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2026-01-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. SC025837 (Scotland) Company Registration No. SC172288 (Scotland)

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

ANNUAL REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

CONTENTS

Page
Directors' report 1-8
Independent auditor's report 9-12
Consolidated statement of financial activities (including
income and expenditure account) 13-14
Charity statement of financial activities (including income
and expenditure account) 15-16
Consolidated and charity balance sheet 17
Consolidated statement of cash flows 18
Notes to the financial statements 19-32

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

The Trustees of the Charity are pleased to present their report on the activities of the Charity and Group for the year ending 31 January 2026.

Reference and administrative detail

Charity number: SC025837
Company number: 172288 (Scotland)
Registered office: The Harbour
North Berwick
EH39 4SS
Auditors: Thomson Cooper
3 Castle Court
Carnegie Campus
Dunfermline
EH41 3QB
Bankers: Royal Bank of Scotland
Cartsdyke Avenue
Cartsburn East
Greenock
PA15 1EF
Solicitors & Company Lindsays WS
Secretaries: Caledonian Exchange
19A Canning Street
Edinburgh
EH3 8HE
Trustees: The trustees who served during the period from 1 February 2025 to the
date of approval of this report were as follows:
S D Housden (Chair)
C Arnold [resigned 14 August 2025]
S Breslin [resigned 29 January 2026]
K Kjaerside
H McFarlane
D Paterson
N Stoddart
P Taylor [resigned 20 May 2026]
T Quinn
R McCracken
A Richardson [joined 14 August 2025]
A Connelly [joined 13 November 2025]
C Hancox [joined 20 May 2026]
Key Management: Chief Executive Officer H Huyton
Chief Operating Officer H McDonald
Partnership Development Manager F Gygax [resigned 6 August 2025]
Head of Fundraising and J Thompson
Communications
Conservation Manager E Burton [appointed 1 November 2025]
Project Manager D Roden [resigned 3 April 2026]
Key Support Officers: HR and Business Support Officer F Unsworth [resigned 6 April 2026]
Finance and Business Support Officer F Hill
Business Support Officer C Bevan [appointed 20 April 2026]

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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".

2. Structure, governance and management

2.1 Governing document

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee and incorporated and registered as a charity. The company was set up under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

2.2 Appointment of trustees

The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees, as defined by the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, who are also Directors under the Companies Act 2006 and are collectively referred to as “The Trustees”.

The Hamilton-Dalrymple family has the option to nominate one trustee in respect of their ownership of the Bass Rock and Craigleith Islands. This trustee option is not presently taken up. Regular communications occur around the separate management agreements for the islands and Anchor Green.

The trustees are chosen for their individual qualifications, experience, and skills to cover the gamut of those required for successful governance of the centre. Trustees may serve two consecutive periods of four years. After serving these periods they must stand down for a minimum of two years before offering themselves for election again. The centre advertises vacant trustee positions to the public. A register of trustees’ interests is held and regularly updated by the charity and a co-option approach exists to bring in specific skills or to secure business continuity.

2.3 Trustee induction and management training

All new trustees are given a formal familiarisation to the charity’s objects, the governance structure and trustee responsibilities. This is led by the Chair and CEO as part of an induction process. The team work to agreed role profiles, an annual activity plan and job plans and are subject to regular performance reviews, which also provide an opportunity to explore and support development needs and career progression. The Chair conducts an annual performance review with trustees.

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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

2.4 Governance

The Board of Trustees, which administers the charity, meets regularly and on not less than four occasions each year.

The Scottish Seabird Centre Trading Ltd is the trading subsidiary of the charity. Its Board consists of directors who are trustees of the charity, the Charity CEO, and an independent director. A Finance, Audit & Risk Committee also meets at least four times a year to provide greater scrutiny for the Board on any strategic risks facing the organisation, fundraising performance and its financial position. This Committee is chaired by a trustee and membership includes the Chair of the Charity, one other trustee and an independent member.

To set the pay and remuneration of our employees, the Chairman and CEO make a recommendation for approval by the Board of the Charity. It is based on legal requirements, what the organisation can afford to pay and benchmarking with other similar businesses and charitable bodies. The Finance, Audit & Risk Committee will offer a view on overall affordability of the pay-award for the Board to take into consideration in its decision-making.

Volunteers are central to the successful operation of the charity. A core group of regular volunteers make an invaluable contribution to supporting activities and events and fundraising to support the charity. This Volunteer Group is formally constituted and holds its own bank account and regularly releases funds raised to the charity. Volunteers are a valued part of the team and help provide a link to and from the local community. There is a wider pool of engaged volunteers who support island conservation management activities, including SOS Puffin and biosecurity responses, beach cleaning, seagrass restoration activities around the Firth of Forth, guided wildlife tours and citizen science surveys across the year.

Task-based groups are formed as required to support the work of the charity. The CEO advises on the strategic issues that are of most relevance to the charity and leads and manages the running of the charity. The CEO acts as the primary link between the Board, the wider team and with outside stakeholders and partners. The CEO has delegated authority – within terms of delegation approved by the trustees – for operational matters. These include finance, fundraising, employment, marketing and communications, risk management and project delivery.

2.5 Strategic relationships

The Scottish Seabird Centre values its partnerships with a wide range of organisations, local and national, which allow the charity to grow its reach and impact. National partnerships include Scottish Environment Link, NatureScot, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust, WWF UK, Restoration Forth partners, Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB), Marine Conservation Society, the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) and the UK Association of Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC). We are also grateful to the wide range of local partners we work with, including Changes East Lothian, North Berwick Youth Project, Fringe-by-the-Sea, the North Berwick Harbour Trust and North Berwick in Bloom. The charity also has important relationships with a wide range of academics and academic institutions that allow us to develop our understanding of seabird ecology and conservation, and support evidence-based conservation. Key partners in 2025-26 included the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, SRUC, and the University of Glasgow.

