FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES. REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Scottish Charity No. . SC031541
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO CHARITY INFORMATION Trustees General Manager Charlty numbor SC031541 Independent Examiner Principal offi¢e address Dundonald cast Visrtor Centre Winehouse Yett Dundonald South Ayrshi KA2 9HD Bankers Virgin Money 30 The Foregate IMamck KA1 1JH
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) CONTENTS Page Tfuslees. Report Flnanclal Statement$ Independent Examinerfs report Statement of financial actnritss Balance sheet Notes to the finarbctal statements
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The trustees present theÈr report and irtrdependently examined finClaI statementsloithe ye8r ended 31 DeMber. 2024. The compafativè figures hava béen reslaled as these %%ere previously prepared on a cash basis and have now btren pxepared on an aexuals basis. in I wth the 2024 fironcial statements. al and AdmlnIstrati Infomation Friends of DLtndonald cast was eststAi$hed 8$ 8 Scottish Charitatde Ir¢corporated Organisaliorl in 2014. 11 is recognised as a charity by HM Revenue and Custorn$ arnl is registered with Ihe offi ofthe Scotlish Charity Regulator. Board of Trustees The lolh)wing trust seNed during thè financi81 year U$$ othenNise noted". Chair Vice-chair Treasu¥er Setary lfrc¥m 15 Septembei 2024) l¥esigned 15 September 2024) There have beèn no changes in Trustees since the yearnd date. Indepenrlent Examinèr .Acc, C.A. of JRD LLP was apkX)irrte(18s Independent ExarnIr after the year-end date. structure Govemance and Mana Recrultment and Appolntment of Trustees Tr¢Jstees a idenlifd and appointed xcording to Ihe conslllul. Organlsatlonal Structure The slrategic management and finartial govemarre rl Charity is Ihe legal responbIlty of thè frustees per The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Ad 2CIJ5. fvll d&-tY operational management delegaled to the Gen&ral Manager. The General Manager reports to TTUStees at monlhty meetMI9S. FO Membeyship As of 31 December 21r24, FODC has 181 p81d a(ANe 8nnu81 members. Tlws is a 57 % itNyeasÈ on membership nvmbers in 2023 and an 88% increase on 2022. Staff & Volunteer3 nlinues to be employ as Genetsl Manager wTrth overall responsibility lor the mana9ernent of d8ily op&ra ions a undonald Casle & Visitor Centrelcommunty Hub. She is responsible for ensuring that tha intemalional, national and regional importance ol Dundonald Castle is re9nfSeQ. acknoedged and prOnted and that 8xrAllen( is achieved in both the visitor ed Ihe community expence. Thè Gèneral Manager leads on FODC'S extemal rdations ¥rith all stakelY&1$, partrers and ¢xrtside bodkgs. Repr&strnting FODC in 2024. she sts on the Troon LcL21fly Planning Partr*rship-. Voluntary Actic South Ayrshire's Employability and Social Enterprise ForL¥ll,' Health and Wdlbeing Fotuffl IVWI", arKI Solrth AyTrhire Third Sector Chef Offteis. Monthly Meetin s responsible for Service delNery across all areas ensures that the KPI oflhe charity ara mgt. She works with rustee Executive on fundraising Grant ApleIK$ and oversees all site fundraising activrties. The Gener8J Manager is responsible for the rnan4em8 of all staff vohjnteers. She Overs FoDC'5 Management Te8m16 part-b.me employees). The MT lead on delwery of Se1 in.. Café., EdutslK)n: Events". Finance.. Retail.. Weddings & Plarketing conty'nues as Weddings & Marketvig Manager and as FODC'S Arthalogy Offi¢er. is Bt8nch ea ero the yrshire Young Aichaeology Club. based at Dundonald Casue. sits on the YAC Steering Group for the Gounol for BritL8h Archaeology and is an Archaeokryy Ambassador for Archaeology Scotland. FoDC's Bookkeeper upporls the acix)unlin9. rerK)rting fnanaal control athibes wllNn the charity. 5LJPPOrts the Treasurer and eneral Manager in all areas of 8 finanad malter. tinues as Café Mana9er wilh management oveTrigM on Faceman1 provision and [rY)leS th• de¥elopment ol new cofflmunity groups wrthin our Commmty Hub.
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 FODC'S Education & Youth Office ovetsees delNèry of our Edu(?1 Programme serves as SafeguarditvJ Offieer, wlh ldItiOnal responsiJilily or museum devekjpment ontlnUÈs 35 Reiail C(Kwdinaknr. wrth a remit lo sh)wcase bcal arfj$ts. artr crafters. Evenls Coordinalor is reSw)n$1b for the delvery of our Events Pt¢sramme. FtsDG remains a key employer in Ihe wllagè of Dundonakl. wth staffiThJ Inan9 to 17 during the year. Our Cast19 8 Visitor Centre employees work as hol$ and bLLsiress needs th'clate. In 2024 we secured and Supported three fijnded Thriwng Communities plaCEnts the EVOLVE programme. desvJned to assist panIS return lo work. Addrtional furKling was seujred lo provide addii•)nal 6 nnth p5acements via the Thriving Communities Employment Recruitment Inr£nb"¥e. At the end of these programvnes two of the plMentS accept permar1 contra(ts bilh FO and are le8m members, whilsl the third used the skills and experiencE gatned to secure fvrther employrnent. The staffirrtJ secured helped our charity to remain open seven days a week thrwghoul the wnter season. OLW plament cdlaboralK)n with Thriving C[InItIeS further contnued wth the Work Out Programme, through whith we provide a nurturing and supportNe efivrrorrfnent for youTrJ indriJu as they enter the workforce. Our volunteers maIn absolutely integral lo all operatior6 within the charity. Ak¥)gside Oltr eleven volunteer trustees, who are responwble for Ihe good govemarte of FODC. volunteers sw)port all area5 of service delivery. tour guiding., community hub clubs, groups and belri¢nditw." treach.. Iv)$aty.. ethxakn"on,' events. and weddings. as well as fvlure planFhing and fundraising. During Ihe year we were very grateful lo mtrcrtlure a rhw VolteeT group to our rAoMsion.' ground and building rna1n1enan. In 2024 we were delighted to welcome newteam members. wttnessiThJ a sharp rise in ou¥ totsl volunteer number5 from 39 to 61 This irhcrease. due largely to word of moulh rmndal)n V existWl9 vohjntéèrs. irnpacted all areas and was especidty notable our tour lding, o)mmunity h> ar¥J calé vobjnteer pools. Our vdunleer calchrnent area has aL80 irtreased and 15 fK)w drawn frcrfn losS Soulh Ayt5hiie, North Ayrshire East Ayrshire. as wdl as Gjasgow. Onyoing consultation dernorstrates how our voJLmteers aFyreuate having sud) a wide range of opportunities to leam new skills and contribute lo wotk ofour tharity in a wekoming, safe and rey(thJl environrnenl. Related Parties There were no transactions thring the year belween the charity a rda18d paty of any Tnjstee. This is th& exception of the disclosure at note 5 to Ihe an¢1 ststements. Mlsslon Statemènt Friends of Dundonakl C8$11e SCIO (Fo) aim to prDtect the fulure of Royal Dundonald Castle by promoting the understanding. enjoyrnent and educab.on of the publ as to the his1(c sIgnffiCa ol (asve 8nd the surrounding area. In acting as a community hub, we aim lo n¥ve the commurity, in its widest sense. in prol8th.rq their heritage. Our Stiatègic Aims have been idenlrfied as follo." m 1: To ¢x)ntritxJte to the preSeNatn. understanding and appTecHtion of Ihe c2slle. and surrounthng archaeology, landscape 8nd nalural herilage m 2: To $uslain ond ¢onthnue to develop an %live Ar innovative educa1 servKe Alrn 3: To develop and sustain Wespread UAnmunty Page[r1 by al ages to use lh& lacilitE5. embracing individual needs Alm 4: To dèvelop visrtor ntre business to ensure sustainxtrf.lty WKI ability lo Sup[ thè woth of ihe charty Alm S.. To inspire people by delop1j a museum and exh•)iliDn that interprets and celebrates tt)e intemathjna inportance of Dundonald Caslle Achlov•m•nts and Perfornian Employer Excellence In 2024, the General Manager ¥was invited 10 St Voluntary Acts"on So¢rth Ayrshre'a Employabilty and Sooal EntÈrprise Forum. This ensures that national and regwnal developmenis the third secsor are discthsed. shared and IMPented by FODC in gwd t1 arKI that Lpst twlice contwiues tl be a com¢rslone ofthe chanty's Lverall$.
