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2025-12-31-accounts

TAY RINGING GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2026

Location: The Inchture Hotel, Main Street, Inchture, Perth

Date: Sunday 22[nd] March 2026

Time: 14:00

AGENDA DETAILS

I. INTRODUCTIONS

a. Attendance

b. Apologies

c. Minutes from the 2025 AGM

II. REPORTS

b. Secretary’s Report

c. Treasurer's Report

III. BUSINESS

IV. CONCLUSION

a. Any other competent business

TAY RINGING GROUP – BUIDHEANN EÒIN-FHÀINNEACHAIDH NA TATHA

Promoting Conservation Through Ringing

Scottish Charity No.SC017091

TAY RINGING GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2026

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

I. INTRODUCTIONS

Attendance

In person : Steve Moyes (Chair), Anthony Wetherhill (Minutes), Mike Martin, Eilidh McNab, Rachel Steenson, Adam Fell, Derek Robertson, Anne Cotton, Mike Nicoll, Jackie Glencross, George Dunbar, Megan Mcgunnigle, Shirley Millar, Joyce Moyes, Bill Saunders, Ben Swallow, Jeroen Minderman, Will Brown, Laura Briggs, Chris McGuigan.

Online : Bruce Lynch, Sue Berrecloth, Ben Herschell, Catriona Carvey.

Apologies

Julie Wilson, Ellie Mayhew, Kirsty MacPhie, Barry Caudwell, Katherine Booth Jones, Chris Broome, Rachael Wilbourn, Louise Clark, Mark Wilson, Jacob Davies, Dan Spinks, Alex Mackerracher, John Calladine, Les Hatton, Page Huang, Alan Barclay, Sophie Edwards, Ailidh Barnes.

Minutes from the 2024 AGM

Circulated prior to the meeting. Minutes were proposed as correct by Derek Robertson and seconded by Megan Mcgunnigle. The minutes were accepted by a majority vote.

II. REPORTS

Annual Totals

Shirley Millar presented the annual ringing totals for 2024 which were circulated prior to the meeting, accompanied by some slides. Shirley noted that the poor weather in 2024 meant that there was a dip in birds ringed compared to the previous year. The usual suspects were in the top ten of birds ringed, though pullus numbers for tits were way down. Siskins and Starlings are way up on 2023. A new species for the TRG list in 2024 was Great Reed Warbler. Shirley noted that we have four RAS projects in the group, and made a plea for somebody to take over the running of the Angus Dipper project. The group currently has three CES, with a new one now set up at Cambus and run by Jacob Davies. TRG has also been participating in a national Moorhen colour-ringing project. Steve Moyes thanked Shirley for her work as Schedules Officer and for the presentation and preparation of the report. Anthony Wetherhill asked about distribution of Moorhen colour-ringing within the group and whether Shirley and Les could send some rings to be used in the Stirling area.

Secretary’s Report

Anthony Wetherhill presented the Secretary’s Report as circulated prior to the meeting. Membership of the group has increased from the last AGM, currently standing at 120. In 2024 there was a drive to update personal information and consents for GDPR. The distribution of members within the group has changed slightly, with the highest concentration of members now being in and around Stirling, followed by Dundee and Kinross. One of the papers published this year, in which TRG was acknowledged for it’s contribution, was on Black Grouse, and one of the authors has offered the traps to group members who might be interested in carrying on the work on this species. It was also noted that there were no grant applications made in 2024-2025, and members were therefore encouraged to ask the committee if they had ideas for a project.

Treasurer's Report

Mike Martin presented the Treasurer's Report as circulated prior to the meeting. Mike noted that as the accounts have been approved by the independent examiner, they can be submitted to OSCR once approved at the AGM. Once again the independent examiner declined a payment or honorarium. It was noted by the independent examiner that we are sitting on quite a lot of money at present, and this may be viewed unfavourably by OSCR. Income was high relative to the previous year, mainly because of Scottish Ringers Conference and increased income from membership subscriptions. Outgoings were mainly to the conference venue. The group didn’t really make much money on the calendars despite the effort put in by Ailidh Barnes and others, and recommends that the committee discuss this at future meeting. Mike also notes that we have not invested any of the money in our accounts this year and is still in the process of finding a savings account for the £10,000 that we used to have in the Shawbrooks account. Expenditure on rings was down over the past year, and the expectation is that ring costs will go up over the next four years. Shirley notes it currently costs 27p to ring a Blue Tit and that we should not be worried about having too much money in our accounts at present. Derek Robertson leads thanks to the committee on organising a successful conference.