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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

3. Activities and performance in 2025-26

In May 2025 we marked the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Seabird Centre with founders, members, partners and supporters coming together to celebrate the journey our charity has been on, and the impact it has had on seabirds and the natural environment, the community, and the many millions of people who have engaged with us since we first opened our doors. This was an important milestone for our charity, and was followed by the publication of a new strategic plan for 2026-2031, Saving seabirds, restoring seas, inspiring change . Key activities delivered in 2025-26 are detailed below.

3.1 Conservation

Island management - In partnership with the landowners we continued to lead in the management of Craigleith, the Lamb, and Bass Rock, and supported the RSPB in the management of Fidra through our SOS Puffin project. We are grateful to the landowners for their collaboration and support in ensuring the good health of the seabird colonies on these islands, including Sir Hew Dalrymple, Uri Geller, and the RSPB.

Monitoring and conservation science – The Scottish Seabird Centre aims to be a hub for seabird conservation science, working with partners to better understand seabirds, the pressures they face and conservation responses. Key outputs included the Northern Gannet census on Bass Rock, which achieved 100% coverage for the first time and estimated a total population of 52,459 ‘Apparently Occupied Sites’, approximately a third lower than the last census prior to avian flu; productivity monitoring of the same population also suggested that breeding success may have declined. The conservation team supported other research on the Bass, including a study of breeding success for birds known to have survived avian flu, and led research on habitat management on Craigleith in partnership with SRUC.

Marine restoration – As a community hub for the Restoration Forth partnership we delivered a range of seagrass planting and monitoring sessions at our trial sites in the Firth of Forth, and worked with project partners to develop a proposal for the next phase of this innovative partnership project, which we hope to take forward in 2026-27.

Beach cleaning and plastic pollution - We led 42 beach cleans on the East Lothian coast with 460 participants and removing over 600kg of rubbish. We also supported over 350 people to carry out self-led beach cleans, and with support from Safe Deposit Scotland we installed a new “community action station” in our visitor centre to enable more visitors to do a beach clean and take other actions for nature.

Policy and campaigns – The Scottish Seabird Centre led calls for the proposed Berwick Bank offshore windfarm to be cancelled, successfully mobilising over 14,000 people behind our campaign, supported calls for effective management measures to be introduced in Marine Protected Areas to protect seabirds, prey species and their habitats, and contributed to the public and parliamentary debate around living in harmony with urban gull populations.

Conservation communications – Communicating the importance of nature conservation and showcasing our own work in the national media is an important component of our wider work to inspire change. Over 2025 we secured over 100 pieces of media across the year, including on all the main broadcasters and covering a range of stories from our Berwick Bank campaign to the natural wonders of Bass Rock and Orca sightings in Scotland’s seas. Our social media impressions and followers grew over the year, allowing us to reach new audiences across Scotland and the UK and to engage them with our campaign work.

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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

3.2 Learning

Schools and outdoor education - Environmental education and inspiring children and young people to learn about and care for nature is at the core of our charity’s objectives. Yet for the first half of 2025/26 our formal education programme operated on a limited basis following the loss of long-term funding for this vital work. However, thanks to a number of funders including the Hamish and Doris Crichton Charitable Trust, funding was secured later in the financial year and the programme and its impact is growing once again. In spite of these challenges, in 2025/26 the Scottish Seabird Centre team delivered 22 school workshops to over 800 children. We also provided outdoor education experiences to over 150 children from Brownies, Cubs or Rainbow clubs, including activities such as rockpooling and wildlife walks.

Inclusive and accessible nature - We delivered outdoor events and activities for a range of groups who otherwise struggle to access nature, including Young Carers, SCORE Scotland, Beach Wheelchairs, Chinese community link and LINKNET, and our outreach team participated in community events and festivals, including the Ocean Advocate Summit, Wee Green Festival, Dundee Science Festival; Fisherrow Harbour Festival, and Green Futures Festival.

Nature and wellbeing - Our partnership with mental health charity Changes continued to deepen, with the team running seven sessions including wellbeing walks, seaside mindfulness sessions, sea-themed art sessions and wildlife walks. These activities are all aimed to boost mental health and build deeper connections to the marine environment.

Nature science shows and storytelling – Over 1000 people attended our live shows in 2025/26, and a new live science show was developed on the theme of rewilding, for performance in 2026/27.

3.4 Experience

Over 2025/26 we welcomed 180,000 visitors to the Scottish Seabird Centre, where our visitor experience team showcased Scotland’s marine environment and wildlife to members and visitors from local, UK and international destinations. 17,500 people took part in guided boat trips, learning about and experiencing the extraordinary seabird colonies in the Firth of Forth. This was our strongest ever performance, and we are grateful to Seafari, our boat partner, and our guides and skippers for helping make this happen. 13,000 people also visited our Discovery Experience, 89% of visitors rating their visit positively and 91% saying they were inspired to take action for the marine environment (1,200 respondents). To further enhance the experience on offer in the centre a new virtual reality exhibit and a series of talks and guided wildlife watching sessions were trialled for roll-out in 2026/27.

3.5 Assets and sustainability

We aim to reduce our emissions to net-zero by 2040 and to pioneer and demonstrate climate and nature positive solutions to our visitors and supporters. Thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and East Lothian Council we were able to deliver a suite of energy efficiency projects in 2025-26 that together reduced our Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by over 8.5 tCO2e to 57.5 tCO2e/year, a ~13% reduction, and reduced running costs by over £5,000. Projects included recommissioning out of order solar PV and solar thermal systems, replacing lighting in the visitor centre, delivering a switch off campaign, and adjusting heating controls and set points. These projects were delivered as part of a first phase of a capital investment plan for the centre, which aims to modernise and improve the resilience of our assets, improve our sustainability, and enhance the experience we offer.