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 We are proud to continue to evid¢n¢e an extremely high employee retenb.on and do all we can to SUPPDrt our leam in all aieas. We work hard lo support OUT Staffs personal (itCLrnStsnce5 and provide employment whth works with their other responsibilities. Flexible wothing hours are offered to assist with addrts'onal employee commitments.. secondary employmenl," ¢8ring roles.. parental re5ponsibilits. and to i$t support the health and wellbein9 of au team membets. alongside the business needs of the charity. Eligible staff are automatically enrolled into our pension prcJramme. The delivèry of identrfied. relevant and limety trainin9 for all staff and volunleers to supFwM individ15 in IheiT Toles across all 8fe3s of operation remains a priority in 2024. We remain grateful for support re¢enied from ACAS and oLt to SUPF#I our drive lo maintain besl employment practice throughout the chaiity. Volunteer Excellence FODC are holdèr5 of Voluntary Acti Souih Ayrshire (VASA) Voluntw Friendly Awards. This Award recognises best practice Èn how we support, valLte and indude our volunteers in the work of the charrty. VASA membership also enable8 s to advertise for volunteers and to ae$S training courses lor oui team. As with our staffing. we aTe absolLrtety delighted to maintain a very hvJh volunleef Telention rate. especialty at a lime whèn many third sector organisations ale finding the recruitment and retentn of volunteers to be particularly chall8n9ing. All oui volunteers, ran9ing in age from 8 to 95, play key roles not only in the delNery ol Ouf seNices to our castle visitors and ccmmunity hub regulars, but are integi81 to our c4Y1t8l1Ons, deasion making and future development plans for the charity. In 2024 many of our volunteers were nominated and receNed South Ayrshir¢ Voluntary Action Awards ISAVAI 81 glittering Awards Ceremony on 6 June. These awards FÈcogntse and reward vdunteers for their invaluable work within South Ayrshire communiti'es. Awards are presented to vcdunteers commensurate with their length of volunteering servi¢e,' Bfonze11-5 years voFunleeringl.' SIeT(S-l0 yearsl- Gold111>15 years) and Lrfetirne11&30 years). FODC were honoured to h8v¢ volunleers recDgnised in all categories, testimony tothe irKxedible hardwork, dedication and SuPrt our volunteers delNer daity lor FODC. Health & Wellbelng Supporting the heamh and wellbeing ofall our team rernwns a piiority for FODC and our Gener81 Manager was delighted throughout 2024 to be invtted to represent our charity and sit on SoLth Ayrshire'5 Health and Wellbeing F(xum (VASAI. This forum is irhvaluatrAe for InforMats and resource sharing within the third seciorto help charrts best support the health and wellbeing oflheirteams. FODC were atsoplea5ed to be rewesented attheverywell-attended South Ayrshire Wellbejng Pledge Shtswcase in 2024. Our team are conwlted on am devetownents aTrJ rwi opefat¥)nal Regular support for all staff aTr volunteers, team meetsngs and debiiets. and cOn-One check ins continue in all operational are85. wth additional wellbwng support offeTed through the complèb.on of indivi(kJal Wdlrss Action Plans. New training needs, identifJ8d by the tearn are acted upon lo support team nEmbers aThJ to enhance the experience of nd our engagement wth our east wsit0 and IcKal rMunity. Dementia Awareness training was delivered by Alzheimerfs Scotland. wth whom we partnwed lo set up a weekty Back Time Dementia Café. Neurodivergence Awareness ITaining was delivered to the team by Nest to benefit and support the team and our operations. In addilion, new monthly Team Welbeing Wdks, on and Ifee to all and led by a volunteer trustee, werp piloted on our grovntls. External Partnerships The Gen¢ral Manager ¢ontinue5 to work dosety th 811 ex¢wn81 partners induding Historic Environmenl Scotland IHESI, South Ayrshire Council (SAC), Visit Scolland WSI. Museums GalleS Scotland IMGSI. Voluntary Aclion South Ayrshire ASAI as wel as kxal businesses numerous thwd sector. heritag and crynmunty organisat¥)n$. Environment Scotland HES Our un1que and successful model of opèr3li(x)s at DuTrJonald Castle & Vtsitor Centrelcommunity Hub is consistently held by ovr colleagues al HES as an exernplary partnership site. We a 3¢noW1ed9ed as delivertng a first-class visitor experEnce, excellence via our Communrty Heritage and Education Prcgramme and exceptional community engagement Ihroughoul the year tn a visitor operatiS setling. Meeting all key criteria in HES'S nab.onal Responsible Tourism Framelsrk arKI bwng recognised for our lèvel of vibrant community engagement, FODC wefe dwn in 2¢Y24 to pdot Ihe HES Communty Engagement and Climate Ghange Projecl. Two community focus groups of invited guesls were convened with cross demographic presnlI0 of our community, local organisations and FODC membership. These gyovps faalitated communrty input into HES resources to infomi and plan for1he unpact of dimate thange on the Caslle and Property in Care, tlbe first in the country lo trial this approach. It is intended ttbal this prcyect will be rolled out by HES a(xoss Stland The FODC-HES partnership gces from ierYJth lo strength and al at FODC a very gratefvl for the continued SLWPOrt and expèrtise of our colleagues at HES Ihroughoui the year.
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Museums Galleries Scottand 2024 saw a growth in slakehol(lef engagemwrt with MGS and a resLFttart irtreasè H) $UPWrt for our charity, specifical via MGS Markets'ng. Constructive discu&8ions also commenc8Jwilh MGS Learning and Eng89ement andwith the Museum AccreditatDn team as lt[lI first steps were tsken the joumey to accredrtatitsn of our community museum. th A rshire Counul SAC Mutually beneficial relalions with ScwJth AyFshirè cou1 were signfficantty expanded in 2024 with new relat$ forged with elected representatbves, local councillors, the [pOrate leadeI4'p team and UncH officers. many of whom regularly visit us onsile. Throughout 2024, we worked with a number of SAC Pofffolio holders in key areas (Economic Regeneration,. Tourism. Cutture and Rural Affairs) and inueased Servi CLJllaboralion wilh officers (Thriving Communities. C(xnrnunity Wealth Building, Destt"nation ScMAh Ayrshire. Ayrshi¥e Roads Alliance and the Criminal Justice Teaml. A key objecliye has b raising awareness ol Ihe imwXtan of Dwdonald Casue as a major tourist attracthjn in South Ayrshire and the impac¢ of OUTwork on both the vltor ecorDmy I1 community servKXS. FODC were honourèd to be sewed as a sJth Ayrshira Counol Ca$? stty lo showcase Comrnunty Wealth Building bèst praclice. Our onsile inlerview was rMed and presenled at The Ayrshire Regional Economsc Strategy launched in Jurse. The strategy will seè the three Cwncils workin9 Iccal partnèrs to deliver meaningful and ongoing econom regeneration Ihrovghout the I1C. We were delighted lo secute fijnding lo support ThiivirvJ CoMmunitS famil$ to provKJe taitsred outreach bèspoke events indudin9 edUth days. guided Outdo walk5, Iheatie events. Mason's Maiks Sutvey engagerTwI. fflovvè nights al the c3slle aThY a wcmen's walking grtsup. For the first lime FOOC liased wlh Paths for and thè Adive Toufsm Forum to discuss the need for a nèw communrty bridge. This initiatNe to link an improved path on SAC land wth a recAnUy reinststed FODC path in thè Property an Care was driven by communty IleTrwnd. All We [lighted when an a0(Y1ble bridge was built in Ihe ajturnn. parlnered and gifted by Story Contraing and South AyrshireCtyJnol ARA ed open9 ceM()y was held in December to unveil the Mcauiston 8ridge." rlavned afterourvice Chair he instwjaior oflhe proposa. This was a very speaal event for our charty, being attended ty six FODC olunleers and 5panniThJ 4 genefations of IhÈ family IAppendix 11. The McQuislon Bridge has proven hugety popularwith castle visitots. kKaLs, walkers and dog walkets WIKI enjoy improved aCsS to our low level. more SsIble rwnslated pah. alcrysK1e Irease walking optior6. Providing aeeess lo wildlife and opening up views of the SlIe. village and SSSI woodlands Irom vantage KK)ints is much appreciated. It has also allowed us to infom)ally create shorter. more eagly accessed walks lor those vhlh limrted mobility. A sincere thank you to our partners ar stakeIde(S for brin9iro this wopos to frLAtW. vIt Scotland vs Our professionally supportwe relation5hipwithwlt Scotland continuesaswe stiive lo meel best practise in tx)th ourvisilor expenence and our dItal &N)gagernenl portlolio. As a key staket%)Ider. reLqbons wlh Vis¢t Scotland were 8nhanced and a numbtrr of areas idenbffied for 5UPP)rt devdopmwtt. notsbty trave¥traJe. overseas markets and matheling. In 2024 we took part in Ihe final round of Visrt Scotland's Qualily Assurar Scherne and were pleased to retain our 4" retention 85 8 visitor 8ttr8ctKJn. In 2024 FODC were delighted to be nominated by extemal slekehdde and partners for prestigh)us Scottish Thistle Awards, thè nalitsnal Iouri5m. events and hosptahty awards h05ted by Visit Scotland. Folltiwng the submissiC of ftgorous suptK)rting evidence and a robust Assessment Panel Interview by induslry leaders, FODC was shortlisted ancl invited to gjttend the Regional Finals (Wesll covering 10 Gounol areas. Ag8•ist very strong compelitK)n. we were delighted to win tha cel6brab.ng ThriVg Commur¥tEs Award (West RegDnl. at the Scxth'sh Thisle Award8 Ceremony on 19 September. On 21 November, a cmss sÈctK)n Of1 Fotc leam ateThled the Scotbsh This1 Awards National Finals in Glasgow. We were absolutely thrilled to be annoUnd as Ihe 2024 Nat50nal Scotth Thislle Award Winners.. Celebraliry Thrivsng Comrnunities. Against an incredibfy strong fiekl of very worthy. krger organisah.ons we Ere overwhelmed lo If4"S prestigious nats'onal award, voted lor by irKlustry leaders. This SLKte&s is teslmony to the d&lution and hard woth of our lull team and the qualty ofour seNice delTvery. visrtor experience and comrnunty provision Wppendix 2). We ale indebted to every membèr of th$ FODC t¢am for their continsjed suM)ort. ccxnrnitrnent and enthusihsm. r of Commerce Improving relations Wrth the business communty 15 a key objeclive for Iheth8rity and our rnernbership ofAyrshire Chamber ofComm$ice 1$ prtsvin9 extremety befiOI in kn"fitating relab'ons wrth the local Ayrsh4re bvsiness comrnunity. In August we hosied the Charnber's monthly Connect neithing e¥ent at the cast and Visitor Centrelcornmunity Hub, welcoming alrnosl 50 members ofihe business ccmmunity. one olihe Chambers. best atlendgj monthly ConneLa nelworking rneeb.ngs of 2024. We were 31s0 pleased lo tske a stal for the lime at thè Ayrshire B2B Annual Businèss Week Exhibition. an excèllènt marketing opportunity. Iv