III. BUSINESS

Approval of accounts

The accounts have been approved by independent examiner David Edwards. The accounts presented in the Treasurer’s Report were proposed for acceptance by Ben Swallow and seconded by Eilidh McNab. This was approved by a majority vote.

Amendments to the Constitution

Anthony Wetherhill presented a change to the Constitution that the Committee had proposed. This relates to a new category of membership, with the insertion of the following text under point b (ii):

“Full Member (Restricted) – any holder of a B.T.O. ringing permit who rings only a limited number of birds of a limited number of species.”

Page 2

This category is intended for full members of the group who only ring a small number of individuals or species. There was some discussion about whether or not the wording needed to be more specific with regard to numbers of birds/species ringed, and the rationale behind the decision to (re)-introduce this membership category. Laura Briggs proposes to amend the wording (seconded by Joyce Moyes) to add:

“…may apply for a reduced price membership subscription at the discretion of the committee”.

A change to the Constitution requires a two thirds majority vote of members. The votes were 23 for and 1 against .

Following the change to the Constitution, the Committee will update the membership category description document. This sets out what the Committee will consider when making a decision when a member applies for a reduced subscription rate, and can be updated as the modular permit system develops.

Setting of subscription amounts 2025-2026

The Committee was given the authority to set the subscription rates for 2025-2026 at the 2024 AGM. The proposed annual subscription rates are: Full membership - £60, Student membership - £30, Associate membership - £10.

Steve Moyes proposed acceptance of the change to the subscription rates for 2025-2026, seconded by Anthony Wetherhill. This was approved by a majority vote.

There was also a discussion about members with a lower income, and it was suggested that these members could apply for grants to support their activities within the group.

Nomination of Independent Examiner

David Edwards has served as our independent examiner for the last two years. Mike Martin proposes that David Edwards continue to be the Independent Examiner, seconded by Steve Moyes. This was approved by a majority vote.

Election of committee members

Megan Mcgunnigle has decided to step down from the committee this year, and Steve Moyes led in thanking her for her eight years’ service to the group.

The following members of the 2024-2025 committee all agreed to stand for re-election:

Page 3

Additionally the following group member was proposed for an ordinary member committee position by Ben Swallow and seconded by Anthony Wetherhill:

Anthony Wetherhill proposed that the above be put to a vote as a group. This passed by a majority vote and the above were duly elected.

Mike Martin has given notice that he intends to step down as Treasurer at the 2026 AGM, and Rachel Steenson will be joining the Committee as a non-voting member to act as a Deputy Treasurer with a view to standing for the position when Mike steps down.

IV. CONCLUSION

Any other competent business

Steve Moyes informed members that the Scottish Wildlife Trust, which currently owns Fife Ness, intends to dispose of the site. Chris Broome leads on management of the site for ringing. It is unclear if SWT wishes to sell the site or transfer ownership by August 2025. The late Jim Cobb donated the money for SWT to buy the site originally, but Chris Broome will be checking old paperwork held by Jim’s family as there is thought to be some conditions placed upon SWT with regard to ringing and how the site is sold. TRG and Crail Community Trust have been approached initially to explore buying or transferal options. TRG’s position is that ringing should continue there, but there’s uncertainty over whether the group should take on ownership of the land. This will be discussed at Committee, and any decision about taking on ownership of the site will need an EGM.

Laura Briggs gives thanks to the group for the range of opportunities that have been available to her and other trainees over the past year.