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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

4. Membership and volunteering

Our members are vital to the charity’s success, providing regular and unrestricted income for our charitable work and strengthening our ability to act for seabirds and the natural environment. A new campaign was launched in 2025 to encourage more people to join the charity, and over the year our membership grew to 1,808, up from 1,563 in January 2025 (16%).

Volunteers are at the heart of the charity and are integral to our successes. Volunteers participate in a wide range of activities, including our conservation projects, beach cleaning, education, and visitor and community engagement. Our core volunteer group also ran several events across the year to raise funds for our charitable activities and these were well attended by members of the local community, and made a generous donation to support the development of our new VR exhibit in the Discovery Experience.

Alex Hutchinson was the Chair of the Volunteer Group at the AGM in 2025/26.

5. Financial review

2025/26 saw strong trading performance, which, combined with support from a range of trusts, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and individual donors, meant we finished the year in a relatively strong position, with a surplus of £100,937. This was particularly welcome given the challenges the charity has faced in recent years, particularly as a result of the Covid pandemic.

5.1 Reserves policy

The charity’s unrestricted reserves policy is set by the Board and, prior to Covid, it was based on approximately three months of normal operating costs to allow the charity to withstand disruptions to its income. Unrestricted reserves were run down due to this disruption, and the charity is now rebuilding its reserves to ensure future resilience. It is the Board’s intention to revert to a policy based on maintaining an unrestricted current asset position equivalent to 2- 3 months normal operating costs when conditions allow. Our unrestricted net current assets position at January 2026, which includes our designated current assets, was £432,980.

As of 31 January 2026, the Group had total reserves of £1,932,467 (2025: £1,831,530). However, within this balance are restricted funds of £1,345,134 relating to the future writedown costs of our restricted assets. This is principally the value of our buildings and exhibits. We also hold restricted funds dedicated to various projects. At the year end the value of these was £73,576. Of the total figure, unrestricted reserves are £513,757 (2025: £405,508), of which £80,777 relate to the written down value of our unrestricted fixed assets [see note 19]. Through regular review of financial performance, open and transparent dialogue with key stakeholders and seeking to identify additional funding, the trustees aim to continue to build on this position.

5.2 Risk management

A risk register is maintained by the Senior Management Team (SMT) which captures the strategic risks for the organisation. This is reviewed by the SMT during its monthly cycle of meetings and used to manage risks and apply any lessons learnt to tighten controls, policy, or practice. The risk register, and recommendations from the senior team on any changes or new risks emerging is scrutinised by the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee on a quarterly basis with any significant changes in risks and/or new risks emerging being highlighted to the Charity Board. The priority risks are around our people, our financial position and maintenance of our assets.

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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

6. Plans for the future

Scotland’s seabird populations are globally important, yet most species are in decline. Indeed, the UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. Urgent action is required to address the triple threat of climate change, nature loss and pollution - and prevent extinctions. At the Scottish Seabird Centre we know that that means business as usual is inadequate. We need to do more to save nature and connect more people to nature. This principle forms the basis for our new strategic plan for 2026-2031, S aving Seabirds, Restoring Seas, Inspiring Change .

7. Going concern

2025/26 saw a strong financial performance for the charity, but there is still significant work ahead to build a financially resilient organisation while growing our impact on people and nature. A business plan is therefore being developed to support the delivery of the 2026-2031 strategic plan that is focused on growing income for the charity from admissions, membership and individual giving, and raising the funds required to deliver our capital investment plan.

8. Acknowledgements

The trustees would again like to thank all our volunteers, members and supporters – individuals, charitable trusts and foundations, public bodies and corporate organisations who have supported our work.

This includes:

AEB Charitable Trust, Awards for All, Boutique Capital Partners, Cirrus Logic International UK, Cruden Foundation, CWP Energy, DWF Foundation, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, GC Gibson Charitable Trust, Go Fibre, Hamish and Doris Crichton Charitable Trust, Horace and Helen Gillman Trusts, Hugh Fraser Foundation, Inch Cape Construction Fund, James T Howat Charitable Trust, John Ellerman Foundation, KPE4 Charitable Trust, Marjorie Coote Animal Charity Trust, Mrs JB Woods Charitable Trust, New Park Educational Trust, North Berwick Trust, Opticron, Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust, Restoration Forth, Robert Barr’s Charitable Trust, Safe Deposits Scotland Community Fund, Sea-Changers, Sea-Changers Scottish Learning Fund, Siemens Energy, Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund, Swire Charitable Trust, TD Paton Charitable Trust, The Britford Bridge Trust, The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, The Hamamelis Trust, The J & JR Wilson Trust, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Nineveh Charitable Trust, The Orcome Trust, The Slater Foundation, Treasure Charitable Trust, UKSPF Shared Prosperity Fund, SSC Volunteers, SSC Crafters, and the William Grant Foundation.

We are also extremely grateful to the many individuals who support us through our online appeals through Justgiving, the Big Give Green Match Fund and our Winter Appeal.

Many more individuals and groups have supported us financially, as well as through their time, expertise and gifts in kind for which we are extremely grateful.

We are very mindful of the broader support that exists towards the Scottish Seabird Centre and the importance of its role both within North Berwick, East Lothian and in the wider conservation practice and science community in Scotland and further afield. Collaborative working and partnerships (informal and formal) will enable us to confidently face the challenges ahead with our loyal and dedicated team (employees and volunteers).

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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

9. Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees (who are also directors for the purpose of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in Scotland requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and 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), the Companies Act 2006 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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.