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 MT members also benèfitted from training (ppc¥lunitTres delNered throughout the year by the Chambei, induding a SALUS Occupational Htrallh & Safety Training SessK¥) 8n NHS Stress Awareness seson.. heamh and wellbeing wpport which was thèn shared with our wider team. Third Sector Herita eandc mmun lions As noted. ou¥ engagement with the third sector interf3 and kd, regional and nab.onal third sector organisation$ in¢re8$ed significantty during the year. In partIlar work wth VASA increased through representstron on the VASA Employabilrty & Social Enterprise Forum.. Health & Wellbeing Forurn, taking part in the South Ayrshire Mental Heath Sli8te9y Development Forum. and Third Setaor Chief Officer5. Monthly Meetings. We a150 fvlly support and in all ways seek to implement the Health & Socia CatèNASWSAC 'Agetng Well Strategy. and have PTovided representation at Third Sector Showcase events throughout the year. In 2024 FODC ioined the Souih Ayrshire Sco"al Enlerprise Nek ISASENI. a netsvOrk9, advoca and signposting organisation. We hosted a SASEN re9n31 group visit onsile aTrJ are benefrfting frLYn new relations wth other social enterprises irh the region and beyond. FODC continues to work dosely to colkboiate. support and assist indNidual local, Il¥"rd sector heritage and communty organis8tions. In 2024 we met and shared mIng with: Craufurdland Estates". Frrends of Crook5ton Castle., Dynarnic Dunure," Ihe Gaiety Theatre (Ayrl. FrEnds ofthé Broath¥8y PreStrk. and PresCk Aviation Tours. amongst others. Mernber5hip was tsken out for the Scoth"sh ComnKJnty Hentage AlItan in 2024 and we partiapated in the Grassroots Heritage in Scolland Roadshow, Glentrod HNe. in OctcA)er. At this event we welcomed the opportunity to share our experiers with other community heritage organisations and to participate in collabot8tve discussions. to be fed in to national heritage ieporbng IHESINational H8ritsge Lottery tundedl. Relalh)ns have continued to strengthen wth Dundonald CommLmity Council IDCC) and FODC have. once again. made representation at every DCC pubh"c medwig in 2024. We CtInUe to partner closdy wth Dundonaky Primary Schfy)l throughout the year, hosting joint fundraising events and SUPFK)rting the work of the Parent Counril. as well as With a Lqrge number of local groups and organisations in the villa9 and yond. Archaeolo Scotland and th Counril for Brili8h Archaeo FODC'S Memorandutn ol Agreement with Archaeology Scolland continues to rnvlualty benefft both parties and we remain a repository for bespoke handliny tx)xe5 cxeated foi us by Archaeol¢yJy Scoyand. These support our Educati( Programme, our Event5 Programme and our community grp5 and hentage oulreath in¢tkattves. Our Agreement wrth the Council for British Archaeology continue5 to recognise FODC as le3diTYJ the Ayrshire Young Archaeolcoists. Club (YACI as an Affilklte Member of Ihe CBA YAC Nelwth. Ayrshire YAC remasns the only YAC in soulh- west Scotland. National and Further Educati n In ions For the first time in 2024 we soined the Induswe Recruiter Programme of Ihe Scottish Credit and Qualtffic8ts"on FTamework ISCQFI. Through this we aim to supFKTrrt individuals looking to enter the empk>yrnent market pdging to" understand and be able to compaie qualifvlions tsken in &otLand and elsewhere.. ensure we are recruiÈing al the wight level by benchmarking oui job roles to the SCQF,. use SCQF levels when recfuiting. rather than specific qualifications (where possible), and be open lo $kn11$ 8nd eXperiCe irtstead of. as well as. qualifications at the reqUId level. This initiative will help us to navigate Scolland's ev01ng qualikabons landscape and WKlens the pod of applicants by encouraging the use of SCQF levels in job aerts. As a result of this participation. FODC were featured as a case study in a SCQF prtn31 v¥Jeo (Appendix 31. Our previous collaboration with Ayrshire College cOntinl a1 increased during the year. In 2024. FODC established a new educational collaboration with Level 6 studènt5 from Ayrshire Cdlege, strengthening (wr role as a commutNty leaming resouice. This partJrshsp was designed to support Ihe students in devÈk)ping their Praclul Abilits unrt. 8 course that èncourages learners lo Collaborative a PfojecL appty and refine praclical skills, and retlect on their devdopment IhroLtghout the process. This collaboration has not onty helped studenis gain harKJs-on experiencE and connect wth theii local heTitage. but has 8130 allowed FODC lo engage directty vrith the next generation of Jeamers. offeriny them insight into heritage interpretation, tourism, and communrty engagernt in a Practical and inspiring way. It is hoped that the resourc85 ueated during the project will be showcased on our website. In 2024 FODC also served as case SdY fot Ayrshire College to high1ht how the College's courses can owi doc)rs lo meaningful opportunities. Dundonakl Caslle was identthed as an kleal eXamFe of (x•mmunty-based leaming in action and the case study allowed us to sh¢vraSe FODC'S ongoing c(Alaborab"on wrth Ayrshire College whil• prNding insght into how fomier students contribute to loc31 heritage. edltion. and tourism seth)r5.
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Castl8 The 2024 annual HES castle insFed11 dN8d extrpmdy complementary leedbxk on the wèll maintained upkeep ol the castle by our tewll. A Stonewjrk InspectKXI of Ihe ¢a$11e a ROd¢f Survey completed on CasNe Hill identified no anomalies. Universally postive feedback h8s teen rVed thrwhout the year on the work olthe grounds maintènance contractors employed ty HES. with ground work carried oth to a vèry high stsndaril adding to the reputation of Dundonald Castle as an extremety well-cared for site. HES-FODC with AOC Arch8edogy. ain partned to (x)mnMJnty excavath)ns onsile from 21-28 September. The excavations this year were advertised both by D¢g lil An¢J Hisloric Environment Scotland. resulting in a lai9e uptake in new dig volunteers. The digs were fulty Subscribed and leibfy wdl SUppted by both the local community and visitors from across the central bett. In lolal we welcorned 131 volunteers onsite, 79 (lig volunteets and 52 school pupil partpanIS. Across the week 843 total volunteer hours were recorded. wlh exception post excavab.on feedbad( receryed. A Mediev81 ring unearthe(t by a mole and found by a previous vOluntr rm Castle Hill in 2019. wènt 1hroh Treasure Trove and we are delighted thal the ring is now in the safekeeping of Nalional Museums Scotland. In tt)Ilaboration wth HES colleagues and NMS, a press release wa5 F55ued in 2024 and pked up by media nationally and inlernallonalty. As in previous years, OLFr Annual FODC-HES Partnetship meeb.ng was extremety p0SVe and agreemenl reached across 811 areas of discuswon. The Visitor Centre & Community Hub Café munil Hub Our comrnunity hub continues to delNer and expand our Provisi and support for our local communrty and c8sUe visitors alike. During 2024 our centre was firmty embedded &% the (xmnrnunity hub for Dundonald and suOund1ng area and ieco9nised as such by OUT cornmunity aThJ regulats, as well as our exiernal stakehdders. partnefs and fundets. The hub is regislered and published Mi the Souih Ayrshwe DJ"re(lory {SAQVASAI as Ihe 'Cosy Spa(2, lor the village of Dundonald and surrounding area. It is also a registe meNer of the Chally Café Scheme. the UK'S leading non-profit organisation lackling loneliness. Throughoul 2024 our hub conbnues to provKlè free and aoxssibje public CvenIenceS for the vilL4ge ol Dundonald and surrounding area. We provhje period pr0dLS through South Ayrshire coU11s, The Wee rte B8g inrtlative for our community and visitors. Duriro the year we impknienteil simple bul impactful upgrades to our toilet lacililies. including dementia-triendly colour changes and curtaFn coverings for mirrows. In 2024 FODC supported a number of nath.onal initiative5 to imprvve our seNices, jOFning the ScA)thsh Refill Scheme