br>1<br>Charitable Activities<br>2<br>Investments<br>3<br>**Total Income**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Raising Funds<br>Charitable Activities<br>4<br>Loss on disposal of tangible assets<br>**Total Expenditure**<br>**Net Income/(Expenditure)**<br>Transfers between Funds<br>**Net Movement in Funds**<br>**Reconciliation of Funds:**<br>**Total Funds brought forward**<br>**Total Funds carried forward**<br>12|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2025**<br>£<br>310,409<br>75,963<br>-<br> 386,372<br>-<br>394,514<br>366,636<br> 761,150<br>(374,778)<br>- <br>(374,778)<br>387,957<br>13,179|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2025**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>219<br>219<br>-<br>941<br>-<br> 941<br>(722)<br> -<br>(722)<br>32,530<br>31,808|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2025**<br>£<br>310,409<br>75,963<br>219<br>386,591<br>-<br>395,455<br>366,636<br> 762,091<br>(375,500)<br>-<br>(375,500)<br>420,487<br>44,987|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>£<br>116,902<br>78,608<br>-<br>195,510<br>-<br>203,470<br>203,470<br>(7,960)<br>10,000<br>2,040<br>385,917<br>387,957|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>£<br>3,000<br>-<br> 370<br> 3,370<br>-<br>3,208<br>3,208<br>162<br>(10,000)<br>(9,838)<br>42,368<br>32,530|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>£<br>119,902<br>78,608<br> 370<br>198,880<br>-<br>206,678<br>206,678<br>(7,798)<br> -<br>(7,798)<br>428,285<br>420,487|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|



14 



## **Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland** 

## **Balance Sheet At 31 December 2025** 

|**Note**<br>**Fixed Assets**<br>Tangible fixed assets<br>7<br>**Total Fixed Assets**<br>**Current Assets**<br>Stocks<br>Debtors<br>8<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**Total Current Assets**<br>**Liabilities**<br>Creditors falling due within<br>one year<br>9<br>Church of Scotland General<br>Trustees Loan<br>**Net Current Assets**<br>**Net Assets**<br>**The Funds of the Charity**<br>**Unrestricted Funds**<br>General Funds<br>12<br>Designated Funds<br>12<br>**Restricted Funds**<br>12<br>**Total Funds**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br> <br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>10,666<br>91,698<br>102,364<br>(27,377)<br>(30,000)<br> (57,377)<br>44,987<br>44,987<br>(4,679)<br>17,858<br>13,179<br>31,808<br>44,987|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>367,033<br>-|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>367,033|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||-<br>-||367,033<br>-|367,033|
||-<br>-<br>10,666<br>-<br>59,890<br>31,808||-<br>-<br>10,976<br>-<br>47,398<br>32,530|-<br>10,976<br>79,928|
||70,556<br>31,808||58,374<br>32,530|90,904|
||(27,377)<br>-<br>(30,000)<br>-||(7,450)<br>-<br>(30,000)<br>-|(7,450)<br>(30,000)|
||(57,377)<br>-||(37,450)<br>-|(37,450)|
||13,179<br>31,808||20,924<br>32,530|53,454|
||13,179<br>31,808||387,957<br>32,530|420,487|
|||||14,643<br>373,314|
|||||387,957<br>32,530|
|||||420,487|



These financial statements were approved by the Kirk Session on 28 April 2026 and signed on their behalf by: 




**Marjorie Clark Session Clerk** 

**Craig Robson Treasurer** 

15 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

## **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 financial statements, 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, 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 currency of the charity.  Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. 

## **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. 

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. 

## **Recognition of Income** 

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the items of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. 

Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. 

Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following confirmation when the administrator/executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and the settlement date. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title to the asset having been transferred to the charity. 

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. 

The general volunteer time of congregation members is not quantifiable and therefore not recognised in the accounts. 