10. Auditors

Thomson Cooper were appointed as auditor to the charity and in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing that they be re-appointed will be put at a General Meeting.

11. Disclosure of information to auditor

At the time of approving this report, the trustees are aware of no relevant audit information of which the group and charitable company's auditors are unaware and have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the group and charitable company's auditors are aware of that information.

12. Approval of the Trustees' report

The report was approved by the Board on 13 August 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

………………………………………………….. Stuart D Housden OBE Chair

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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Scottish Seabird Centre (the ‘parent charitable company’) and its subsidiary (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 January 2026 which comprise the consolidated and charity Statement of Financial Activities, the consolidated and charity Balance Sheet, the consolidated Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions Relating to Going Concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group’s or charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

Other Information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on Other Matters Prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on Which we are Required to Report by Exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ annual report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees responsibilities, the Trustees, who are also the Trustees of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the

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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the group's and the parent charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the parent charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

We considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the group for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas: existence and timing of recognition of income, posting of unusual journals along with complex transactions and manipulating the group’s key performance indicators to meet targets. We discussed these risks with management, designed audit procedures to test the timing and existence of revenue, tested a sample of journals to confirm they were appropriate and inspected minutes from meetings held by management and trustees for any reference to breaches of laws and regulations. In addition, we reviewed areas of judgement for indicators of management bias to address these risks.

We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our sector experience through discussion with the officers and other management (as required by the auditing standards).

We reviewed the laws and regulations in areas that directly affect the financial statements including applicable charity and company law and considered the extent of compliance with those laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.

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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

With the exception of any known or possible non-compliance with relevant and significant laws and regulations, and as required by the auditing standards, our work in respect of these was limited to enquiry of the officers and management of the charity.

We communicated identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance or fraud throughout the audit. However the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with the Trustees.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect noncompliance with all laws and regulations.

These inherent limitations are particularly significant in the case of misstatement resulting from fraud as this may involve sophisticated schemes designed to avoid detection, including deliberate failure to record transactions, collusion or the provision of intentional misrepresentations.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at http://www.frc.org.uk/auditors responsibilities. The description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of Our Report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and to the charitable company's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken to that we might state to the charitable company's members and Trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company, its members as a body and its Trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Fiona Haro (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Thomson Cooper, Statutory Auditors Edinburgh

Date: …………………………………… 19-08-26

Thomson Cooper is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

Current Financial Year

Notes
Income from
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Other trading activities
4
Investment income
Insurance claim
5
Expenditure on
Raising funds
6
Trading activities
7
Charitable activities
8
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
9
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 February 2025
Fund balances at 31 January 2026
17,18		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2026
2026
2026
2025
£
£
£
£
220,937
473,968
694,905
422,176
808,834
-
808,834
526,618
974,616
-
974,616
861,591
6,059
-
6,059
5,382
-
-
-
496,419
2,010,446
473,968
2,484,414
2,312,186
26,345
40,964
67,309
65,502
652,663
-
652,663
597,233
1,213,316
450,189
1,663,505
1,787,514
1,892,324
491,153
2,383,477
2,450,249
118,122
(17,185)
100,937
(138,064)
(9,873)
9,873
-
-
108,249
(7,312)
100,937
(138,064)
405,508
1,426,022
1,831,530
1,969,593
513,757
1,418,710
1,932,467
1,831,530

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The accompanying notes form part of these accounts.

13

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

----- Start of picture text -----
Prior Financial Year
Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds
2025 2025 2025
Notes £ £ £
Income from
Donations and legacies 2 182,396 239,780 422,176
Charitable activities 3 526,618 - 526,618
Investments 5,382 - 5,382
Other trading activities 4 861,591 - 861,591
Insurance claim 5 496,419 - 496,419
2,072,406 239,780 2,312,186
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 6 36,485 29,017 65,502
Other trading activities 7 597,233 - 597,233
Charitable activities 8 1,363,819 423,695 1,787,514
1,997,537 452,712 2,450,249
Net income/(expenditure) 74,869 (212,932) (138,064)
Transfers between funds (25,539) 25,539 -
Net movement in funds 9 49,330 (187,393) (138,064)
Fund balances at 1 February 2024 356,178 1,613,415 1,969,593
Fund balances at 31 January 2025 18,19 405,508 1,426,022 1,831,530
----- End of picture text -----

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The accompanying notes form part of these accounts.

14

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

CHARITY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

----- Start of picture text -----
Current Financial Year Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds
2026 2026 2026 2025
Notes £ £ £ £
Income from
Donations and legacies 2 318,632 473,968 792,600 473,660
Charitable activities 3 808,834 - 808,834 526,618
Investment income 3,030 - 3,030 2,691
Other trading activities 4 195,558 - 195,558 196,195
Insurance claim 5 - - - 496,419
1,326,054 473,968 1,800,022 1,695,583
Expenditure on
Fundraising costs 6 26,345 40,964 67,309 65,502
Charitable activities 8 1,189,974 450,189 1,640,163 1,766,381
1,216,319 491,153 1,707,472 1,831,883
Net income/(expenditure) 109,735 (17,185) 92,550 (136,300)
Transfers between funds (9,873) 9,873 - -
Net movement in funds 9 99,862 (7,312) 92,550 (136,300)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 February 2025 362,926 1,426,022 1,788,948 1,925,248
Fund balances at 31 January 2026 17,18 462,788 1,418,710 1,881,498 1,788,948
----- End of picture text -----

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The accompanying notes form part of these accounts.