providing free water refills for all requiring thi$ serce. We continue as regISted memb8rs ol Breastfeeding Friendly Scolland. Both Ihe Castle and Visrtor Centrelcommunity Hub rerna as dog-lriendty venues, attr8dFng new visitors lo the site who appreciate our'three barts and you're out poliry.. During 2024 our hub welcomed a wide cross sectKJn of our swety I1(dIng older peop, velet8ns. siryJle parenis, families, young people, people INing vthh disabl1leS and Feople experienang mental he8lth issues. The number of htsb users increased signifnt dunng tIE year from 22.756 in 2023 to an all-time high of 29.010 indiwduals in 2024. Regular feedback and user surveys hBhlwht how essential il ts ihat cJr communty hub remwns open 74lays a week throughout Ihe year (Appendix 41. Open anil accessibfe to all. we prowde a sale, frieThJty and IEaled space. and warm wel¢x)me for all. irkclLtding anyone who may be lonely. vulnerable 01 exlleiDg socaal isolation in our rural a8, wrth limited public transport. By offering individual and group a¢b."e$ we hope to stP[ Ihe mental wellbeing of our users whi151 CreasIj soaal inclusion acTOSS an of our local (J)mrnunty. We welcome individuals and groups to make use of our hub, allowng particApants to forni new friendships. expand Iheir Sal cKde. leam skills and partiupale in hobbies. We continue lo welcome our re9uLqr weekty, lortnighty and [r1b dubs. all ofwhich have seen an increase in attendees this year. All of our clubs and group5 8Te free to attend. ilh opportunty available lor anyone who wishes io make a small donation. This ensures Ihat there is no financial barrier to attendance. Our communily groups indu(k.' Knit 'n Natter. Scrabble Club: L&Jies Walkiny Group,. Write Here at Dundonald Cast Poetry Group wth our Poet in Residen. Castle Cronies," our jUnr Castle CcMnmittee- the Crazy Casde Kids- and the Ayrshire Young Archaeol091s. Club (YAGI. Our YAC hosts monthly segons lor young people aged 8-16 who have an interest in archaeology and through 2024 agwn enjoys a full membership. Dundonald Histori(xl & Af¢hive SocEty continue to hold Iheir Month meetings in the hub during the year, delivering a popular annual programme of tslk5 IcKal and national history lo attendees_ vi
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 In addition, in 2024 new groups were pibted by FOOC in partnership with Alzheimer ScotLand al NHS Ay15hire & Arran.. our Back in Time Calè lor those INing wth eaty memory toss and dementk?. and their lamilies and carets." and tsyo Staying Ahead of Ihe cUe gentle movement exerw dasses. collaboration with Dernentia Friendty Troon Vdlages IDFtVJ and Alzheimer Scx)tlancS enabled all team members lo complete training in dèrnenb"a awareness sensrtwtty. Thi5 preparatK)n laid the foundation for our Back in Time group and ensure5 that parbupants value the welrA)ming and secure enwronment offered. Every week participants enjoy a iango of activities delivered by ourteam. To date we ha¥e explored heraldry. 8wthecary. arthaeosogy with handling boxes, day pg1 m8king and old newspaper5, each offeting tactile and engaging experiences Ihat are accessible and enjoyable for everyone. These sessions bling people togelher and creale opportunrfies lor relaxed conversation, whether atr4)ut the aclivity 81 hand or memo$ sparked from yeaTS ge by. Partnering with NHS Aytshirtr and Arran (kajpabonal Therapy. we sur$fullY support tsyo weekly Staying Ahead of the Curve classes ovèr a 12-wÈek pèri(Kl. Atthough Ihe initial Intenti( vrns lo del%ver one dass, popular demand sUlted in a second series being delivered in the hub. These sessH)ns offer geTht movemenl and wellbeing advice, aligning wilh South Ayrshire Counul'$ He8tth & Wellbeing initiatives. For those unable to phyststy ¥isrt us $rte. (xjr leam al resuned delwing presentations on history ol the site and our cuThenl aCtItieS to external groups offg"te. FOOC do everything possib to st4)port bolh our Iwal ccffnmunity and local suppliers and producers in our hub. We active seek opportunities to work with local busness. suppcfftiro the arculareconomy, Ihrough our prooJrem8nt and supply chain across all areas of service delwery. Our commitment to supporfing Focal was recognised in 2024 when we were featured as a Cas& Study in ScotFand Towns Partnership's national Scotland Loves Local Campaign, prioriti8ing as we do the supwl. use and PfomotK)n of loc21 suplerS in all are8s of Seice delivery {Appendvx 5). We now support 25+ local craflers. artL"Sts. artisans. authors.. and producers of jamsld)utneysn)oney, tyving them the opportunity to sell their pr(XIu to Visitors and OVT community: the onty plxe lo offer this seNtce for many in the village. As members of South Ayrshire Council's Scotland Loves Local Grfl Card, a means tested benefit, Wè aga di5¢Jegtly suptk)rt anyone using this service in the café. ret¥41 area and for our e¢S and cDmmunity aclNities. Our pay41-forward Kindness Tree whereby Ihose who a finanaalty rrKJre secure can forward lor hol drinks and lunthes for those w¢thin our community who are experietKirKJ hardship, contw)ues to be very well supported and utilised. At regular intervals Ihroughout the year we prowde free aftemoon teas th accompanying livè musical enlerl8inmenl and games for all our clubs, groups and regar$ dvring the winter months when many in our communty have told u5 they most struggle with their mental health. The get logelhers have been hugely popular. much appre(iatèd and fedba( has been unilormly positwe. The importance ofthese serVS to famil and KINiduals thin ouro)mmunrty (xnnot be undere51irnaled. In 2024, in response to Ical demand we piloted new pop up advice and inlomiats.on servi$ sessKins. parlneriro wth a wide range of exiernal services and support cwganisatK)ns. Ayrshi lfidewdent LIn9 Network hosted regular. flexible drop-in sessh?ns to share inlomiation about creating opportunrties for seff-employment and peer support Ihroughoul South Ayrshire. South Ayrshile Infomiation and AdvKe Hub provKled drop in se55ions to p¥ovide weNare. benefits, budgeting lips and debt support. NHS Ay¥shire & Arran Qurt Yourway staffed dfop in srTK)king 5$atIOn advi SeSOn5. All appreciated fostering links between the ¥ital Serv0$ and the communrty and weknming environment. FODC also supported the Beat The Streets health inrtl8b"ve. ¢omrni55ioned by Ayrshire Road5 Alliance on behawof SAC. funded by Paths for All's Smarter Choi, Smarter Places Programme and delivered by Intelligent Health. Space in our hub was used by Thriving Communrties to deliver Emergenry First Aid al Work lo their empk•yee5. Our collat)oralion withthe Night Before Christmas Campaign as a off and distribution sile contirhues inlo its sevenlh year. with community members additionally makir¥J gifts for the Xes. A range of other local community organisattL)s also use the hub to fac4fitate IhLwr adwities a5 required induding 8 session of the Dundonald Community Counol. the Dundonald HtghlaTrJ Games AGM and a Dundonald Christmas Lghl8 fundraising evenl. OUT MP also began to hosts his drop li 'Pup Up Surgeries. for his con5tttLpnts at thè hub towards tho end of the year. Cafe It has been a busy year for the Café iweased conMnLtrnty lIabor.0n and foard-thInkIng improvements. Key devdopments irtcluded inslallatkjn of new equiwnent. enhanang ¢ency lor both team and visilots and ensuring opthmal hygiene standards wrthin operation5. Our c*fé o)nlinues to priorrtise Ihe purthase ol Scottish prOde from local gjppliers whenever possible.
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Our team work incredibly hard to cost our café offerin99 as c(>rnpeb"INety as possible to make our refreshments and food fford8ble. The menu, providing grten free, dairy free, vegetarian and Vegan options. remains popular Mth both vi511ors lo the castle and with locals as a h05Pitality destination in its own right throughout Ihe year. In all areas we arè led by the desire to ensure the delivery of excellent customer seTh and foster a welr4Hning environment for all our community and visf¢ors lo enjoy. The Musèum Our cornmunity museum conlinltes to hjnclton as an integral component of the heritage experietKe at Dundonald Castle, attracting both domestic and intemalK)nal vrtorS and thats. InterprelatKJn lJ)ards, archNe exhibition5 and a srnall display of local 8rtetscts enhance the eXpernCe of toth visitors aThJ path"pants of our Edwation and Community Heritage Programme. The year began wih a dtsplay M Dund¢m8kl C8sUe the Wars ol Independen. In June. the team wTred with the Dundonald Historical & Arthives Sooety to Tate an archNe exhibition to brate the visit of the Clan Cod)r8ne from the USA. The follobwng month an 8xhibiti.on was curated cbr8ting Robert the Bruce as part ol a F48tional celebra11c of Robert the Bru.5 75 birthday. Worf( began on creating museum poliaes and procedurès in preparats" for entry in to the museum ac¢reditalion process. This includes nol onfy amendmenls to the ronslitution whth ve approved at oui AGM. bul also the recording and provenance Iracing for our clect)nS, and the creation of Ckn"0n care, disposal and acquisition polic4es. Ongoing discussions have taken pFacewith an award-winnry 3D reconstnKtion arlist to discuss opb.ons for creation of 30 models of both the rrent castle and Old Auchans House, both ol which wll greatty enhance