16 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Year Ended 31 December 2025** 

## **Accounting Policies (continued)** 

## **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** 

All tangible fixed assets costing in excess of £1,000 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 or initial value, less residual value, of tangible fixed assets over their estimated useful lives: 

Fixtures, fittings and equipment – 5 years 

## **Taxation** 

Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland is a registered and recognised 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. 

## **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. 

## **Critical accounting estimates and judgements** 

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the  trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. 

## **Critical  judgements** 

## **Accruals** 

Accruals are applied at the year end based upon financial costs received post year end and the experience of the trustees. 

17 



## **Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland** 

## **Notes forming part of the Financial Statements** 

|**For the year ended 31 December 2025**<br>**1.**<br>**Donations and Legacies**<br>Offerings – Gift Aid<br>Offerings – Open Plate and General<br>Donations<br>Tax recovered on Gift Aid<br>Legacy<br>Church of Scotland Grant<br>Warm Spaces Grant<br>Listed Places of Worship Scheme<br>The Baird Trust Grant<br>Contributions from Organisations -<br>Explorers, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers<br>Guides, Brownies and Rainbows<br>The Guild Subscriptions and<br>Collections<br>Scottish Country Dance Club<br>Subscriptions<br>Badminton Club Subscriptions &<br>Collections<br>Flower Fund Donations|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2025**<br>£<br>62,825<br>16,231<br>17,809<br> <br>-<br>170,500<br>2,000<br>30,328<br>-<br>3,205<br>1,505<br>1,725<br>2,309<br>772<br>1,200<br>310,409|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2025**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2025**<br>£<br>62,825<br>16,231<br>17,809<br>-<br>170,500<br>2,000<br>30,328<br>-<br>3,205<br>1,505<br>1,725<br>2,309<br>772<br>1,200<br>310,409|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>£<br>62,693<br>19,112<br>17,462<br>500<br>4,518<br>2,000<br>-<br>3,734<br>1,400<br>852<br>2,517<br>914<br>1,200<br>116,902|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br> <br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>3,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>3,000|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>£<br>62,693<br>19,112<br>17,462<br>500<br>4,518<br>2,000<br>-<br>3,000<br>3,734<br>1,400<br>852<br>2,517<br>914<br>1,200|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||119,902|



18 



## **Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland** 

## **Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued)** 

|**For the year ended 31 December 2025**<br>**2.**<br>**Income from Charitable Activities**<br>Hall Hire and Use of Premises<br>Flat Rental<br>Café Sales<br>Weddings and Funerals<br>Fund Raising Events<br>Pulpit Supply and Expenses<br>Sale of Sundry Items<br>**3.**<br>**Investment Income**<br>Bank Interest|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2025**<br>£<br>29,137<br>22,537<br>4,685<br>2,005<br>17,599<br>-<br>-<br> 75,963<br>-<br>-|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2025**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>219<br>219|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2025**<br>£<br>29,137<br>22,537<br>4,685<br>2,005<br>17,599<br>-<br>-<br> 75,963<br>219<br>219|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>£<br>27,231<br>25,625<br>5,396<br>3,750<br>16,391<br>215<br>-<br> 78,608<br>-<br>-|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br> 370<br> 370|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>£<br>27,231<br>25,625<br>5,396<br>3,750<br>16,391<br>215<br>-|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||78,608|
|||||||370|
|||||||370|



