SEA
CADETS
GANNET
ARDROSSAN &
LARGS
ARDROSSAN AND LARGS SEA CADET UNIT
TS GANNET
SC023135
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR
THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unit
Trustees. Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
CONTENTS
PAGE
TRUSTEES, REPORT
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
COMMANDING OFFICER'S ANNUAL REVIEW
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS
10
STATEMENT OF BALANCES ..................................................
11
NOTES TO STATEMENTS
12
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
14

Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unit
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
TRUSTEES, REPORT
TRUSTEES
STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE ANO MANAGEMENT
Our unit is a self-supporting youth organisation and an independent charity with a
central support. management and training structure provided by the Marine Society
and Sea Cadets (MSSC), itself a charily registered by the Charrty Commission of
England and Wales.
The Unit is registered as a Scottish charity and is governed by a constitution issued
by the MSSC. The charity trustees form the Unit Management Committee (UMC) and
are re-elected on an annual basis. MSSC lays down specific controls for UMC
membership, including the completion of a number of training modules. UMC
members are proposed and elected at the AGM, from those community members
with an interest in the Unit. In the event of a vacancy arising during the year the
trustees have the power to appoint new trustees, which trustees will serve until the
date of the next AGM, after which the post will be filled by election. A trustee whose
temi of Offi￿ has expired can be appointed for a further temi of office. Trustees do
not receive any form of remuneration.
The key function of the UMC is to provide an element of governance and oversight to
the operations of the Unit and crucially to provide advice and support to the
commanding officer.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose
with material accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable
them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment
(Scotland) Act 2005 and orders made thereunder. They are also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of Ihe charity and for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
CHARITABLE PURPOSE
The purpose of our organisation is to help young people to develop the skills,
confidence and seff-esteem to live happy and healthy lives, regardless of
background, gender or ethnicity and develop their physical, intellectual and social
potential as individuals and responsible citizens.

Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unit
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
We seek10 8chieve this through the provision of education and leisure activities
based on nautical themes and in accordan￿ with the principles, elhos and practices
of the MSSC and the traditions of the Royal Navy.
Sea Cadets offers young people a structured pathway to develop their skills. Training
and education encompasses sailing. rowing. paddle sports. power boating,
seamanship. navigation, first aid, drill and piping. Cadets obtain qualifications as
proficiency in specific activities are demonstrated. Cadet achievements are
recognised through earning unifom) insignia and promOt￿ns.
PUBUC BENEFIT
The trustees have reviewed the guidance provided by the Office of the Scottish
Charity Regulator (OSCR} and the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland} Act
2005 and confirm that the charity complies with legislation and guidance. Specifically,
the charity makes a positive drfference to the community through:
(a) the advancement of education,
(b) the advancement of health,
(c) the advancement of citizenship and communty development,
(d) the advancement of Ihe arts, heritage, culture or science,
(e) the advancement of public participation in sport,
(fj the provision of recreational facilities, and the organisation of recreational
activities,
Ig) the promotion of equality and diversity.
RESERVES POLICY
The charity's trustees continue to review the requirement for reserves. The level of
the reserve required is presenlly set at the value of three months of recurring
revenue expendilure. As at the 31 March 2025, the total of the charity's unrestricted
reserves stood al £14,786 which is within the reserves policy adopted. Our medium
to longer term aim is to increase our unrestricted reserves over time lo ensure the
future sustainability of the unil.
Approved by the UMC and signed on its behalf on 28 August 2025

Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unit
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
CHAIRMAN'S ANNUAL REPORT
Introduction.
l am pleased to present my report to accompany the Annual Accounts for Ardrossan
and Largs Sea Cadet Corps ("the Unit") for the year ended 31 March 2025.
This has been a year of considerable progress. With our strategic OPERATION
REFIT entering its next phase. we have delivered significant fundraising
achievements, infrastructure improvements, enhanced training assets, renewed
commitment to financial stability and sustainability, and strengthened cadet
development across our community.
Fundraising and OPERATION REFIT.
OPEFIATION REFIT remains the focal point of our development agenda. Over the
last twelve months, we have adVan￿d from con￿pt to construction on a multi-year
£350,000 refurbishment and expansion programme. While full expenditure from the
year 2024125 totalled approximately £54,600, we have secured over £110,000
towards completion of OPERATION REFIT to date.
Institutional donors
We are deeply grateful for the financial support that underpins OPERATION REFIT
and our overall mission. Thank you to the following for funding support received
during the year to 31 March 2025, in alphabetical order:
AMW Charitable Trust
Clothworkers Foundation
Foyle Foundation
Gosling Foundation
Hunterston Rotary Club
Landfill Trust I Paterson Quarries Ltd
North Ayrshire Council
Robertson Trust
Their generosity has enabled us to plan the renovation of our existing premises,
acquire a new training portacabin, and make further infrastructure upgrades.
Clyde Marina generously provides us with two free berths for our vessels for which
we are most grateful.
Renovation and new facilities
With thanks to our funders, we have commenced renovation of our existing building
and site infrastructure. Resurfacing of the parade square and access areas, supports
safer pedestrian and vehicle traffic, underpinning the extension of training spaces
(the first tranche delivered early in 2025). A brand-new portacabin has been acquired
to serve as a compact. weather-proof training classroom. This Spa￿ begins to
relieve pressure on indoor teaching areas and allows additional cadet capacity.
Planning continues for a future on-site canteen and boat shed, which will support
food service facilities and provide secure, covered storage for small boats and
equipment, integral to our boating season and cadet experience delivery.
Financial sustainability
Despite the capital outlays associated with OPERATION REFIT, the Unit remains
financially viable. Cadets and volunteers raised significant sums and helped to raise
awareness locally. Core operational income is sustained through:

Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unit
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Regular cadet subscriptions.
JustGiving donations
Organised sponsorship events supported from the Parents and Supporters
Association (PSA).
Ongoing community fundraising including community collections such as our
supermarket collection campaign.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed and volunteered in these
efforts.
Subscription income ensures we meet our regular commitments to insurance,
utilities, materials, and staff training. Trustees remain committed to maintaining a
conseniative budget approach to retain sufficient reserves for both planned works
and contingencies. One of our key principles is to keep subscriptions at an affordable
level to ensure that no young person is excluded on economic grounds.
Towards renewable energy and energy efficiency
As part of our long-term sustainability strategy, trustees are overseeing proposals for:
installation of solar panels and battery storage to offset electricity costs and reduce
our carbon footprint. Improvements to building insulation, LED lighting, efficient
heating systems and other energy-efficient building features are measures we will
consider as funding becomes available. These measures will not only redu￿ running
costs, but also serve as educational tools for cadets studying engineering,
environment, and sustainability.
Security improvements
In recognition of evolving safeguarding and asset-protection requirements, the Unit
allocated funds toward a new CCTV system, covering the exterior of the building,
portacabin, training yards and parking area. This investment enhances site security,
supports safeguarding standards, and reassures cadets, families, and visitors.
Cadet development and training opportunities
Our primary purpose remains the cultivation of young people through high-quality
nautical training. Highlights this year include=
Subsidy of cadets attending offshore sailing programmes, providing
experiential learning, navigation practice, seamanship, and leadership
experience beyond local waters.
Funding cadets to participate in professional courses including power-boating,
first aid, radio communication, seamanship, and navigation certificates.
Delivery of in-house training such as Basic Seamanship courses held at TS
Gannet, with excellent attendance and refinement of practical skills in
ropework, knots and safety drills.
Cadet Suc￿sS and progression is a testament to our uniformed staff. civilian staff,
and PSA. We especially praise their dedication in tirelessly delivering training,
mentoring young people, organising events, and representing the Unit in the
community.

Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unit
Trustees. Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Community and inter-unit collaboration
Our engagement with neighbouring cadet units and wider maritime groups has
continued to strengthen..
Increased interaction and joint activities with other cadet units in our district,
sharing expertise and fostering camaraderie.
Developing a positive relationship with the Maritime Reserves, in particular
our local link with HMS DALRIADA in Glasgow, enabling access to resources,
joint activity, and mentorship opportunities.
We also remain deeply appreciative of our strong working relationship with North
Ayrshire Council, The Ayrshire Community Trust (TACT), and the Marine Society and
Sea Cadets (MSSC), whose ongoing support and collaboration help to sustain and
amplify our impact.
Trustees and governance
Trustees have continued to provide oversight and governance of every aspect of our
operations. Their continued support is invaluable in:
Setting strategic direction (especially regarding OPERATION REFIT and
energy transition).
Maintaining financial prudence and regulatory compliance.
Ensuring a safe and worthwhile cadet training programme and boating
season.
Fostering cadets within a positive educational, social, and vocational
environment.
l extend my sincere thanks to the trustees for their enduring dedication and
stewardship.
Staff, volunteers and supporters
The success of our Unit reflects the hard work and commitment of:
Uniformed staff, who deliver training, activities, and provide mentorship.
Civilian staff, who support administration, logistics and cadet welfare.
The Parents & Supporters Association (PSA), whose fundraising,
event-organisation and advocacy provide essential support beyond the
parade square.
Their collective efforts create a safe, engaging environment in which our cadets can
grow and thrive.

Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unit
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for tho year ended 31 March 2025
Looking ahead: Priorlties for 2025126 and beyond
As we enter the next financial year. our strategiG priorities include"
Completing OPERATION REFIT - brick-and-mortar renovation, training
portacabin retrofrt, and srte tarring.
Progressing renewable energy proposals - obtaining contractor quotes, grant
applications, and installation planning for solar and battery solutions.
Finalising plans for canteen and boat-shed - including design, budgeting, and
seeking further grant support.
Expanding training capacity and boating seasons- enabled by infrastructure
investment and improved equipment.
Broadening Gadet development offerings- more pla￿S on sailing and
professional courses, leadership opportunities, and inter-unit and reserve
collaborations.
Strengthening community collaboration - with local councils, TACT, MSSC,
and district partners to secure future partnerships and funding.
Concluslon
This financial year has been marked by robust progress in fundraising, infrastructure
development, cadet training and institution-building. We have remained financially
stable while preparing for significant capital works. We have upheld a steady course
toward a greener, more efficient and sustainable unit. Cadet development continues
to flourish, supported by our volunteers, staff, parents. supporters, funders, and
trustees alike.
We look forward with optimism to". completing OPERATION REFIT, launching new
facilities, and empowering our cadets to explore the seas both literally and
metaphorically.
Thank you once again to all funders, trustees, uniformed and civilian staff, parents
and supporters. Together we are building a stronger, safer, and more inspiring Sea
Cadet Corps for young people in North Ayrshire.

Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unit
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
COMMANDING OFFICER'S ANNUAL REVIEW
Our purpose is to give young people the best start in life through nautical training,
adventure and fun using the best maritime traditions of the Royal Navy. We draw our
cadets from a wide socio-economic demographic and aim to enable all of our cadets
to reach their full potential through a combination of soft skills training (leadership,
teamwork, communication, conflict resolution, citizenship, respect, and self-
discipline), shore-based training, waterborne training, and academic and vocational
qualifications. This enables our cadets to thrive and develop into functioning and
contributing members of our society, ready to enter the world of work with relevant
skills and qualifications.
The catchment area of our unit ranges across North Ayrshire and encompasses a
number of economically disadvantaged areas including Ardrossan, Saltcoats,
Stevenston, Kilwinning and Dalry. Our catchment area includes 6 of the Scottish
Index of Multiple Deprivation's (SIMD) 50/0 most deprived areas and 16 of the 10 %
most deprived areas. This socio-economic profile is reflected in our cadet cohort.
Our staff of (20) volunteers, including a number of ex-service personnel and former
cadets, are entirely unpaid and support the unit through their continued commitment
of time and effort.
We are currently operating at capacity of 24 cadets (both male and female, aged 9-
18) attending one evening a week and. weather permitting, occasional weekend
boating. Our capacity has been fixed since COVID but as we continue to improve our
facilities, consolidate our capabilities and upskill existing volunteers I hope to be able
to increase our capacity to 40 during the forthcoming year.
This year has seen an unprecedented level of success for our unit, largely due to the
ongoing progress of OPEFIATION REFIT, our £350,000 regeneration programme.
We have re￿iVed and actioned funding for multiple projects across the programme,
the including resurfacing a large area of our premises, the erection of security fencing
and the purchase of a purpose-built education facility which, when fully installed, will
boost our shoreside capacity by 300/0.
OPERATION REFIT will continue throughout the forthcoming year. We expect to see
the purchase of a purpose-built £50,000 breakout facility, £50,000 of refurbishment
work on the main building" and a further £20,000 of compound resurfacing. These
enhanced facilities will allow us to offer full-day courses for our cadets and further
integrate into the wider community through the use of our facility as a "community
hub".
Continuing progress on OPERATION REFIT will require funding from grant-making
organisations. We are not funded by the Royal Navy, Ministry of Defence or the
Reserve Forces Cadet Association. Our volunteers must divert significant time to
raise the funding required to progress OPERATION REFIT.
In addition to our significant commitment to capital spend we also must raise funding
to support our continuing activities and running costs. Keeping our cadet
subscriptions at an affordable level is one of our fundamental principles. We raise
funds to support our running costs through local events, most notably the Ardrossan
Highland Games and Largs Viking Festival. Cadets also help by attending
supermarket bag packing and engaging in sponsorship activities.

Ardrossan and Larg8 Sea Cadet Unit
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Our off-unit activity has continued to grow. The past year saw a dozen cadets
participate in week-long offshore experiences on the MSSC'S fleet of sail and power
vessels. Some of our cadets also gained places on Ocean Youth Trust voyages.
Our OPEFIATION REFIT updates received featured coverage on the national Sea
Cadets website, reporting the completion of tannacking works and progress toward
training facility development htt s.l/www.sea-Gadets.or
Cadets visited the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine, earning praise for their
enthusiasm and engagement, and enabling completion of Junior Sea Cadet modules
in public service and heritage awareness
These stories reflect well on our cadets and volunteers, and help to raise the Unrt's
visibility in the local media and public consciousness.
l am pleased to record that we had a great lumout of cadets and volunteers for the
annual Remembrance Day parade in November 2024. Our cadets also took part in
poppy selling in our area on behalf of the Royal British Legion.
On Saturday March 27th 1943 a catastrophic intemal explosion caused the converted
aircraft carrier. HMS Dasher. to sink. in Ardrossan Bay, with the loss of 379 of the
528 crew. Every March the loss is commemorated at the HMS Dasher memorial on
Ardrossan shore front and attended by a now dwindling band of relatives of the lost
sailors. l am proud to record that our cadets take part in the memorial parade each
year and our turnout in 2025 was a credil to our unit.
The MSSC Unit Management Assuranc8 process is a system designed to ensure all
Sea Cadet units adhere to standards and deliver quality cadet training. It involves
various checks and evaluations, including audits, risk assessments, and observations
of training activities, to verrfy compliance with regulations and best practices. l am
delighted to record that in 2024. for the first time since pre-COVID, we re￿iVed the
highest rating - proof of our unit's progress in maintaining a safe and effective
learning environment for cadets
I look forward to reporting a further successful year in 2025126. 1 am optimistic that
the coming year will bring further advances in OPERATION REFIT, an expanded
cadet cohort and further integration with local community groups.

Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unit
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Statement of Receipts and Payments for the year ending 31 March 2025
Receipts
Notes
(£)
MSSC loan
Grants
Donations
Fundraisers
Insurance recoveries
Sale of scrap
Subscriptions
Vending
16,000
53,318
8,929
2,628
9,531
400
2,677
755
94,238
Total receipts
Payments
Project Refit
Buildings (maintenance)
Rent
Heatingllighting
Insurances
Boats
Fuel
Vending
Equipment (unit)
Uniform
Course fees
Miscellaneous
Financelaudiubank charges
54,572
79
600
1,604
550
7,975
96
511
1,593
437
324
4,486
412
73,239
Total payments
Surplus for year
10
20,999
10

Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unit
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Statement of Balances as at 31 March 2024
Notes
(£)
20,999
2.781
Surplus for year
Cash at bank 31 March 2024
Cash in hand as at 31 March 2025
Reserve as at 31 March 2025
10
23.791
Cash in hand as at 31 March 2025
Cash at bank as at 31 March 2025
23,780
23.791
Authorised by the Unit Management Committee 28 August 2025

Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unit
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Notes to the accounts
Note 1
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments
basis in accordance with regulation 9 of the Charities Accounts
(Scotland) Regulations 2006
Note 2
The trust is not liable to income tax or capital gains tax on its
charitable activities. Irrecoverable VAT is included as part of the
expense to which it relates.
Note 3
No remuneration or expenses were paid to trustees or connected
persons during the financial year.
Note 4
MSSC loan. During the year an interest free loan for £16,000 was
obtained from the Marine Society and Sea Cadets. The purpose of
the loan was to allow expenditure on Project Refit in advance of
receiving committed grant income. The terms of the loan provide
for 60 equal monthly repayments. It is the UMC'S intention to repay
the loan in full once grant money has been received in full.
Note 5
The following grants were received during the year..
Robertson Trust
Gosling Foundation
North Ayrshire Council
Clothworkers Foundation
Landfill Trust
Foyle Foundation
AMW Charitable Trust
Total
£2,500
£27,360
£6,458
£5,000
£7,000
£4,000
£53318
Note 6
Donations consist of the value of two berths provided at no cost by
Clyde Marina and several small individual donations.
Note 7
Insuran￿ recoveries relate to the break-in and theft of equipment
in August 2023.
12

Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unit
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Note 8
The following expenditure was incurred on Project Refit during the
year..
Skip hire
Fencing
Resurfacing
Portacabin (deposit)
Total
£2,799
£27,188
£16,042
£54 572
Note 9
The most significant items of miscellaneous expenditure relate to..
Distribution of insurance recoveries (£1,992) to the Ayr Unit
of the Sea Cadets and to one of the adult volunteers in
respect of the theft of Ayr Unit assets and personal
equipment respectively. (Note 7.)
The purchase of a small caravan (£1,200) to be used as a
classroom.
Note 10
Reserve as at 31 March 2025
Restricted reserves as at 31 March 2025
General Fund Reserve as at 31 March 2025
£23,791
(£9,005)
{£14,786)
Note11
No grants were paid to individuals or institutions.
13

Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unlt
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadet Unit SC023136
Accounts for the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025
The charity's trustee6 are re6ponsible for the preparation of the annual accounts. The
accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Charities and
Trustee I nvestment (Scotland) 2005 Act and the Charities Accounts (Scotland)
Regulations 2006. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required by
section 44{1) (c) of the 2005 Act and to stste whether particular matters have come
to my attention.
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 charrty 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 audrt and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the
accounts.
I have concluded my examination. I confim that no matters have come to my
attention during the course of my examination, which give me reasonable cause to
believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 44{1) (a) of the
2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations.
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records and comply with
Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations.
No matter has arisen to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to
enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
14