the visito¥ experience. W were unsuccessful in oui appliCatn to the Castle stlies Twst forfunthng to support but have since have identified other polential funding sour¢es to adVa[e Ihis important proiecl. Retail Retail has continued to gain momentum in the Last year, th In(Ye8s sales on 2023. We currently stock 25+ local crafters, showcasirbg 8 wde variety ol prThYucts from localfy inspired book5 to handmade ilem5. local honey and candles, all of which are well feceived by our customers. Our crafters are promtsted and highlighted online through our website and sctial media thannels, diiving sales. Additionally we use a wde range ol Trholesale suplerS to $cJr a Tange of items, many personalised to Dundonald Castle. Weddings In 2024, FODC hosted six weddrng TernonIeS at Castle. along with a wedding photo shoot for a cOue who were married at another localion but who wanted lo incorporale Dundonald Casue into their special day. These occasions not only showcase the un¥]ue beauty and hisloric of the %te but also conln.buie to raising the Castles proffte as a memorable venue for spectal events. To support and prornote this growing aspeca of our acliviltes. we developed a new onlirte weddings brochure. providin9 prospective coupleswith Comprehensive infomiation on booking optw)ns, paageS and the distinctive appeal of an inlimatè Castle wedding (Appendrx 61. We aLso freshed the content on our main weddings page and updated our presence on ielevant online directories. helping to broaden our reach aThJ new enquiries for the year ahead. Community Herlta9è & Edueatlon ProgTrmme Education Pro ramtne Throughout 2024, our educalion prograrnme conlind to thrive wilh the team delNerng onsite. be$pe. hour sessions lied direct to the Curriculum for Excellen. Our 2024 attendee numbers inueased 51vJhtly with 2369 attendees across 77 totsl 5ession5 (against 88 sessions with 2211 recorded attendees in 20231. Thi5 was despite some extemal challenges throughout the year. External outreach sessions also increased in 2024 and the team tstried out nine outreach visits induding to Dundonald House, Woodlands Prlmary Careerfs Day, and tslks lo various cc¥nmunty grwps and guikls in the aa. A total of 283 part[Pant9 wei$ rgathed. (x¥npared wrfh 6 oulreath sessrons a1 135 partiapants in 2023. One oflhe main challenges we became awa ofin 2024 was the imp8Gt of budgel constraints within the edu(3ts"on se¢tor. This was primarily evidenced through a drop in our annual b(x)king$. Several returning schools who were unable lo rebook with us cited new financi81 c4)nstraints. mostly in regards to transport Costs. This was despite partial funding through the SrA)ttish Travel Grant Subsidy. In response we offered talbr1 Visits where po59b for multiple dasses to visit together. We algo wel¢orned 8 number of local groups and organisatsons WbckJd4r¥J Scwts, Beavers, and Thriving Fafflilies ISACI. viii
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 PartiC4pating groups and sthools visrted frcn ntne C(11 a#5. South Ayrslwre East AyTshire North Ayrshwe East Dunbartonshire Renfrewshire East Renfrewshire North LanarkSre South Lanarkshire Glasgow Teacher and leader evaluations for the programme continued lo score 10110 in all areas. induding links to cufficulum, activities deSvered and Ihe booking process. In 2024. our rdatN)nship with Dundonald Primary remained strong we SUp)rted a Gic VLSrt from the P4-5's, 8 special EgyptianlArchaedfrJy Ihemed session for the P3s. as well as visits from all ol the ppilS at the h{lI lo faalilate bespoke slorylelling sessions on world Book Day. W01n9 alongside the Scottish Stonemasons Marks Projecl, we welcomed Dundonald PS Pss and P7s to the castle for a masons. mark hunt in May, whi15t P61P7 dasses joined us for oui comrnunity archaeological digs in September. PUNIC donations and financi81 inveslment pri017bs&J the Ca and maIrleance of exi*ing rvJources for ihe edLKation pro9rarnme througPK)Ut the year. This helped us lo purchas& new cosluws for both the aducatKin learn and programme parlicipants to accommodate for Ihe warmer weather. Many ofour events are eitherfree or pe99ed at POGket TrneY pri$ to make them as &ces$ible to dl as possible. These are hugety popular and lange from movies at the castle and free fwnily days to launch HigNand Games Week to Scavenger Hunts and Easler Egg painting and e99 rdling. to rnuc events. January Music Events with the Gaiety Theatre.. A Cebration of Rc&ert Bwns Evening Talk in the Visitor Centre February Beat the Street WFlh South Ayrnhire CouwKI and Ayrshire Roa(ts Ajliance March 2-day Easter Event featuring treasure tral. egg pamb.ng and 8 V11 Easler Bunny Earth Hour Lfitter Fick April Eastgr Sunrise Service with LhJnth)nald P8ri%h Church May Fundraiser Physic Nit wh(ho51ed at Dun(lonakl Bowling CIL) Junè Game Onl Event Pollery workshop with ILVI brIe$S CoorE-in July Outdoor Thealrè Perfom)anee wFth Quantum Thealre Group.. Jeffwna Puddk¢kn Family Fun Day.. Laun¢h lor Dundonakl Highland Gaffles Week Auyust Yoga and Bnch Evening Talk In th8 Vlsitor Centre Septsmber MLK%i¢ event vnv) thtr Gaiety Theatre.. The Rhylhm 'ng$ Dixieland Jazz O¢tober Halloween Evtrnl: Oastsfdly Deed5 81 Dundonahj Spooty Ttyjrs at the Castle De¢•mbor Christrnas Capgrs Event Night b6ftsrè ChrK%imas Ix
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 For the seventh year Eunning, FODC supp)rted thal carity the Night Before Chii&tma5 Gampaign, hosting a very well supForted public grft colleth.on dufing November and De¢[ 2024 We also hosted o community wrappin9 aftemo for donations. On 26 December, we opened thè hub to again supw)rt subscribed with 150 iunners plus adilitional volunteer5. marsia brought a new audien lo Ihe cast and Visrtorcerrtre. Additionally. throughoirt the year, we offered seasonal afterrK)on lea5 in the Visitor Centre, supportèd by Voluntary Action South Ayr8hire. These events provwjed a wami. wekoTning enviionmenl lor our k¢al o)mmunrty groups and residenls lo come togethw and enjoy Ihe Caslle in a rèL8xl settwig. Oesprte the overall success ol ourevent ogramMe. wè did C)see a dedine in ticket sales for certain events. particularly our fftovie niglts and the Outd SLNmmer theatre. We believe thi5 rD8y reflecl broader e¢0rx)M pressures and the continuing impact of the cost-of4Mng crisk%. are adivtrly rèvieing IhTrs trend and will take rt into awounl when planning our 2025 calendar. itness. Boxing Day Boomerang This event, fully y and friends. faised rnoney for 8 local chanly and ami Cdleclively. these efforts UndlIr our deeprooied to ccfflmunty engagement and Ènsuring that Dundonald Casue remains a vibrant and welcuning hub foi lth l(KzI residents and vssil(ffs alike. Youth Initiatives Junkjr FODC'S Junior Castle Committee - The 'Crazy Casllè KNJS, ICCK} - retains a membership of 13 and wrnpri8es young Voluntee aged 8-11 years. Thioughout 2024 our CCK helped lo develop many of our communty inilTratwes. ptOVKling assistancè with our inter9enerational CUDmunity gioups an(J al ow fam¥ty wnmunty heiilage events. Proud arnbassadots ol FODC. the CCK represented rwr rarity extemJEy durirvJ the year. This irKJed the Junb)r Committee's first annual trip to Ihe Gla5gThv sC4er Centre aThJ via lundN$ng inib"alNes 81 DuTrJonald Primary S¢hool's Christtnas F8yre. k of Edinbur h Awaids FODC are loThJ-temi supporters of both Ihe Salttre Awards Programmè and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards PmgrÈmmelDoEI. In 2024 we were delighled to prcwide vdunteerin9 opportrtieS and support for four Saltire Award volunteers (aged 14-231 and three DOE volunteer5 (ag 1&k151 to seojre their Bronze and Silver Awards. Our Saltiie 8nd DofE ¥UnteerS are offered aNYide range olvolunteering Op)rtunItieS acsoss the chanty in or(lerto develop their chosen Skillsel and achieve goals defined at the start of the pla(xrrÈnts. Thèse young volunteers continue lo provjde invaluable and WKle-Tanging suppcKt as Young Leaders of our Junior Comm"rtlee. castle tour guKles. event and weddlig assislance. SVPKK>rt4ng the work ol our cfjmmunrty hub throu9h befriending and helping wlh cJr daily cc¥nmunity groups arKI herrtage outreach. Marketing FODC continue to ulilise digital nEdia to kèap w) ct•)tact wilh our ¢¥nUnty and wider Vtslto. Extgnstve use of social media conlinues to prorK*le al areas of FODC wilh over 6.(K(I fdbwers on Fxetrtx)k and ¢)ver 1,CKM) each on Twtter and InslaJram. Facebook ¢tinUes1O be our strongest rAJtfonn arKI has proven to be an excelknl free toolto share news wrfh the general public, specificalty informatKJn on uFthnin9 wnts. Our enga3ement on these soual dwnnels continues lo increase year on year. Total Audien Reach.. FacebodL'. 466,341 lotal reach from jan- 20241337,649 in 2023} Tbwtter". cannot track on new'x, plaffom) InStagrTr. 4.120 totsl reach from Jan-DeG 2024 {4.823 in 20231 We also sel up a new maling list to ewtable in(ivKluals Io sKJn up lo received our regvlai e-newsletter. This newsletter is used lo promote events, dubs and othèr adMlie5 delNered by FODC. This is in addilK)n lo our monlhty members, e- newsletler update. We 8cfvertised throughout 2024 on o vle ran9e of national, wional and local plalf¢)Tm5 lo promote our Se$. irUdItYj SAC'S Destination South Ayrshire. Press reOse$ post our Thisue Awards has dwe(lty contribuled to an increase in footfall to the site.