15

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

CHARITY OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

Prior Financial Year

Notes
Income from
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Other trading activities
4
Investments
Insurance claim
Total income
Expenditure on
Cost of raising funds
6
Charitable activities
8
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
9
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 February 2024
Fund balances at 31 January 2025
18,19		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Total
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
233,880
239,780
473,660
526,618
-
526,618
196,195
196,195
2,691
-
2,691
496,419
-
496,419
1,455,803
239,780
1,695,583
36,485
29,017
65,502
1,342,686
423,695
1,766,381
1,379,171
452,712
1,831,883
76,632
(212,932)
(136,300)
(25,539)
25,539
-
51,093
(187,393)
(136,300)
311,833
1,613,415
1,925,248
362,926
1,426,022
1,788,948

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The accompanying notes form part of these accounts.

16

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JANUARY 2026

----- Start of picture text -----
Group Group Charity Charity
Notes 2026 2025 2026 2025
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 11 4,760 10,458 4,760 10,458
Tangible assets 12 1,421,151 1,493,534 1,413,230 1,493,534
Investments 13 - - 1 1
1,425,911 1,503,992 1,417,991 1,503,993
Current assets
Stock 61,945 59,217 - -
Debtors 14 111,481 93,121 105,807 87,864
Cash at bank and in hand 625,607 442,395 623,345 440,167
799,033 594,733 729,152 528,031
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 15 (292,477) (267,195) (265,645) (243,076)
Net current assets 506,556 327,538 463,507 284,955
Total assets less current liabilities 1,932,467 1,831,530 1,881,498 1,788,948
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than
one year 16 - - - -
Net assets 1,932,467 1,831,530 1,881,498 1,788,948
Funds
Restricted funds 17 1,418,710 1,426,022 1,418,710 1,426,022
Unrestricted funds 18 513,757 405,508 462,788 362,926
1,932,467 1,831,530 1,881,498 1,788,948
----- End of picture text -----

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on ….................................

----- Start of picture text -----
…................................................................
----- End of picture text -----

……………………………………………………. …................................................................ S D Housden N J Stoddart Trustee Trustee

Company Registration No. SC172288

The accompanying notes form part of these accounts.

17

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

----- Start of picture text -----
2026 2025
£ £
Cash used in operating activities 24 251,978 51,009
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest income (6,059) 5,382
Purchase of fixed assets (58,332) (8,566)
Net cash (used in) investing activities (64,391) (3,184)
Financing activities
Repayment of bank loans (4,375) (17,500)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 183,212 30,325
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 442,395 412,070
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 625,607 442,395
----- End of picture text -----

The accompanying notes form part of these accounts.

18

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

1 Accounting Policies

Charity information

Scottish Seabird Centre is a charitable company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. It is incorporated in the UK and registered in Scotland (Company No. SC172288) It is also a registered Scottish Charity (Charity No. SC025837). The registered office is The Harbour, North Berwick EH39 4SS.

In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity’s Memorandum and Articles, 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 accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019)”.

Scottish Seabird Centre meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

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 £.

1.2 Going Concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue operations for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. The trustees have considered a period of 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements.

1.3 Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Scottish Seabird Centre and its subsidiary Scottish Seabird Centre Trading Limited (“the Group”) as if they form a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the Balance sheet, the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the date on which control is obtained. Disposals are deconsolidated from the date control ceases.

1.4 Incoming resources

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Charity and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. Income is deferred only when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.

19

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

1 Accounting Policies (Continued)

1.5 Resources expensed

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure on charitable activities and raising funds comprise those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries.

Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.

Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis e.g. estimated usage, staff costs by the time spent.

1.6 Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. Transfers from unrestricted funds are made to clear net expenditure on restricted funds activities.

1.7 Taxation

Scottish Seabird Centre has been recognised by HM Revenue and Customs as a charity for the purposes of Section 505, Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1998. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains to the extent that such income or gains are applied to charitable purposes. Scottish Seabird Centre's subsidiary company is subject to Corporation Tax in the same way as any other commercial organisation. Surpluses, where they arise, are paid to Scottish Seabird Centre under gift aid after taking account any applicable reserves policy.

1.8 Intangible fixed assets

Intangible assets over £2,000 are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost of valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives

Digital Upgrade 20% Straight Line

1.9 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets over £2,000 are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Visitor Centre 2% - 10% Straight Line
Discovery Experience 20% Straight Line
Marine Refurbishment Programme 10% Straight Line
Fixtures and Fittings 20% Straight Line
Computer Equipment 20% Straight Line
Conservation Research Equipment 10% Straight Line

The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively appropriate, or of there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

20

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

1 Accounting Policies (Continued)

1.10 Fixed asset investments Fixed asset investments, including interests in subsidiaries, are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs and are subsequently stated at cost less provision for impairment.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

1.11 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

1.12 Pensions

The charity operates a group defined contribution company pension scheme. The pension charge recorded in these accounts is the amount of contributions payable in respect of the accounting year. 1.13 Debtors Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

1.14 Financial instruments

The group only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

1.15 Creditors and provisions

Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

1.16 Operating leases

Rentals under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.

21

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

2 Donations and legacies

Donations received
Legacies
Grants
Gift Aid
Analysed by fund:
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
3
Income from charitable activities
Education income
Admissions income
Memberships income
Boat trips income
Events income
Other Discovery Experience
Analysed by fund:
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
4
Income from trading activities
Catering
Retail
Parking
Fairground and other fundraising income
Management charge
Analysed by fund:
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 Group
2026
Group
2025
Charity
2026
Charity
2025
£
£
£
£
199,563
134,740
297,258
186,224
500
-
500
-
455,686
257,789
455,686
257,789
39,156
29,647
39,156
29,647
694,905
422,176
792,600
473,660
220,937
182,396
318,632
233,880
473,968
239,780
473,968
239,780
694,905
422,176
792,600
473,660
Group
2026
Group
2025
Charity
2026
Charity
2025
£
£
£
£
7,315
15,132
7,315
15,132
120,172
17,812
120,172
17,812
42,038
37,280
42,038
37,280
633,965
449,885
633,965
449,885
4,233
5,496
4,233
5,496
1,111
1,013
1,111
1,013
808,834
526,618
808,834
526,618
808,834
526,618
808,834
526,618
-
-
-
-
808,834
526,618
808,834
526,618
Group
2026
Group
2025
Charity
2026
Charity
2025
£
£
£
£
571,941
506,437
-
-
317,991
283,173
-
-
78,514
66,516
78,514
66,516
6,170
5,465
6,170
5,465
-
-
110,874
124,214
974,616
861,591
195,558
196,195
974,616
861,591
195,558
196,195
-
-
-
-
974,616
861,591
195,558
196,195

