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2025-09-30-accounts

St Columba’s Episcopal Church Year Ended 30[th] September 2025

Annual Report and Accounts. Registered Charity No. SC023270

Principal Address - St Columba's Church, Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire

Charity Trustees (Vestry Members)

Bishop Mark Strange The Venerable Richard Gillings Reverend Alison Hart Mrs. K Johnson - Secretary Mrs. A Bodman - Treasurer Mr. R Loweth Mrs. J MacLachlan Mrs. J McDowall Foyers (resigned 01.12.24) Mr. R Hart Mr. A Johnson Mrs. A Sparham Mr. J Woodhouse Mrs. J Page Mr. N Allen Mr. I Foyers (resigned 01.12.24)

Bankers

Bank of Scotland 2-6 Eastgate Inverness IV2 3NA

Independent Examiner Bill Steele 15a Strathspey Drive Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3EY

1

St Columba’s Episcopal Church Year Ended 30[th] September 2025

Report of Vestry

The members of Vestry present their annual report together with the financial statements for the year ended 30th September 2025.

Structure and Governance

In the terms of the Charities and Trustees Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), Vestry reports to the congregation as follows:-

  1. St Columba's Episcopal Church Grantown on Spey is a registered Charity under Charity No. SC023270.

  2. It is a member of the Diocese of Moray, Ross & Caithness and is in full communion with the Anglican Church.

  3. The superior authority is the Bishop of Moray Ross & Caithness. 4. All of its affairs are governed by Vestry.

Appointment of Vestry

Vestry members are elected or appointed by an Annual General Meeting established by constitution and under Canon Law of the Scottish Episcopal Church. There is no formal induction program, but ongoing guidance is given to ensure that Vestry members are familiar with the Church's values, aims and responsibilities as the designated trustees of a charity.

Administrative Structure

It is the duty of Vestry to manage the temporal affairs of the congregation with responsibility to keep the fabric and property of the Church and other buildings in good working order and to look after the finances of the Church. Statement of Risk

Vestry keeps under review the major risks to which the Church is exposed and has established procedures to mitigate any risks identified.

Charitable Objectives and Activities

The Church's principal activities include worship in sacrament and prayer, Christian education, charitable work, and fund raising for local, national, and international needs. Social meetings, predominantly of the youth, the elderly, and many community groups of all ages.

Volunteers

Vestry is grateful for the time freely given by the large number of volunteers, without whom many of the activities would be unable to operate.

2

St Columba’s Episcopal Church Year Ended 30[th] September 2025

Report of Vestry – continued: Achievements and Performance

I’ve always been aware of the danger of seeing Christianity as something that is straightforward and uncomplicated. Our membership of the Church is anything but straightforward. Our God is after all a God of surprises. Thinking back on my ministry nothing has ever has ever been straightforward - not least a decision in 2010 to retire for a quiet life!! In some ways retirement has produced greater activity than the world of a full-time ministry! I have to say that I look back on the last few years with excitement.

Things are never dull at Saint Columba’s or for that matter at St John’s. It’s 41 years since I first signed the service register here to record taking a service. It always strikes me as ironic that the itinerant priest has been here longer than most of the congregation. For me there have been many excitements not least in the in the steady development of a real sense of team in our churches. The God of surprises has been busy at work in developing common purpose and corporate responsibility.

So let’s highlight a few things that have seen positive development over the over recent months. Looking forward rather than backwards has been a dominating theme. Discerning the future lies at the heart of our discipleship .The future lies not in personal taste or preference but how God sees our future: that’s what discernment is all about. It’s not about the person with the strongest personality or the loudest voice. One of the greatest opportunities is the way we listen to one another.

I believe that we have done well in listening. The task must continue until we are clear about the future. And that will happen in God‘s time. I am particularly encouraged by the way our two churches are working together. I’ve worked in parishes which have become bedevilled by rivalry or point scoring . That is not the case here.

Not only have we seen developments in our Episcopalian partnership but also in our working with our ecumenical neighbours. We need to be aware that disunity is a stumbling block to Christian witness in our communities.

This does not mean the destruction of our identities. It will be very boring if we were all the same! For Episcopalians the Eucharist lies at the heart of our worship, be it presided over by a priest or distributed from the reserve sacrament by an authorised Lay minister.

I hope that we will reflect gratitude and enthusiasm as we move ahead. Not to a Church modelled on my preference but to the Church built on God’s purpose.

I would like to take the opportunity of expressing my gratitude and that of the church to so many people who have played a significant role in our ministry and mission. While our numbers may not be massive we are blessed with a fine Christian community which I believe is open to the changes that may face us in coming years. I’m not going to name those today because there are too many of them! You know who they are and I hope personally you will thank them for what they have done, and will do!

I must, though, mention Ellie and her ministry. As we give thanks, albeit for a too short time with us, I hope that we will continue to pray for her as she discerns God’s purpose.