19 



## **Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland** 

## **Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued)** 

|**For the year ended 31 December 2025**<br>**4. Analysis of Expenditure**<br>**Charitable Activities**<br>Giving To Grow Allocation<br>Presbytery Dues<br>Minister’s and Locums’ Expenses<br>Pulpit Supply<br>Salaries:<br>Organists<br>Hall Keepers<br>Facilities and Outreach Manager<br>AV Operator<br>Staff Pension Costs<br>Church Office Expenses<br>Repairs, Equipment and Cleaning<br>Heat and Light<br>Council Tax and Rates<br>Insurance<br>Letting Expenses<br>Café Expenses<br>Depreciation on Fixed Assets<br>Organisation Expenses<br>Charitable Donations<br>Independent Examiner<br>Professional Fees<br>Benevolence<br>Other Expenses|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2025**<br>£<br>64,661<br>2,666<br>1,266<br>300<br>4,699<br>14,742<br>31,468<br>-<br>1,012<br>3,213<br>200,759<br>22,684<br>5,994<br>9,853<br>4,022<br>1,235<br>397<br>2,743<br>500<br>1,488<br>15,326<br>-<br> 5,486<br>394,514|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2025**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>941<br>-<br>941|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2025**<br>£<br>64,661<br>2,666<br>1,266<br>300<br>4,699<br>14,742<br>31,468<br>-<br>1,012<br>3,213<br>200,759<br>22,684<br>5,994<br>9,853<br>4,022<br>1,235<br>397<br>2,743<br>500<br>1,488<br>15,326<br>941<br> 5,486<br>395,455|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>£<br>66,814<br>2,434<br>1,285<br>400<br>4,584<br>15,641<br>30,701<br>540<br>1,071<br>3,127<br>13,037<br>21,978<br>5,622<br>8,789<br>7,052<br>1,084<br>479<br>2,577<br>230<br>996<br>9,168<br>-<br> 5,861<br>203,470|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>3,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>208<br>-<br>3,208|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>£<br>66,814<br>2,434<br>1,285<br>400<br>4,584<br>15,641<br>30,701<br>540<br>1,071<br>3,127<br>16,037<br>21,978<br>5,622<br>8,789<br>7,052<br>1,084<br>479<br>2,577<br>230<br>996<br>9,168<br>208<br> 5,861<br>206,678|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|



20 



## **Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland** 

## **Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025** 

## **4.     Analysis of Expenditure (continued)** 

Charitable donations are as under:The Guild – Guild Project                                              500 The Guild – RSPB - 500 

|**5.**<br>**Staff costs and numbers**<br>Salaries<br>Social Security Costs<br>Pension Costs|**2025**<br>**£**<br>50,909<br>-<br>1,012<br>51,921|**2024**<br>**£**<br>51,466<br>-<br>1,071|
|---|---|---|
|||52,537|



The average number of employees during the year was as follows: 

|Ministerial Staff<br>Administrative Staff<br>Music Staff<br>Premises and Maintenance Staff|**2025**<br>**Number**<br>-<br>1<br>1<br>2<br>4|**2024**<br>**Number**<br>-<br>1<br>1<br>2|
|---|---|---|
|||4|



No employee had employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2024: nil). 

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 £32,433 (2024 - £31,642) and the maximum stipend (in the fifth and subsequent years of service) £39,856 (2024 - £38,884). 

## **6. Trustee Remuneration and Related Party Transactions** 

During the year no trustees received any remuneration or reimbursement of expenses. 

During the year a total of £33,815 (2024: £30,890) was donated to the congregation by trustees. 

21 



## **Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland** 

## **Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025** 

## **7. Tangible Fixed Assets** 

|**ngible Fixed Assets**||||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Cost or Valuation**<br>On 1 January 2025<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>On 31 December 2025<br>**Accumulated Depreciation**<br>On 1 January 2025<br>Charge for year<br>Eliminated on Disposals<br>On 31 December 2025<br>**Net Book Value**<br>On 31 December 2025<br>On 31 December 2024|**Property**<br>£<br>366,636<br>-<br>366,636<br> -<br>-<br>-<br> -<br>-<br>-<br>366,636|**Fixtures,**<br>**Fittings &**<br>**Equipment**<br>£<br>68,952<br>-<br>-<br>68,952<br>68,555<br>397<br> -<br> 68,952<br>-<br>397|**Total**<br>£<br>435,588<br>-<br>366.636|
||||68,952|
||||68,555<br>397<br> -|
||||68,952|
||||-|
||||367,033|



The church and halls at Tay Street, Perth are vested with the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland. No valuation is available. 