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Awards In 2024. FODC re, or retained, the f(lng nats)n81ty recognised awards.. Scottish Thisvè Award Regional (Wesll WnrErs 2024.. Celebratin9 Thrivit¥J Communities Scoth"sh Thisue Award Natsonal Wnner5 2024. CelebraliryJ Thriving Commun¢tses Trip A(fvisor Travellèrfs ch0e Award fjnner5 2024.. lop 10% of Ihe tesl things lo do Vld& ba$sd on viwlor ieviews Visit ScOtlar 4-Star Ifi$rtor AttraclK)n Aw8ft1 Green Tounsm Bronze Award Voluntary ActK)n South Ayrshire Volte Friendty Award Breastfeeding Friendty Sc•tLqnd Financial Revi Reserves pollcy The Reserves Policy provides prolectK•n agatnst uncerfainty over fvrture Irome or Ihè risk ol ungxpecled expenditure. Fund5 held in reserve Can be used to cover.. - Unfoieseen emergen(ies or oiher UneXpd neets. for example an unexpected repair bill ot ftmding for an urgent project. Unforeseen day to day operntional costs. suth as cover for long-tem sick absence, Grant income not being renewed, Planned commilments which may need hvJher levels of reseNes. The need lo fund shorl-temi deficits in a cash budget, forexample money may need to be spent before funding is received. It is widely recommended that charities shoukl have at ast 3 monlhs. exndrtUre held in reserves. Regarding the figure above, this means Ihal FODC sho¢Jhl idealty hdd £39,379 in re5eEve wrthin our main aco)unt for general purposes. However. as we are currentty reccwering from a substanb.al pen"c¥f of doSU. exisbng totsl unrestrict1 funds are only slighlly above this amounl. In Tecognition of the current financial situatn. the level of reserves viH be set at £25.IKA). with a view to settlj reserve funds to the recommended 3 months, expenditure figure as and when financès allow. During Ilie year the Trustees eslat4ished a designated reseThes fu)d of £10,OLMJ. This is held in a separate bank ac£ounl. Risk Assessment In common with many third sector organisations, the trustees consKler the key risk to Ihe tharity to be the uncertainly ol guaranteed funding beyond a relative short kriod. Atthough nomalty open all-year. our main trading months are April October, when we can expect many visitors to enjoy tsslje tours and attend variov5 events. This makes our winter operating months somewhat ol a financkal challenge, th redLe¢l incorne but ffixed or. in some cases, highei running cosls leg. heating). C(wJpled Mth un(rtainty ovei whelhervisiloi nutntRrs wll retum to pre-pandemic levels. it is essential for FODC to hold a particular Ve1 of reserves. In add1t1. Iht5 may hdp doncws arY funders to see where funding gaps are and how they can help meet our funding requirements. In tems ol day-to-day activities. Ihè organisab.on undW5nts that ts prot ofstaff and volunleers is also a potential risk. Health and salety poliaes, insurance cover are implefflented to reduce the risks. The Board continues to review the charity's key risks wrth a ¥w to ensuring that robust prcKeilures are in place to manage these risks in so far as is reasonably practicable. A fom1 risk register is being develf4)ed by Board. Review of Financial Period The ovèrall ièsult for the perttyj was an exce5$ of expenditure over income of £3,64512023'. suyplus £58,133), after the depreaation on fixed assets of £2.15012023". £1.Wl. Total fvnds carried foard at 31 December 2024 were £124.423 12023." £128,068} indudin9 £41.280 12023." £39.735) net bk value of fixed assets whh has been desnated into sepaiato Ixprtal fund. Corè Funding Service Level A reements A number ol Service Level Agleements (SLA) have been ntted wth exlemal slakeholders and partners. A CollaboralK•n Agreernent with partners Historic &NwoM*nt sand (HESI provKles support towards the delwery of onsite visitor operations. meMbehIp of South Ayrshire Councl's Comfort Stheme hel to supm our wovision of PLtblic toilet ac£ess for the village of Dundonald and surroundsng area. In 2024. agreement lor financial support has been iea¢hed wth South Ayrshire Council's Thriving communit to deliver a wide range of activities and events for ThrivThig Communty dients thughOUt ihe year. Arrangements have been made with Thriwn9 Comm.¢$ to wpport three PaKI placements through the EVOLVE aThJ ERI employment pwogrammes. xi
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Negotiation with a local secondary 5¢ho(A lo surwt the annual prOWon ofthrÈe PaKI 8C&M?S over a 38 week period has been finalised at the en¢J 012024. ARIA- Community Asset Maintenance- £1.836 ARIA- Main Fund- £8,029 Frfe Creamery CornMlty Fund - £1.500 South Ay15hiie Countil C(yllrnunity Erywowennent Fund- £4.950 South Ayishire Health & Soa"al Care Partnershp. £3.QXXJ Troon Decid85- £1,380 Flnance This year wilh the agreement wth Ihe Board of Trustees there have been sever posilive changes implemented to our financAal management of Ihe Charity. It was deodetl that we move to a more Ictal aOTrIanCY fim. The Treasurer and General Manaoer carrd oul due diligen on several companies arml wth Ihe Board agreement we moved to JRD Partnershlp Kilmainock. FODC a150 ernoyed this company lo facilitate payroll. It was pointed out th Èt was a more prudent use of Charity money to pay monlhly as opposed to weekty. A consutslÉon exercise invdving all staff took place seeking their agfeement for this change to take place. Staff agreed as did the trustees this th8rwJe took pl. by doitvj so oui costs have been reduced. Given our cash receipts of over £250,( we were adw.sed that the accwal system of accountiny would have lo be iMpmented to meet aw finanoal legalities. The acquisilion of granls remwns a hiqh priority to meet oui operating costs. We have been SucSsl in tsbtsining grant funding o)vering partial staffing costs and Maintenan ofthe Gornrnunty Hub. Funding aCt"2S alongside careful review ol internal and extemal costs such as insurance, se¢writy and maintenance conlracts ensure prudent and econom rinancial management of all monies available to Ihe Charity. The installats.on and operation of Ihe Square System has been ol great assislance in Iracing payrc41 and collation ol data whh alkms i>refvl finanoal reporting and planning. During the financial yearwe have been successful in negotiating a numberol new SLAS which have contributed lo financial security. We have also had a building condition survey carried out. dIng to a fvlly costed maintenanc£ reg4$1er Schedule. During this financial yeaf we have carried out a full arml comprehensive review of OLtr HR and Compliance systems lo rneel all legal requirements. FODC have used our 2024 feasibility study and businèss an to f0M the ed our proposed bLMlthng èxtension 8nd have sought the best and most realistic costs forthe project. The extengon will prowde opportunrties for the Charity lo increase our revenue generation, support c1 capacity tik11J arKI enhance our oller to our community and v45ilors ale but it can only progress if we work to secure substantial grant funding. 8tJildin Extensiorh In October 2023 Communty Enle¥prise ICE) were comnwssioned by FODC to cany tsut a Feasitmlrty Study and produce a new updated Business Plan lor QUT charity. Followng exlensive consuliation th th¢ Bg8id ofTrustees. the Management Team. staff. volunteers. Visitors and the local o)mmunity as wdl as a numbèf of key extemal slakeholders and pathers. CE ¢omplel¢d their ieporting in March 2024. Two documents were produced.. Research Report on the Rede¥81ownent of Oundonald Castle Visilor Centre.. and Bu&néss Plan". Expansion of Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre and Communrty Hub. A key Fecomrnendalion in both 1$ that as our current space is at caparjty, our services will benefft from an expansion to the Ount Iwilding. The cuuent bjikling is delNering an excelknt level of See across a wide range of aa5 but il cannot wo¥k any harder for the tharity and our usern. Throughoul the year FODC also sought feedback on areas for wnwovement through consuttation and regular surveys of the team, users, visitors and commurbity. The oty suggesbon lor inprovement cons15tenlly Tecewed is the need for significantly fflore Space to enable us lo continue to ¢JelNer and expand our current operalKJns. Discussions began with South Ayrshirè Counol lo agree Ihe Heads of Tem forlhe sale ol a smal area of larKI adjacent lo Ihe current Visitor Centr6 & Community Hub on wl¥ch a much needed extension may be buitt. Meetings have also taken pla¢£ towards the eThl of 2024 a number of builders to idenbfy potential building oplKJns ft>r consideration by the Board of Tiustae$.
