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Scottish Charity Regulator
Independent examiner’s report on the accounts
Report to the trustees/members of
Applecross Community Hall
Registered charity number On the accounts of the charity for the period Set out on pages
| SC027220 | SC027220 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Period start date | Period end date | |||||
| Day | Month | Year | Day | Month | Year | |
| 01 | 02 | 2023 | to | 31 | 01 | 2024 |
| Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner |
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) 2005 Act and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity trustees |
|---|---|
| consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations | |
| does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section | |
| 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. | |
| Basis of independent | My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts |
| examiner’s statement | Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the |
| charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes | |
| consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks | |
| explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken | |
| do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do | |
| not express an audit opinion on the viewgiven bythe accounts. | |
| Independent 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 accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and
• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations
Signed: Date: 30 / Jul /2025 Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body Chartered Management Accountant (if any):
Address
APPENDIX 3 Disclosure section Only o)mplete rf the examiner rwds to highlight material prcolems. Glve here brfef detalls of any Items that the examlner wlshes to dlsclose The current accollnts Satisfy the requirements Set out in the regulation3. To assist in your annual account3 pioduction we make a f ree excel ba3ed ternplate available on oui web31te. thi3 would ensure any and all additional infornation 13 completed. If you are intere3ted you can acce33 the 3pread3heet Ero www. cfo. scot.
APPLECROSS COMMUNITY HALL
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
For the Year Ended January 2024
Charity Name: Applecross Community Hall
Report Date: 26/02/24
Reporting Period: 1 February 2023 - 31 January 2024
CHARITY DETAILS
Charity Name: Applecross Community Hall Charity Number: SCO27220 Principal Address: Ross Governing Document: Deed of Trust
TRUSTEES
The Volunteers who served on the Hall Committee during the year were:
Ch l Committee.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Legal Structure
The charity is currently an unincorporated association working towards conversion to a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). During the reporting period, the trustees began the
process of converting to a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), with SCIO status approved and asset transfer proceedings underway.
Governance
The charity is governed by a Committee of volunteers who meet regularly to oversee the management and operation of Applecross Community Hall. All Committee members give their time voluntarily.
Recruitment and Training of Trustees
Committee members are elected annually at the AGM. New trustees are welcomed to join throughout the year to support the charity's work in maintaining and developing community facilities.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Charitable Purposes
The charity exists to provide community facilities and activities for the benefit of the residents of Applecross and surrounding areas, promoting community cohesion and wellbeing.
Main Activities
During 2023-2024, the hall served as a central hub for community activities including:
-
Cultural and entertainment events (traditional music, blues, African music, theatre)
-
Community gatherings (ceilidh dances, Burns Supper, Christmas events)
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Educational activities (historical society talks, storytelling, astronomy experiences)
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Regular community services (monthly producers markets, lunch club, cinema screenings)
-
Health and wellbeing initiatives
-
Children's activities and workshops
Public Benefit
All activities are designed to benefit the local community and visitors to the area. The charity introduced a "Pay as you can afford" option for all events to ensure accessibility regardless of financial circumstances. The Sharing Table initiative embodies the charity's commitment to community support.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Major Achievements 2023-2024
Licensing and Compliance
-
Obtained indoor and outdoor Public Entertainment License in July 2023 (valid until July 2026)
-
Maintained all required safety certifications and annual inspections
-
Updated bar premises license holder and ensured staff qualifications
Facility Improvements
-
Installed bin storage solution to address recurring weather-related issues
-
Improved storage facilities with new shelving systems
-
Completed boiler room roof repairs
-
Transformed small lounge with grant funding and volunteer efforts
-
Purchased assisted hearing system for both main hall and small lounge
Community Programming
-
Delivered diverse cultural programming including music, theatre, and educational events
-
Launched Applecross Cinema Club with 21 members
-
Established monthly Producers Markets and Strupags
-
Continued lunch club services with business support
-
Introduced innovative "Sharing Table" community resource
Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiatives
-
Secured two significant mental health grants providing multi-year funding
-
Children's Mental Health Grant supporting various youth activities including Waverley trip, Scouts group, drama workshops, and puppet performances
-
Adult Mental Health Grant supporting ongoing community wellbeing activities
Partnerships and Support
The charity benefits from strong local business partnerships, particularly with Applecross Inn and Walled Garden for catering and prizes, and ongoing support from Applecross Campsite. Significant donations were received from Kishorn Ports Ltd, Gael Force, and Applecross Trust.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial Position
The charity's financial position has been strengthened through successful grant applications and community fundraising. Christian Burgin deserves particular recognition for resolving outstanding financial record-keeping issues and ensuring OSCR compliance.
Reserves Position
Mental Health Grant Funding Status (as of AGM date 26/02/24):
-
Children's Mental Health Grant: £6325.32 remaining (no spending deadline)
-
Adult Mental Health Grant: £6390 remaining (to be spent by July 2025)
Grant Funding Received
-
Highland Council
-
Scottish Government
-
Highland Third Sector Interface
-
North Highland Initiative
-
Age Concern (lunch club support)
-
Film Hub Scotland (cinema club support)
-
Albyn Housing
-
Community Regeneration Fund
-
Mental Health Grants (Children's and Adult)
Fundraising Activities
The charity conducted various fundraising activities throughout the year, including raffles supported by local businesses and community members.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
Strategic Priorities 2024-2025
-
Community Engagement: Conduct comprehensive community consultation to expand hall usage and better serve local needs
-
Sustainability: Explore options for improving energy efficiency of the facility
-
Governance: Complete transition to SCIO status with solicitor assistance for asset transfer if necessary
-
Programming: Continue and expand mental health and wellbeing initiatives using secured grant funding
Ongoing Commitments
-
Maintain diverse cultural and community programming
-
Support local businesses through continued partnerships
-
Ensure facility remains accessible to all community members
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Develop sustainable funding model for long-term operations
RISK MANAGEMENT
The trustees have identified and regularly review risks to the charity including:
-
Health and safety compliance (addressed through regular inspections and maintenance)
-
Financial sustainability (addressed through diversified funding and grant applications)
-
Volunteer recruitment and retention (ongoing priority)
-
Facility maintenance and improvement needs
TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees are responsible for preparing this annual report and ensuring it provides a true and fair view of the charity's activities during the reporting period. The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by OSCR.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The trustees wish to express sincere gratitude to:
-
All Committee volunteers who have contributed their time and effort
-
Community members who have supported events and activities
-
Local businesses including Applecross Inn and Walled Garden for their ongoing support
-
All funding bodies and donors who have enabled the charity's work
-
Professional service providers including Donald Mackenzie, George Graham, Sean Kilbride, Deborah Carr and Dave Abraham
Date: 26/2/24
Signed on behalf of the Hall Committee:
Applecross Community Hall continues to serve as a vital community resource, bringing people together through cultural, educational, and social activities while supporting the wellbeing of residents and visitors to this unique Highland community.
New Curtains funded by Albyn
Shelving & bin store funded by North Highland Initiative Grant
Childrens puppet show funded by Skye, Localsh, West Ross Cares Mental Health Grant