During the year, the manse at 12 Craigieknowes Avenue, Perth which was purchased during 2020 at a cost including expenses of £366,636 was similarly vested with General Trustees. 

22 



## **Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland** 

## **Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025** 

## **8. Debtors** 

|Gift Aid Tax Refund Due<br>Debtors<br>**9.**<br>**Creditors**<br>Sundry<br>Creditors<br>Accruals||**2025**<br>**£**<br>7,833<br>2,833<br>10,666<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>27,108<br>269<br>27,377|**2024**<br>**£**<br>6,797<br>4,179|
|---|---|---|---|
||||10,976|
||||**2024**<br>**£**<br>6,538<br>912<br>7,450|



## **Analysis of Net Assets Among 10. Funds** 

|Fixed Assets<br>Current<br>Assets<br>Current<br>Liabilities<br>Net Assets at<br>31 Dec 2025<br>Fixed Assets<br>Current<br>Assets<br>Current<br>Liabilities<br>Net Assets at<br>31 Dec 2024|**General**<br>**£**<br>-<br>52,429<br>(57,108)<br> (4,679)<br>**General**<br>**£**<br>397<br>50,780<br>(36,534)<br>14,643|**Designated**<br>**£**<br>-<br>18,127<br>(269)<br>17,858<br>**Designated**<br>**£**<br>366,636<br>7,594<br>(916)<br> 373,314|**Restricted**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>31,808<br> -<br> 31,808<br>**Restricted**<br>**£**<br>-<br>32,530<br> -<br> 32,530|**Total**<br>**£**<br>-<br>102,364<br>(57,377)|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||44,987|
|||||Total<br>£<br>367,033<br>90,904<br>(37,450)|
|||||420,487|



23 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland** 

## **Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025** 

## **11. Volunteers** 

In common with all congregations of the Church of Scotland the congregation benefits from the contributions 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. 

## **Movements in** 

## **12. Funds** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>General<br>**Designated**<br>**Funds**<br>Building<br>Fabric<br>Community<br>Flat<br>Flower<br>Garden<br>The Guild<br>Scottish<br>Country<br>Dance<br>Badminton<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>Benevolence<br>**Total Funds**|**At 1**<br>**January**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>14,643<br>366,636<br>-<br> <br>-<br>2,416<br>225<br>-<br>745<br>3,187<br>105<br> 373,314<br> 387,957<br>32,530<br>420,487|**Income**<br>**£**<br>357,829<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>22,537<br>1,200<br>-<br>1,725<br>2,309<br>772<br>28,543<br> 386,372<br>219<br>386,591|**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br> (379,151) <br>(366,636)<br>-<br>-<br>(12,120)<br>(1,285)<br>-<br>(1,029)<br>(929)<br> - <br> (381,999)<br> (761,150)<br>(941)<br> (762,091)|**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>2,000|**At 31 Dec**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br> (4,679)|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(500)<br>(1,500)<br> -<br> (2,000)<br>-|<br>-<br>-<br>-<br> <br>12,833<br>140<br>-<br>941<br>3,067<br>877|
||||||17,858|
||||||13,179|
|||||-|31,808|
|||||-|44,987|