Meeting closed at 15:20

TAY RINGING GROUP – BUIDHEANN EÒIN-FHÀINNEACHAIDH NA TATHA

Promoting Conservation Through Ringing

Scottish Charity No.SC017091

Page 4

Tay Ringing Group – New Birds Ringed 1[st] January 2025 to 31[st] December

Species A/FG/J Pullus Total High/10
**yr high **		 Species A/FG/J Pulli Total High/10
**yr High **
GreylagGoose 14 14 10yr Sand Martin 799 799 10yr
Mallard 36 36 Swallow 448 71 519
Red Grouse 11 11 10yr House Martin 4 15 19
Ptarmigan 9 9 HIgh Cetti's Warbler 1 1
GreyPartridge 42 42 High Long-tailed Tit 357 357 High
Nightjar 1 1 High Wood Warbler 2 2
Stock Dove 4 4 Yellow-browed Warbler 1 1
Woodpigeon 37 3 40 Willow Warbler 415 6 421
Collared Dove 19 19 Chiffchaff 478 6 484 High
Water Rail 1 1 Sedge Warbler 881 881
Moorhen 9 9 Reed Warbler 229 229
Oystercatcher 5 12 17 Grasshopper Warbler 8 8
Golden Plover 1 1 Blackcap 193 193
Little Ringed Plover 4 16 20 Garden Warbler 17 17
Lapwing 1 90 91 Lesser Whitethroat 3 3
Curlew 0 12 12 Whitethroat 116 116 High
Jack Snipe 2 2 Goldcrest 215 215
Woodcock 79 79 Wren 262 2 264
Snipe 8 8 Nuthatch 32 32
Common Sandpiper 0 3 3 Treecreeper 39 39
Redshank 1 2 3 Rose-coloured Starling 1 1 High
Common Tern 0 69 69 Starling 1272 5 1277
Kittiwake 1 1 SongThrush 58 7 65
Black-headed Gull 1 1 Mistle Thrush 1 1
HerringGull 9 16 25 Redwing 70 70
Lesser Black-backed Gull 0 94 94 Blackbird 451 33 484
Osprey 0 19 19 Fieldfare 25 25
Golden Eagle 0 6 6 Spotted Flycatcher 2 2 4
Sparrowhawk 15 15 Robin 540 10 550
Goshawk 0 2 2 Pied Flycatcher 1 1
Marsh Harrier 0 9 9 Whinchat 0 2 2
Hen Harrier 0 11 11 Stonechat 1 1
White-tailed Eagle 0 1 1 Dipper 3 13 16
Buzzard 0 1 1 Tree Sparrow 354 172 526
Barn Owl 63 154 217 House Sparrow 306 4 310
Long-eared Owl 4 4 Dunnock 453 7 460 10yr
Short-eared Owl 1 1 GreyWagtail 7 4 11
TawnyOwl 1 16 17 Pied/White Wagtail 1 3
Kingfisher 4 4 Meadow Pipit 49 49
Gt Spotted Woodpecker 70 70 Tree Pipit 8 8
Kestrel 0 33 33 Rock Pipit 8 8
Merlin 0 4 4 Chaffinch 1129 7 1136
Peregrine 0 46 46 10yr Brambling 1 1
Jay 9 9 Bullfinch 257 4 261 High
Magpie 26 26 Greenfinch 458 3 461
Jackdaw 78 9 87 Linnet 8 15 23
Rook 10 1 11 Redpoll 129 129
Carrion Crow 13 1 14 Common Crossbill 15 15
Coal Tit 855 855 Goldfinch 461 1 462
Blue Tit 1853 203 2056 Siskin 362 362
Great Tit 802 292 1094 Yellowhammer 49 2 51
Bearded Tit 241 241 Reed Bunting 510 1 511
Skylark 93 93 Total 15924 1517 17442
Grand Total 751733

TAY RINGING GROUP SECRETARY’S REPORT 2025-2026

Covering the period 17[th] March 2025 to 22[nd] March 2026.

I. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

TAY RINGING GROUP Charity name Other names charity is known by Registered charity number SC017091 Charity’s principal address 1 MELVILLE TERRACE CRAIL ROAD ANSTRUTHER Postcode: KY10 3EW

II. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Committee members (Charity Trustees) appointed at the 2025 AGM and serving up to the date of this Report.

his Report.
Steve Moyes Chair and Reedbeds Coordinator
Mike Martin Treasurer
AnthonyWetherhill Secretary
Les Hatton General member(Ringer-in-charge)
George Dunbar General member
Sophie Edwards General member
Rachael Wilbourn General member

Ex-officio committee members 2024-2025:

Rachel Steenson Depute Treasurer
ShirleyMillar Schedules Officer and Ring Administrator
Ailidh Barnes Communications Officer

Table 1 : Breakdown of membership of Tay RG by membership grade and BTO ringing permit type

Full Full
(restricted)		 Associate Student Junior Honorary Total
None 0 0 9 0 0 1 11
T 20 0 8 5 1 0 35
C 32 1 8 3 0 0 45
A 9 1 2 0 0 2 14
S 16 0 4 0 0 0 20
Total 77 2 31 9 1 3 125

III. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Charitable purpose:

  1. To carry out bird ringing and to stimulate an interest generally in bird ringing as a scientific tool for bird study;

  2. Without prejudice to the fostering of ringing activities elsewhere, to co-ordinate ringing activity in Angus, Dundee, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Clackmannanshire, Stirling and Falkirk; and

  3. To analyse and publish the results of ringing activities of Group members

Page 2

Summary of main activities:

TAY RINGING GROUP – BUIDHEANN EÒIN-FHÀINNEACHADH NA TATHA

Promoting Conservation Through Ringing

Scottish Charity No.SC017091

Page 3

TAY RINGING GROUP TREASURER’S REPORT 2025

Covering the period 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

I. FINANCES 2024-2025 (ON A RECEIPTS/PAYMENTS BASIS)

Bank of Scotland Current Account Bank of Scotland Current Account Bank of Scotland Current Account Bank of Scotland Current Account £25,194.14 OB
Income
Membership1 Full membership
payment £60		 76 £4,560.00 £5,218.10
Associate membership
payment £10		 30 £300.00
Student membership
payment £30		 8 £240.00
Other membership
payment		 £118.10
Data usage Includes RSPB payment for costs of reedbed
rings (with exception of hirundine roost
catches)		 £636.53
Ring rebate CES and RAS rebate is no longer paid by BTO
as a grant, but is set against ring purchase.
Ben Herschell donated his personal RAS
rebate sum		 £100.00
Donations 2 x anonymous donors towards goose and
Ptarmigan projects; Coral Shore, Forth Islands
Heritage Group.		 £19,147.77
Equipment, nets
& rings		 Equipment: nets etc sold to members £79.75
Calendar sales £35.00
GAYE £34.05
**Total incoming: ** £25,251.20
Expenditure
Ring stock
purchase		 Rings purchased in the current year -£6,228.93
Grants paid Grants made by committee: Julia Chase;
Crail CommunityPartnership; Ben Herschell.		 -£734.80
Fee to External
Examiner		 External Examiner fee kindly declined £0.00
Reinbursements Payments to Les Hatton, Steve Moyes and
Anthony Wetherhill for group expenditure.
Les Hatton also reimbursed for outlay
associated with equipment purchase and
delivery.		 -£300.18
Admin/IT/Website No group website payment this year -£0.00
Savings a/c with
Cambridge
Counties Bank		 Following AGM discussion, Committee
approved investment of £10k in an interest
earning a/c with Cambridge Counties Bank.		 £10,000.00
Equipment
purchases		 There was an unusual number of equipment
purchases made this year, in particular
resulting from grants/donations made in
relation to Carrion Crow, goose, gull and
Ptarmiganprojects.		 -£15,354.90
Miscellaneous -£30.00
**Total outgoing: ** -£32,648.81
Total bank funds £17,796.23 CB

OB – Opening balance CB – Closing balance

Page 2

II. ANNUAL FINANCE COMPARISON

INCOME 2023 2024 2025
MEMBERSHIP £2,876.30 £3,826.20 £5,208.10
DONATIONS £193.93 £226.79 £19,047.77
RINGS-USE OF DATA £915.48 £1,062.47 £636.53
RINGS-RAS REBATE £230.79 £0.00 £100.00
NET SALES £591.91 £20.00 £79.75
CALENDAR SALES £0.00 £304.00 £35.00
INTEREST £13.62 £0.00 £0.00
GAYE £34.05
GRANTS £100.00 £0.00 £0.00
CONFERENCE FEES £0.00 £20,225.70 £0.00
CONFERENCE RAFFLE £0.00 £1,911.00 £0.00
TOTAL INCOME £14,921.33 £27,600.74 £25,074.93
EXPENDITURE
GRANTS £234.80 £0.00 £734.80
BTO RINGS £8,526.76 £2,666.53 £6,228.93
CALENDAR PRINTING £0.00 £426.24 £0.00
EQUIPMENT £0.00 £0.00 £15,354.90
INVESTMENT A/C £0.00 £0.00 £10,000.00
IT £0.00 £33.06 £0.00
ADMIN £51.21 £0.00 £0.00
MISC £0.00 £264.98 £30.00
EXTERNAL EXAMINER £0.00 £0.00 £0.00
CONFERENCE HOTEL £0.00 £17,981.00 £0.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURE £8,812.77 £21,371.81 £32,648.81
NET INCOME-EXPENDITURE £6,108.57 £6,228.93 -£7,573.88
OPENING BALANCE1 £12,796.64 £18,905.21 £25,194.14
CLOSING BALANCE1 £18,905.21 £25,194.98 £17,796.23

TAY RINGING GROUP – BUIDHEANN EÒIN-FHÀINNEACHADH NA TATHA

Promoting Conservation Through Ringing

Scottish Charity No.SC017091

Page 3

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Tay Ringing Group

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are set out on pages 1 to 3.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts 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) (d) of the 2006 Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, 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 accounts.

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:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations

to prepare 8ccounts which accord with the accountin8 records and comply willi Re8ulation 9 of Ilie 2006 Accounts Re8u18tion8 have not been met, or 2. to which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to ei)able a proper under5tandin8 of the accounts to be reached. David Edw81'ds A.C.A. 12 Barry Drive, Haywards Heath, West Sussex 16 March 2026