22

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

5
Insurance claim
Insurance claim		 Group
2026
Group
2025
Charity
2026
Charity
2025
£
£
£
£
-
496,419
-
496,419

The insurance claim received covers the loss of earnings and repairs costs after a significant internal flood in February 2024 resulted in a closure of the Discovery Experience and Wildlife Theatre.

Fundraising salary
Fundraising costs
Analysed by fund:
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Trading activities expenditure
Retail & catering purchases
Retail & catering expenses
Salaries and wages
Analysed by fund:
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 Group
2026
Group
2025
Charity
2026
Charity
2025
£
£
£
£
60,317
54,392
60,317
54,392
6,992
11,110
6,992
11,110
67,309
65,502
67,309
65,502
26,345
36,485
26,345
65,502
40,964
29,017
40,964
-
67,309
65,502
67,309
65,502
Group
2026
Group
2025
Charity
2026
Charity
2025
£
£
£
£
321,671
288,354
-
-
14,328
16,482
-
-
316,664
292,397
652,663
597,233
-
-
652,663
597,233
-
-
-
-
-
-
652,663
597,233
-
-

23

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

----- Start of picture text -----
8 Charitable activities
Group Group Charity Charity
2026 2025 2026 2025
£ £ £ £
Staff costs 603,278 537,255 603,278 537,255
Depreciation and impairment 136,413 135,810 135,999 135,784
Membership expenses 1,014 231 1,014 231
Centre expenses 80,123 73,804 80,123 73,804
Discovery Experience maintenance 15,405 14,232 15,405 14,232
Boat trips expenditure 478,363 360,098 478,363 360,098
Education 691 2,820 691 2,820
Marketing 32,944 36,860 32,944 36,860
Travel and subsistence 1,292 3,709 1,292 3,709
Training 5,493 5,766 5,493 5,766
Car park expenditure 1,768 1,345 1,768 1,345
Finance costs 25,848 19,303 12,923 9,679
- -
Extraordinary flood costs 304,012 304,012
1,382,631 1,495,245 1,369,293 1,485,595
Support and governance costs 280,874 292,269 270,870 280,786
1,663,505 1,787,514 1,640,163 1,766,381
Analysed by fund:
Unrestricted funds 1,213,316 1,363,819 1,189,974 1,342,686
Restricted funds 450,189 423,695 450,189 423,695
1,663,505 1,787,514 1,640,163 1,766,381
Support and governance costs
Group Group Charity Charity
2026 2025 2026 2025
£ £ £ £
Support costs
Office costs 12,201 7,228 12,201 7,227
IT costs 40,237 20,517 40,237 20,517
Recruitment costs 1,512 1,322 1,512 1,322
Insurance costs 59,765 56,974 59,765 56,974
Cleaning costs 68,133 61,854 68,133 61,854
Professional fees 1,143 5,746 1,143 5,746
Accountancy fees 11,466 10,565 6,902 4,783
Subscriptions 4,461 4,661 4,461 4,661
Utilities 63,309 105,626 63,309 105,626
Non-recoverable VAT 6,553 5,317 6,553 5,317
268,780 279,810 264,216 274,027
Governance costs
Audit and accounts fees 11,740 12,400 6,300 6,700
Legal and professional fees 354 59 354 59
12,094 12,459 6,654 6,759
280,874 292,269 270,870 280,786
----- End of picture text -----

24

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

9 Net movement in funds

Net movement in funds is stated after
charging/(crediting)
Amortisation of intangible fixed assets
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Auditor's remuneration
Auditor's remuneration for non-audit services
10
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Subcontract and staff expenses		 Group
Group
Charity
Charity
2026
2025
2026
2025
£
£
£
£
5,698
6,789
5,698
6,789
130,715
129,021
130,301
128,995
11,740
11,760
6,300
7,980
11,466
5,950
6,902
3,500
159,619
153,520
149,200
147,264
Group
Group
Charity
Charity
2026
2025
2026
2025
£
£
£
£
879,806
806,281
590,766
544,147
83,592
61,261
60,978
49,629
16,878
14,969
11,851
12,024
-
6,533
-
5,886
980,277
889,044
663,595
611,686

The average number of full-time equivalent staff employed by the charity and its subsidiary during the year was 45 (2025 - 45)

The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity was £264,852 (2025: £211,772).

There is one employee whose emoluments are in the range of £60,000 to £70,000 (2025 : one in the same range).

No Trustees received remuneration in the year (2025: £nil) nor travel expenses (2025: £nil).