As usual, I’ve talked too much but I hope these words will give something of a flavour of our Church both today and tomorrow.

The Venerable Richard Gillings, Chairman of Vestry.

3

St Columba’s Episcopal Church Year Ended 30[th] September 2025

Report of Vestry - continued

Financial Review

The Accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). All funds are unrestricted.

There is an apparent difference between a surplus of £2,258.10 in 23-24 and a deficit of £3,837.21 in 24-25. In the previous year, however, we sold 1,319 units of our investment, realising £12,500 which was included in income. Adjusting for that produces a deficit in 23-24 of £10,241.90. The revised comparison between the two years shows an overall decrease in net expenditure of just over £6,400.

The major difference is in expenditure, offset by reduced income. In 23-24 we made a claim under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme relating to the previous tax year and amounting to almost £1,100. After allowing for this, other items of income showed a small increase.

Most of the reduction in expenditure is accounted for by lower property expenses – although we spent £3,500 on work to the roof in 24-25, in the previous year we spent nearly £6,400 on flooring work. Our electricity bills were reduced in 24-25 by more than £1,600 with a new contract.

The market value of our investment increased by £15,475.99 over the year which offsets the deficit of £3,837.21 to produce an increase in our total balances to £186,598.20.

We have continued the insurance of the Church and Church Hall with the Ecclesiastical Insurance and benefitted from the economies that this has produced.

Trustees’ Expenses

Vestry asked Mr. J Woodhouse to carry out gardening and other maintenance work at a rate of £20 per hour (2024) and £22.50 per hour (2025), for which the church was invoiced a total of £755 (35 hours). The major item of work was cutting the grass. A total of £1,105.14 was paid to five Trustees in consideration of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them on behalf of Vestry.

Reserves

Vestry has adopted a policy of trying to maintain a healthy level of unrestricted reserves. In the event of an unforeseen significant drop in its income the Church would be able to maintain its current level of activities for a reasonable period until replacement funding is obtained.

4

St Columba's Episcopal Church Year Ended 30 September 2025 Report of Vestry - continued Statement of Vestry Members Responsibilities The members of Vestry must prepare financial statements which give sufficient detail to enable an understanding of the transactions of the Church during the Financial Year. The members of Vestry are responsible for keeping proper aC￿)unting records which, upon request, must be shown to reflect the financial posttion of the Church at that time. This must be done to ensure that the financial statements comply with the provisions of the Charities and Trustee Invesbnent (Scotland) Regulations 2005, and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. {as amended). The members of Vestry are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Church and must take all reasonable steps for the prevention, andlor. the detection of fraud and other irregularbties. On behalf of Vestry A Bodman Date &g/G 2? Treasurer

St Columba's Episcopal Church Year Ended 30th September 2025 Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of The Church of St Columba's. Grantown-on-spey I report on the accounts of the tharity for the year ended 30kn September 2025 which are set out on pages 7 to 10 Res ective res onsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the temis of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charty 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 inde endent examiner's statement My examination is carried out in accordan￿ with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charty 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 conceming 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 audrt opinion on the view given by the accounts. Inde endent examiner's statement In the course of my examination. no matter has come to my attention. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordan￿ with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. OR, Bill Steele 15a Strathspey Drive Grantown-on-spey PH26 3EY

St Columba's Episcopal Church Year Ended 30th September 2025

2025
2024
£
£
5,657.10
5,508.12
828.05
1,472.97
7,896.75
9,216.96
484.00
0.00
852.60
479.73
15,718.50
16,677.78
SEUT Dividend
5,455.89
5,065.24
0.00
12,500.00
82.51
0.05
5,538.40
17,565.29
3,600.00
3,600.00
1,297.50
1,390.00
4,897.50
4,990.00
26,154.40
39,233.07
29,991.61
36,974.97
-3,837.21
2,258.10
Receipts
Donations Received
General Collection
Donations
Freewill Offerings & Gift Aid (Note - a)
Charitable Donations
Fund-raising
Investment Income
Proceeds from Investment Sold
Interest Received
Deficit/Surplus for the year
Other Receipts
Property Revenue - St Anne’s
Property Revenue - Miscellaneous
Total Receipts
Total Expenditure - per page 8		 2025
2024
£
£
5,657.10
5,508.12
828.05
1,472.97
7,896.75
9,216.96
484.00
0.00
852.60
479.73
15,718.50
16,677.78
SEUT Dividend
5,455.89
5,065.24
0.00
12,500.00
82.51
0.05
5,538.40
17,565.29
3,600.00
3,600.00
1,297.50
1,390.00
4,897.50
4,990.00
26,154.40
39,233.07
29,991.61
36,974.97
-3,837.21
2,258.10
Receipts
Donations Received
General Collection
Donations
Freewill Offerings & Gift Aid (Note - a)
Charitable Donations
Fund-raising
Investment Income
Proceeds from Investment Sold
Interest Received
Deficit/Surplus for the year
Other Receipts
Property Revenue - St Anne’s
Property Revenue - Miscellaneous
Total Receipts
Total Expenditure - per page 8		 2025
2024
£
£
5,657.10
5,508.12
828.05
1,472.97
7,896.75
9,216.96
484.00
0.00
852.60
479.73
15,718.50
16,677.78
SEUT Dividend
5,455.89
5,065.24
0.00
12,500.00
82.51
0.05
5,538.40
17,565.29
3,600.00
3,600.00
1,297.50
1,390.00
4,897.50
4,990.00
26,154.40
39,233.07
29,991.61
36,974.97
-3,837.21
2,258.10
Receipts
Donations Received
General Collection
Donations
Freewill Offerings & Gift Aid (Note - a)
Charitable Donations
Fund-raising
Investment Income
Proceeds from Investment Sold
Interest Received
Deficit/Surplus for the year
Other Receipts
Property Revenue - St Anne’s
Property Revenue - Miscellaneous
Total Receipts
Total Expenditure - per page 8
5,065.24
12,500.00
0.05
17,565.29
3,600.00
1,390.00
4,990.00
39,233.07
36,974.97		 3,600.00
1,390.00
4,990.00
2,258.10