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Travel Trade In 2024. Dundonahd Castle signffjcant str*Jes in devdopirrfJ its travel trade offering. suctessfully positioning itsem as a desirable herilage destination lor intemational visitcY5 an¢J travel indv31ry partners. One ofthe yèarfs most tale mdesteS was Ihe bespoke F#kJlvisrt hosted for the Ccthrane Clan on 15 June. The event an rnembers ak)ngs¥Je Prov05t. Depute Provost, a counal officer, and prolèssional tour guide eedback from attendees was sJnrfom)ly positive. wrth many describin9 the vi31t as the 'highlpJht of Iheir trip followe(l up wilh a heartfelt message of thanks, noting,'Non& have managed to incorporate the errtage as effeclivdy as yw hwe done. It was wonderful to so muth de and enthusiasm cotland. lor21 ¢ornmuni in Iheir history. Earl[ in the rInth. on 3 June. we also hosled a small gTOUP of American visit$ arr8rvJed by 8 New York-based travel company. This personalised vrt iYed a tour of the Caslle and a light lunth in the Visitor Centre. The group rated the experience a5"excepb"on81ty good- we anbupate this poylive eption may resutt in future le[rats 01 endorsements. Further raising our profile wilhin the travel Irade dstry, FODC participated in an online product presentation to approximately 4MO D¢$linatK)n hA8nagement Companies IDMCSI. VLsitScoUand directors, and sgnioT mana9ement on 10 Juty. Building on this momentum, we aclNety theloped our travel trade stralegy, cretling new marketing materials specifically tailored to the needs ol Sector. These maleriaLs are featured in a newty dedicated Trade secaion on OUT website and distributed in tollabordtion wilh Vi5itScotland. yin Our engagemenl wrfh Visitscotland has Ien especialty prOdte in this regard.. in December 2024. we weTe invited to host a table at tha¥ annual DMC trade event in Edinburgh This pfovwjed FODC valuable faCe-to-fa tsme wth numerous DMCS. allowing us to showcase our unH4ue offerings and furthei estat4ish coMechon5 wlhin the industry. Followng this suttess. WissCo11and exlended an invitation for FODC to host a Familiartsabon (FAMI trip as part of their VS Conned Event, scheduled for stming 2025. This visit will Ffovide DMC representatNe5 Wrth an in-person experien of thé Castlè and rts visitor exrorience. and we look forwardto demonstratingffirsthand what makes Dundonald such a special des"natIOft. Thetse inilialiv88 tnark th8 twnning of a ffK)re strategi approath to travel trade. with the Cothiane Cbn vi51t serving as our firs1 foray intts Ihi5 new revenue-generaling stream. Looking aheaj, we aim to tar9et the srn8119roup travel mafkel, particularly durw)g quieler month5, to maxirnise vi5rtor engagement sile sustainabilrty YaaTound. Our ongcing work with Visi1Stland and intemalional trade partners Is laying a sIrg fwndalK)n for continued growlh, with Dundonald Castle now firmty on the map as a comFelling and community-driverb heiitage experience. xiii
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Stat•m•nt of trustOeS' Tts onslbllltlgs The tnIse$ are responsible ts prepar¢ng the Trustees. Rewt and the finanual statements in 8ccordance with applic2kMe law and United Kingjoin Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Pr¥ticel. Thè law applicabl8 to chartties n Scouand requires Ihe twstees to prepare ffinancial statamants for e81 financial yoar which give a true fair vw4 01 the state of affairs of the charity and ol the inrnIng ie50urces and app'cation of resources of the chaTity lor that perDd. In yeparing these financal 5tatement5, the Iruslees are required to.. select Suitab accounting police& and Ihen apply Ihem consistent, observe the methods and princ1ple5 in the Chanlies SORP. make jud9ernents and eslimale5 that are ieasonabte prudent.. Stale whether applicable accounting Standards have tren f[oWed. suty'eci to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financia1 statements,. prepare the ffinancial statements c¥) ihe going concem basis unless il is inappiopriate to presume that the chanty will conb"nl in operabon. The Irvslees are responsible IOT keeping accounting ¥e(x)rds thal di5dose wth ieasonable accuracy at any time the rinanciJ posltion of the charity and enable them to ensure that the finanryal slatements compty wilh the Charities and Twstee Investmènt Iscottandl Act 2005, the Charibes Accounts IScot13ndl Regulalions 2(x)6 las amended) and the prov15ions of Ihe charity's constiiuuon. Thèy a also responsiblè lor safeguarding the assets ol the charity and hènce for taking reasonable sleps for the preventson and deteclvn of fraud and other irregularilses roved b the Board of TTUStees on 26 Au ust. 2025 armt signed on its behalf by". Chalrtrrustèe
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 APPENDICES Appendix 1= MeQulston Brfdg• t s."Ildundonaldcastle.or .uklnew-footbri ioads-alliancel e-at4dundonald-castl thanks-to-slo -contractin -and-a rshir Appèndlx 2: Thlstle Award Wln Ann¢)uncement htt s.'Ildundonaldcastle or .ukJtriends-of-dundonald-casUe- -n8tion -Ihistle-awardsl App&ndlx 3: Ayrshire College Promotlonal Wideo htt s".Ilwww.faCebook.comlwalchlfy-742592278064 Appèndlx 4: USER SURVEY OCTOBER 2024 In Ociober 2024, we conducted a new user conSUttatn asking forfeedback on how Partpating in OUT commun41y hublfree group Impacted our users.. what seNKes, acteS or support they found most valuable, and what improvements or additional support Ihey would like to see in the hub. IndNiduals were er0raged to ancrymously provKle feedback on post-rts. We were overwhelmed at the response and feedbad¢. A few eXameS afe.. '31 a great welcome every time we cDmel Lo¥ety ke$ good c4)mpany. Staff are second to nonel. 'Enjoy coming for the company and the fun we have. I look foTward to rt!. 'Meeting friends, heariThJ aboLrt village lrfe. Wouhl love the centre to be ligger, kjve the staff, very friendty, 'Lovely friendly atmosphere. Coffee aayS lovety and the people very welcomiThJ. I come for the company and to srt and read, while enjoying the company. Could do wth more space,. 'This hublgroup is very comrnunity minded and that is very weloyne. Ourscrabble group have been coming here for aboLrt 7-8 years and are aayS made to feel very welcome. I don't think the hub could be improved in any way., 'As a mèmbèr of the Scratse Group for the past 7 years I have found invaluable friendship in all aspecis ol the visitor centre. This 15 an amazing hub foi all ages ol the comunity. Afvmys friendty and welcoming, a delighl to visit., 'Making and meeting friends. The staff are first dass. All Ihe knitting ladies are wonderful. I donl know what I would do if the centre wasn't here., 'A reason to go OLtt. Leamiry from group. Making aTrJ meetiThJ frid$. Nice friendty staff 'Attending the Knit n Natter has been a lifeline for me sctialiwng wilh such lovely ladies al Dundonald Castle. I have learnt so much and improved my skills. It gNes me confidence to go out. The staff are so friendty and supportive,. 'It has made me socialise since Covid. The staff are so nice and friendly and make you feel welcome, 'Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre gNes members of the communty a thar lo soaalse wilh one another when they might not otherwise have mer 'My mother and I both have mobilty iSSLtes and Ihe café is a perfeclty central locabon the village. '1 don't think you can improve on perfeclion!. 'The VC and its wonderful staff have saved my santy whilst dealing th a baby with health difficumies and being unwell myself. The lritrndty atmosphere has created a sarttuary and community hub lor so many people like me. especwlty when I don t diNe' 'Il is a g¥eal place lo meet and lalk Io FIe I love all the oppK)rtuniliès 19et to try new things. Our team commented.. '1 love my job 8nd working for FODC. Stsff a frndty and hdpful, sense ofteamwork. Love Contributing lo and wrtne$$ing the arnazing and orbgtsing woth delwered to IhÈ local communrty. I feel my is valued and appreoatèd. Love the part ttme aspect and flexibility as rt suits my famity (in$t3nS lunpaK1 carerl. And it's I(11. '1 love working in a happy environment and enj fantastic conveTralK)ns th new and regular wslomers, 'The supportNe nalvre of FODC m8ke o)rning lo work feel like spending Ihe day with frsend5 and family, '1 love how everyone is so nice to me. l arn leamin9 a lot. 'After my personal ¢ircÈJrnstances Changed I Cne b*k tow(xk 8itheC8$Oe because a frEndty 8tm03phere. welcomirrfJ and every day is diflerent. .1 love volunteering at the Castle be(xuse of Ihe sense of comrrKJnty l find Ihere. There is a very real sense of 'farnil amongst the staff and the volunteers and as a ne>mr to Ihe villag8 I havè malle so rn8ny frierMl$ and It has held mfy leel I'belong,. l always feel bettei after I have visrted or worked at the caSe. It gr¥e$ me IK)Pg.' Appendix 5.. S¢oUand Lov¢¥ Local Medl• C•mpalgrt Llnk htl s'lllovelocal.scoUhistoric-atlractior>-makes-commilfflenl-tTrboostin -¢knsin -locaU Appendix 6: OnlirE Wedding Brochure htl s'.Ildundonaldcastle.or .uklcerernon brhure1 Appendix 7: LIST OF ONLINE UNKS FOR WEBSITE PAGES & SOCIAL AIEDIA Dundonald Castle Website.. w¥w4 dundonaldcastle.or .uk YouTube Channel.. outube coml Dundonaldcast Facebook.. cebook.comld naldcastle Twitter.. www.twitter.comldundonaldcaslle Instagram.. www.irssta ram.comld ndonald castle TikTok'. www.tiktok.coml dundonaldcasle xv
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) INDEPENDENT EXAIAINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) I rtrport on th$ t<16 of th¢ ¢h•ty for the pertod ended 31 Dember 21r24. which are sel out on pages 2 10 9. R•spe¢tlv• rtsponslbllitl•s of trustees and examlnèr The chanty's trustèes are responsible for thè preparation of thè accounts accor(lance with the terms ol the Chant*s and Tfustee Inveslment Iscolandl Act 2005 and Charfjlfies Awunts {S(t18nd) Regulaiion5 20(6 las amendedl. The charity trustees COder Ihat the audit reqLbirernent of Re9ulation 10111 (al lo (cl of the Ac£ounts Regulath)ns does not apply. It is my $nSibilitY to exanine the acCoLtS as reqred urKler sedion 44111 Icl of Ihe Ad and to state whether partb)JL4r mattèfs have o)me to my attention. Basls of Independent examlnerfs ststement My examination is carried out in acoJrdaJYA RegULat 11 of Ihè chareS A(tounts ISLx)ti8nd) Regulations 20C6. An examination indudes a review of Ihe accounting led$ kepl by the chaiily and a cornparison ol Ihe accounls presented wth those records. It also indudes Considerati of any unusual ilems or disdosure5 in Ihe accounts. and seeks explatIonS from the trustees conceming any such matters. The pr¢)rAdurès undertaken ( not Provide all the eVIdee that would be requred in an 3J11, aThJ ¢Ceqn I do not expTess an aL¥Jrt 0'nIC on Ihe view given by the accojnls. Indèpèndent examinerfs statsm•nt In the course of my examinat¥)n, no matter has come to my attentitin.. whith gives Me reaSonae cause b t¢lie¥e that in any material reswl the reouiiements.. to keep account'w records in acc0vdan with SectKJn 44{1) lal ofthe 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of Ihe Accounts Regulab"ons'. and to prepare accounts v4hith accord with the acclythting OrdS and comply wrth ReguLqtion 8 01 the Accounts Relat9.. have not en met: or to which. in my opinn, attention sk1 bedr&¥n in cder to enable a proper urnlèrstanding ofthe arwunls lo be reathed. Chartered Accountant IICASI 26 August, 2025 Page 1