25

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

11 Intangible fixed assets

Group and Charity
Cost
At 1 February 2025
Additions
At 31 January 2026
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 February 2025
Charge for the period
At 31 January 2026
Carrying amount
At 31 January 2026
At 31 January 2025		 Digital
Upgrade
£
33,944
-
33,944
23,486
5,698
29,184
4,760
10,458

26

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

12 Tangible fixed assets

Group
Cost
At 1 February 2025
Additions
Disposals		 Visitor
Centre
Discovery
Experience
Marine
Refurbishment
Programme
Fixtures
&
Fittings
Computer
Equipment
Conservation
Research
Equipment
Catering &
Retail
Equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
2,549,476
1,314,759
620,411
102,328
44,954
16,637
34,583
4,683,148
-
-
22,988
27,008
-
8,336
58,332
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
At 31 January 2026 2,549,476
1,314,759
643,399
129,336
44,954
16,637
42,919
4,741,480
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 February 2025
1,265,963
1,300,585
450,387
94,683
38,560
4,853
34,583
3,189,614
Charge for the period
52,280
7,395
63,124
2,349
3,486
1,664
417
130,715
Eliminated on disposals
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
At 31 January 2026 1,318,243
1,307,980
513,511
97,032
42,046
6,517
35,000
3,320,329
Carrying amount
At 31 January 2026		 1,231,233
6,779
129,888
32,304
2,908
10,120
7,919
1,421,151
At 31 January 2025 1,283,513
14,174
170,024
7,645
6,394
11,784
-
1,493,534

The site on which the Scottish Seabird Centre is built is owned by East Lothian Council and is leased to the company for a period of 99 years from 1 January 1999. The annual rent is £1. All interest in land and buildings are leasehold.

Charity
Cost
At 1 February 2025
Additions
Disposals
At 31 January 2026
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 February 2025
Charge for the period
Eliminated on disposals
At 31 January 2026
Carrying amount
At 31 January 2026
At 31 January 2025		 Visitor
Centre
Discovery
Experience
Marine
Refurbishment
Programme
Fixtures
&
Fittings
Computer
Equipment
Conservation
Research
Equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
2,549,476
1,314,759
620,411
102,328
44,954
16,637
4,648,565
22,988
27,008
-
-
49,996
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,549,476
1,314,759
643,399
129,336
44,954
16,637
4,698,561
1,265,963
1,300,585
450,387
94,683
38,560
4,853
3,155,031
52,280
7,447
63,072
2,350
3,489
1,663
130,301
-
-
-
-
-
1,318,243
1,308,032
513,459
97,033
42,049
6,516
3,285,331
1,231,233
6,727
129,941
32,303
2,905
10,121
1,413,230
1,283,513
14,174
170,024
7,645
6,394
11,784
1,493,534

27

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

13
Fixed asset investments
Charity
Cost or valuation
At 1 February 2025
Additions
At 31 January 2026
Carrying amount
At 31 January 2026
At 31 January 2025		 2026
2025
£
£
Investments
Investments
1
1
-
-
1
1
1
1
1
1

The charity holds 1 share in Scottish Seabird Centre Trading Limited, a company registered in Scotland (SC183214) at the same address as Scottish Seabird Centre. This investment represents a 100% shareholding. The principal activity of the subsidiary is the operation, management and administration of the retail, catering and hospitality facilities of the Scottish Seabird Centre visitor attraction and education facility. At the year end the subsidiary held reserves of £50,966 and made a profit of £106,083 before donations of £97,695 were made to Scottish Seabird Centre.

14 Debtors

Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Group
Group
Charity
Charity
2026
2025
2026
2025
£
£
£
£
1,210
1,400
1,210
1,400
26,244
26,351
26,244
26,351
84,027
65,370
78,353
60,113
111,481
93,121
105,807
87,864
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other loans
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Accruals
Deferred income
16
Other creditors
Amounts due to subsidiary undertaking		 Group
Group
Charity
Charity
2026
2025
2026
2025
£
£
£
£
-
4,375
-
4,375
67,321
66,632
50,156
53,982
18,991
17,128
18,991
17,128
32,602
30,903
19,895
19,367
111,357
84,890
111,357
84,890
62,206
63,267
62,206
63,267
-
-
3,040
67
292,477
267,195
265,645
243,076

15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

16 Deferred Income

Balance at 1 February 2024
Amount released to income
Amount deferred in year		 Group
Group
Charity
Charity
2026
2025
2026
2025
£
£
£
£
84,890
51,144
84,890
51,144
(84,890)
(51,144)
(84,890)
(51,144)
111,357
84,890
111,357
84,890
111,357
84,890
111,357
84,890

28

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

Group statement of Funds 17 Restricted funds

Fixed Asset Fund
Learning Fund
Marine Exhibits
Conservation Projects
Carbon reduction
Restoration Forth
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Interpretive signage
Events and community
Prior year
Fixed Asset Fund
Learning Fund
Marine Exhibits
Conservation Projects
Carbon reduction
Restoration Forth
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Interpretive signage
Events and community
Communications		 Balance at
Incoming
Resources
Transfers
Balance at
1 February 2025
Resources
Expended
31 January 2026
£
£
£
£
£
1,428,713
(127,998)
44,419
1,345,134
-
64,733
(60,802)
6,437
10,368
6,209
28,501
(19,711)
-
14,999
11,272
135,767
(100,337)
(9,816)
36,886
900
17,500
-
-
18,400
9,589
43,120
(41,317)
(5,515)
5,877
(33,079)
157,207
(121,704)
(25,378)
(22,954)
2,418
(3,195)
777
-
-
27,140
(16,089)
(1,051)
10,000
1,426,022
473,968
(491,153)
9,873
1,418,710
Balance at
Incoming
Resources
Transfers
Balance at
1 February 2024
Resources
expended
31 January 2025
£
£
£
£
£
1,552,387
(129,513)
5,839
1,428,713
21,880
29,406
(70,986)
19,700
-
4,184
2,425
(400)
-
6,209
24,180
63,311
(76,219)
-
11,272
900
-
-
-
900
20,594
62,310
(73,315)
-
9,589
-
45,295
(78,374)
-
(33,079)
2,418
-
-
2,418
(13,100)
25,000
(11,900)
-
(28)
12,033
(12,005)
-
1,613,415
239,780
(452,712)
25,539
1,426,022

Purpose of restricted funds

A review was undertaken of the classifications of the restricted funds which resulted in the creation of a Fixed Asset fund which had previously been shown as the visitor centre fund and marine refurbishment fund.