24 



## **Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland** 

## **Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025** 

## **12. Movements in Funds (continued)** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br> General<br>**Designated**<br>**Funds**<br>Building<br>Fabric<br>Community<br>Flat<br>Flower<br>Garden<br>The Guild<br>Scottish<br>Country<br>Dance<br>Badminton<br>Traidcraft<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>Benevolence<br>**Total Funds**|**At 1 January**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>7,836<br>366,636<br>117<br> <br>1,238<br>3,716<br>195<br>81<br>908<br>3,092<br>91<br>2,007<br>378,081<br> 385,917<br>42,368<br>428,285|**Income**<br>**£**<br>117,534<br>-<br>11,228<br>35,640<br>25,625<br>1,200<br>-<br>852<br>2,517<br>914<br>-<br>77,976<br>195,510<br>3,370<br>198,880|**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>(140,372)<br>-<br>(23,182)<br>(23,144)<br>(13,925)<br>(1,170)<br>(40)<br>(715)<br>(922)<br>-<br>-<br>(63,098)<br> (203,470)<br>(3,208)<br> (206,678)|**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>29,645<br>-<br>11,837<br>(13,734)<br>(13,000)<br>-<br>(41)<br>(300)<br>(1,500)<br>(900)<br>(2,007)<br>(19,645)<br>10,000<br>(10,000)<br>-|**At 31 Dec**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>14,643<br>366,636<br>-<br>-<br>2,416<br>225<br>-<br>745<br>3,187<br>105<br> -<br>373,314<br> 387,957<br>32,530<br>420,487|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



## **Purposes of Funds** 

## **Restricted Funds** 

_Benevolence Fund_ – this fund is under the control of the Kirk Session with the purpose of making payments of a benevolent nature, at the discretion of the Minister and Benevolence committee, to people in need within the congregation. 

## **Unrestricted Funds – Designated Funds** 

_Building Fund –_ this fund was created by the trustees when the manse was incorporated into the 2007 financial statements. During 2025, the manse was vested to the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland & consequently the fund is now closed. 

_Fabric Fund_ – Kirk Session made the decision to close the Fabric Fund and incorporate it into the General Fund at the end of 2024. It is shown here for prior year comparative purpose only. 

25 



## **Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland** 

## **Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025** 

## **12.  Movements in Funds (continued)** 

## **Purposes of Funds (continued)** 

## **Unrestricted Funds – Designated Funds (continued)** 

_Community Fund_ – Kirk Session made the decision to close the Community Fund and incorporate it into the General Fund at the end of 2024.  It is shown here for prior year comparative purpose only. 

_Flat Fund_ – this fund has been created by the trustees from the letting of the church flat attached to the building, with the intention for surplus funds to being utilised for charitable purposes & external mission. 

_Flower Fund_ – this fund receives monetary bequests & donations from members of the congregation & others.  Funds are utilised to provide flower arrangements for Sunday worship & other special services.  Flowers are thereafter gifted & distributed to various recipients for their benefit. 

_Garden Fund_ – Kirk Session made the decision to close the Fabric Fund and incorporate it into the General Fund at the end of 2024. It is shown here for prior year comparative purpose only. 

_All Other Designated Funds_ – the activities of each of these active groups in the life of the Church are described in detail in the Trustees’ Report.  Each group operates under the Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland Charity reference and as such the outcome of their financial activities is amalgamated into the full church financial statements.  Each group appoints an appropriate individual to record the financial transactions, with all groups operating separate bank accounts. 

|**13.**<br>**Collections for Third Parties**<br>During the year special offerings were<br>uplifted and made online for the following<br>charities:<br>Poppy Scotland<br>Christian Aid<br>Christian Aid Gaza Appeal<br>Perth & Kinross Foodbank<br>Churches Action for the Homeless|**2025**<br>**£**<br>332<br>387<br>60<br>-<br>369<br>1,148|**2024**<br>**£**<br>119<br>340<br>404<br>230<br>-|
|---|---|---|
|||1,093|



26 



**Perth: St Matthew’s Church of Scotland For the year ended 31 December 2025** 

## **APPENDIX** 

## **FUNDS HELD ON BEHALF OF THE CONGREGATION BY THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GENERAL TRUSTEES** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
2025  2024<br>TEMPORARY ACCOUNT £  £<br>Debit Balance at 31 December  (710)  -<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Notes 

1. The debit balance shown relates to fees incurred through the vesting of the Manse to the General Trustees.  The balance represents costs of a legal report & registration dues thereon. 

27