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIOI STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 UnreBtricted Unrestricted RestrScted Genèrnl D•$lgnat¥d Funds Fund Fund Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 109 re8tatedl Income Donations. lÈgacies and other Charitable activilies Inveslmènls 55,034 128.598 99,600 128,598 118,258 99,549 Total Income 183.632 228,198 217.805 Expenditure Costs of raising fLmds Charitable actNities Othef 1.009 230.834 1,950 157.722 77.961 150.723 2.150 Total Expenditure 77,961 151,732 2,150 231.843 159,672 Net IncomellExpenditurel {33.395) 31,gXJ 12.150} 13.645} 58,133 C8pII81 expenditure (1.8Tr)) 11,8%) 3.695 Transfers between funds {10.fxK)) 10.CK)O Net movement in funds (35,195) 11.545 13.6451 58,133 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought foThYard 56.198 32.135 39.735 128,068 69,935 Total funds carried forward 21.003 52,140 51.280 124.423 128,068 An anatysis of Income and Expenditure is induded al Note 11 to the financial statèmenls. Expendrture is allocated to the atrw)ve cost categorS on the basis of the accounlin9 pdicy disth)$ed at Note 1 (dl io Ihe finanaal statements. Page 2
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 {as rèstatèd) Notss Fbxèd assets Tangible assets 41,280 41.280 39,735 39,735 Current a6s0ts Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 1,160 88.301 89.461 1,2 91,998 93,294 Liabilities Creditors." amounts falling due within one year 6,318 4,961 Net current assets 83.143 88.333 Total assets lèss current liabillties 124.423 128,068 Funds Restricted income funds Unrestricted income lund5' General funds DesKJnaled funds 9110 21.003 56,198 9110 9110 52.140 51.280 32 135 39,735 TDlal unrestricted funds 103,420 71,870 Total Charity Funds 124,423 128,068 The financial slalemenls were approved by the Trustees on 26 August, 2025 and signed on theii behaK by". Page 3
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE ISCIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 l Accounting poll¢les The principal aecounling policies are summarised bdow. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the Feriod and in the Pced1j year. la) Basls of accounting The financial 5talement5 have been prepared under the historical cosl ¢onventicK), and in accordance with the Charities A¢ntS Iscollandl Regulations 2006 las amended) and the Statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charitie5 issued in March 2005. The comparative figures have been reslaled from cash accounting to accruals accounting. (bl Fund ac¢ounllng Unrestricted funds ar8 available fw use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of Ihg general objeth'ves ol the Charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds afe subjected lo reslricttons on their expenditure imposed by the dor[ or grantor. Transfer5 between furbds are made at the diSCretw of the Insstees taking into corbsideralion any restrictions imposed on funds. 1¢ I Income All income is included in the statement of financial actsw.bes when the charity is enlilled lo the income and the amount can be quantified with reaSonae accura. Tr folk)vring speufic poliaes are appl to particular Categories of income.. Donations and legacies are received by vray of grants, donations and gifts argd is included in full in the Statement of Financial Acliwbes when receivable. Grants. vthere entittemenl is not condrtional on the delivery of a special performance by Ihe charity. are recL¥Jnised ffien the charity becomes nndItionallY enlilled lo the gfant. Donated serw¢es and facilities are included al the value lo the charity vthere this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunleers has nol been included in these accounts. Investment income is includgj when receIvate. Income from grants, where related to perfomiance and specffic deliverables. is aecounted tr as the tharity eams the right lo consideration by ts perfLance. Page 4
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE ISCIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 1 Accountlng pollcle8 (contlnuod) Idl Expendfture ExFendrture is re¢ognised on an accwals basis as a lia'lty is incurred. Costs ol raising fund5 MPriSe the costs asscciated wth attractirvj voluntary irtrcome and grants. Charitable exndItUTe comprises those costs incurred by the chatity in the delivery of ils activities and seryices for its beneficiaries. It Indudes tx)Ih costs that can be allocated directly lo such a¢tThirties and those costs of an indirect natLFre necessary to supwrt them. Govemance costs inchjdes those costs assock8ted wth meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the Independent Examinerfs fees and o)sts linked lo the strategic management of the charity which are voluntary other than directors, travelling expenses reimbursed. All costs are allocated betsyeen the expenditure categories of the SOFA on a basis designed lo reflect the use of the fftsource. Costs relating lo a particr activity are alkKaled diTecUy, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis such as staff lime pro-rala. {el Fixed assets Fixed assets (excluding investrnentsl are stated at ecst less accumulated depreciation. Minor addrtions costing below £250 are not capilalised. Depreciation is prOVed at rates calcuLaled to write off the c051 of each asset over its expected useful life as folkjws." Computer equipment- straighl line over S years Fixtufes and fitb"ng5 - straight line over 10 years The Vbsf(or Centre is currently not deprecrated, pending a planned extension project. An appropriate depreciatK)n policy wll be established Nthen this project is finalised. 2 Taxation The organisalion is a regislered Scolbsh charity and no corpKsration tax bability arises. The charity is VAT registered and VAT is deducted from the revant category of Income and expenditure. 3 Twstee Remunerallon and Related Party Trdnsactions Trustees are reimbursed for expenses incurre(l. No expenses were paid during the year ID any Trustee. No Trustee or other per50n rebled to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered Into by the charity during the period. This is with the exception of pur¢ha5e5 totslling £140.02 from director, whth were at arm's length. Page S
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 4 Staff costs and numbg 2024 2023 Salaries and wages Social security costs PeOn costs 149,945 673 1.743 101.039 367 1.391 152 361 102797 5 Tangible fixed assets Vlsltor Computer Fixtureg & entre Equipment Fittings Total Cost At l January 2024 Additions 29,087 7.623 1,895 42,700 3,695 Al 31 December 2024 30.887 9.518 46,395 Deprèeiatlon At 1 January 2024 Charge for the period 925 1.198 2,5 2,150 952 At 31 December 2024 2,123 2,992 5,175 Net book value At 31 December 2024 30,887 3,867 6.526 41,280 Nèt book value At 31 December 2023 29.087 5.065 6 btOr 2024 2023 Ttade Debtors Accrued IrKome 575 585 1.296 1.160 Page 6
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE (SCIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 7 Bank balances 2024 2023 Main account Restricted funds account Reserve account Cash balances 57,271 21,IXJ3 lo,)0 27 68,962 22.983 53 88,301 91,998 8 Creditors .' amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Trade Creditors Payroll Creditors Accrued Charges Deferred Income VAT Creditor 1.051 570 1.350 708 2.639 267 441 1,000 408 2,845 6,318 4.961 9 Anatysls of Ngt A9ts Bglwoen Funds Unrestrlcted Unrestrlcted General Deslgnatsd Funds Funds Restrl¢ted Funds Total Funds Fixed Assets 41,280 41,280 Current Assets 21.003 58.458 10,000 89,461 Current Liabilities 6.318 6,318 Net Assets 21,003 51.280 124423 Details of Significant Funds'.- Unrestricted Desi naled Ca ital Fund This represents the net book value of tangible and intangible fixed assets (note 51. Unrestricted General Funds This is effectively the chanVs reserve vthich can spent al the discretion of Ihe Trustees. Reslricled Funds Reslricled funds may be used for specific purpose. Restn"clions arise when speafied by the donor or when funds are raised for specrfic purposes, as follows.'- M¢Donalds Foundation '. Funding for youth. community and family events Troon Decides." Funding for friendship and mpanIOn groups VASA and SAC Thrivng Communities ERI.. Funding for job creation for 16-24 year olds. Page 7
F*IEtID50F DUNWIIAtDC&8TLE I) P40TES T071EWNAtKIAL STATEMEPITJ(CONTINUEDI FOR TIIEW EIK)EDJ1 DECEMBER 2 $1.It 11 ILJJ JI.1&¥ 7X .715 2J 711 $14 51 C¢1 1DI 7D• .•14 7.191 •.•TJ 6sJJ .$ 44J7 ia.082 1Jt.210 Suw ¢os 2110 2,110 lJJ.3qSI ii. 4•303 31 gllo 10.BWJ Iz.i C¥AIl ij6i•b) 4•X 20r 1.ys S2.1
FRIENDS OF DUNDONALD CASTLE {SCIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 11 Income and Expendltur• Account 2024 2023 las restated) Not•• Income Donaty"ons & subs1Pts Troon t)ecides McDonahJs Voluntsry ActM)n SoLrth Ayrshre Foundatw)n S¢otland South Ayrshire Council Hislofic Environment Scotland Relail. AdMiSsns, Catering & E¥ts Education visits Online AdMisSnS & Events Wedding5 Miscellaneous 7.4 5.737 1.rJ)o S,()0 33.21 S 5.LK)O 23,715 44,589 75.914 9,499 7,691 5.333 1.112 12,649 26,975 48,106 109.704 5.629 6,973 6,292 228.198 217,805 Expendlture Goods for resale Wages & Pensions Advertisin9, Postage & Telephone IT Expenses Secunty Costs Ulilitses Repairs, Renewals & Equipment subscriptns & Lwces Bank Charges General Event & Weddings Education & Training Insurance Motor & Travelling Cleaning & PPE Independent ExaminerlAAxountsry Fees Payroll Bureau Other Professional Fees Depreciation Charge 40.660 152.361 2.929 148 753 8,263 30,304 103.238 2.576 292 1,450 2.952 342 2.377 1.576 1,380 2.580 2,411 1,692 73 2,082 1,0 887 1,949 1.936 6.617 1.302 275 1.746 1.350 1,404 5,530 2,150 1,960 231843 159.672 Result for Year 58,133 Page 9