Fixed Asset Fund (Previously) Visitor Centre Fund and part of the Marine Refurbishment Fund - the balance represents the restricted assets to be depreciated.

Learning Fund - for education, outreach and science communications programme.

Marine Exhibits - to support the maintenance and development of the Discovery Experience.

Conservation Projects Fund - for conservation programme.

Carbon Reduction - to improve the energy efficiency of the organisation and support the reduction in our carbon footprint.

Restoration Forth Fund - funds for the community restoration of Seagrass meadows in the Firth of Forth.

National Lottery Heritage Fund - funds to help build a resilient future for people, nature and our charity. The deficit balance is due to grant funding being paid in arrears.

Interpretive Signage - to improve our interpretive signage in the centre and the surrounding area.

Events and Community - To support the development of our Centre as a valued community asset, providing yearround events and activities.

Communications - Funding through the New to Nature programme to support the placement of a Communications Assistant.

29

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

18 Unrestricted funds

General funds
Designated fund - Bryan Nelson
Designated fund - Alexander Gordon legacy
Designated fund - 25 Year Campaign
Prior year
General funds
Designated fund - Bryan Nelson
Designated fund - Alexander Gordon legacy
Designated fund - 25 Year Campaign		 Balance at
Incoming
Resources
Transfers
Balance at
1 February 2025
Resources
Expended
31 January 2026
£
£
£
£
£
278,258
2,010,446
(1,887,199)
(9,998)
391,507
1,074
-
-
-
1,074
121,176
-
-
-
121,176
5,000
-
(5,125)
125
-
405,508
2,010,446
(1,892,324)
(9,873)
513,757
Balance at
Incoming
Resources
Transfers
Balance at
1 February 2024
Resources
Expended
31 January 2025
£
£
£
£
£
233,928
2,072,406
(1,997,537)
(30,539)
278,258
1,074
-
1,074
121,176
-
121,176
-
5,000
5,000
356,178
2,072,406
(1,997,537)
(25,539)
405,508

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds is income granted, donated or earned by the charity to be used at the discretion of the Trustees to fund any activity, which is in furtherance of the charity's objective.

Designated fund

Funds were set aside for the following purposes:

Bryan Nelson Memorial Lecture - towards running costs.

Alexander Gordon Legacy - held as designated until board consider how this should be best allocated.

25 Year Campaign - funds to support the Charity's 25th anniversary campaign.

30

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

Fund balances at 31 January 2026
are represented by:
Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets/(liabilities)
Fund balances at 31 January 2026
are represented by:
Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Current assets/(liabilities)
Prior year
Fund balances at 31 January 2025
are represented by:
Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets/(liabilities)
Fund balances at 31 January 2025
are represented by:
Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Current assets/(liabilities)
Long term creditors		 Group
Group
Group
Group
Group
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
2026
2026
2026
2026
2025
4,760
4,760
10,458
76,017
-
1,345,134
1,421,151
1,493,534
310,730
122,250
73,576
506,556
327,538
391,507
122,250
1,418,710
1,932,467
1,831,530
Charity
Charity
Charity
Charity
Charity
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
2026
2026
2026
2026
2025
4,760
-
-
4,760
10,458
68,096
-
1,345,134
1,413,230
1,493,534
1
-
-
1
1
267,681
122,250
73,576
463,507
284,955
340,538
122,250
1,418,710
1,881,498
1,788,948
Group
Group
Group
Group
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
2025
2025
2025
2025
5,069
-
5,389
10,458
70,210
-
1,423,324
1,493,534
202,979
127,250
(2,691)
327,538
278,258
127,250
1,426,022
1,831,530
Charity
Charity
Charity
Charity
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
2025
2025
2025
2025
5,069
-
5,389
10,458
70,210
-
1,423,324
1,493,534
1
-
-
1
160,396
127,250
(2,691)
284,955
-
-
-
0
235,676
127,250
1,426,022
1,788,948

31

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

21 Operating lease commitments

At the reporting date the group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years
Over five years		 2026
2025
£
£
7,838
6,508
7,151
24,616
798
402,201
15,787
433,325

22 Ultimate controlling party

The charitable company is constituted by its Memorandum and Articles of Association and is controlled by the elected Trustees.

23 Related party transactions

The Visitor Centre is situated on land owned by East Lothian Council. On 1 January 1999 East Lothian Council granted a 99 year lease of the land in favour of the charity at £1per annum. No rent has been paid in the year.

During the year, management fees of £110,874 (2025: £124,214) were charged to Scottish Seabird Centre Trading Limited, the wholly owned subsidiary of Scottish Seabird Centre. A gift aid distribution of £97,695 (2025: £51,484) was made from Scottish Seabird Centre Trading Limited to Scottish Seabird Centre.

24 Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income/(expenditure) for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Investment income
(Increase)/decrease in stock
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Increase/(decrease) in deferred income
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
25
Capital Commitments
Amounts contracted but not provided for in the financial statements:
Property, plant and equipment		 Group
Charity
Group
Charity
2026
2026
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
100,937
92,550
(138,064)
(136,300)
136,413
135,999
135,810
135,784
6,059
3,030
(5,382)
(2,691)
(2,730)
-
(387)
-
(18,360)
(17,943)
(44,306)
(43,055)
3,191
476
69,592
66,262
26,468
26,467
33,746
33,746
251,978
240,579
51,009
53,746
Group
Charity
Group
Charity
2026
2026
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
25,117
-
-
-

32