7

St Columba's Episcopal Church Year Ended 30th September 2025

St Columba's Episcopal Church
Year Ended 30th September 2025
Expenditure
Clergy Costs
Clergy expenses
Property Expenses
Church Expenses
Virtual Organ
Altar Expenses
Insurance
Repairs & Renewals
Heat & Light
Church Hall and Cleaning
Charitable Expenditure
Quota
Total payments transferred to page 7
Organists’ Expenses
Administrative Costs
Sundries, bank charges
Advertising
Miscellaneous Expenses		 2025
2024
£
£
966.03
428.70
1,938.55
2,288.66
4,958.75
10,401.83
4,088.73
5,746.96
1,796.88
1,666.48
12,782.91
20,103.93
221.29
974.50
0.00
0.00
221.29
974.50
640.58
673.36
694.85
1,004.30
0.00
1,212.18
528.95
0.00
1,864.38
2,889.84
3,154.00
2,450.00
11,003.00
10,128.00
29,991.61
36,974.97
974.50
0.00
974.50
673.36
1,004.30
1,212.18
0.00
2,889.84
2,450.00
10,128.00		 974.50
0.00
974.50
673.36
1,004.30
1,212.18
0.00
2,889.84		 974.50
0.00
974.50
2,450.00
36,974.97

8

st Columba's Episcopal Church Year Ended 30th September 2025 statement of Balances 2025 2024 Cash - Bank of Scotland Balance at 1st October Deficitlsurplus for the yEar Balance at 30th September 6.842.51 4.584.41 Scottish Episcopal Unit Trust Market value of 5.511 unFts at 1st October 2024 Sales of units in 23124 onty Unrealised gain Market value of 5,511 units at 30th September 2025 168.116.91 157.430.17 -12,500.IX) 23 186.74 15 475.99 Fund balances (cash and investments) Deficivsurplus for the year Movement in investment Balanc￿ as at 30th September 174,959.42 -3.837.21 15 475.99 162.014.58 2.258.10 10 686.74 Presented to the AGM on 30th November 2025 and signed Chalrman Secretary Treasurer .... ................

St Columba's Episcopal Church Year Ended 30th September 2025 2025 2024 INCOME Cash colkdion FWO & Co¥enanls EXPENDITURE s.￿.12 Cwgy Cosls 5.657.10 7,￿.75 5.538.40 o.(x) 4.897. 852 60 828.05 428 70 20.103.93 974.50 1.212.18 1.[￿30 673.36 12.782.91 221.29 Dbvwjend & Ints￿t ReceN S,1￿.29 Amal & (W Costs I2,￿.{￿) Vwlual oryan Proc8ed5. sa￿ of In%Fstrrnts Property Fundraising uesls & Donation¥ Charitab Donal￿5 694.85 479.73 P•Jmini5tra1￿SvNJ￿S 1.472.97 Al￿￿nIS 528.95 11.(N)3 (K) 10.128.00 2450.00 36 974.97 Total 39 233.07 T¢)tsl Notss" Insuranc• is inclLwJed ￿ the item Prwty EXFW Fund b•lanc8s Icash and inve8lThntsl 2025 2024 Baknce6 0$ at 1st Ortd)gr Defi¢￿SU￿1￿$ ftJrtt* ye Movement In investment 174.959.42 -3.837.21 162,014.58 2.258.10 686.74 174 959A2 Balance8 85 at 30th Soplember Nots¥ al IP4e 7> Th￿ tolal wthJ#5 HMRC GdlAKI Signed Treasurer Signed 10