2026-03-31-accounts - The Scots Fiddle Festival

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The Scots Fiddle Festival

Report and Financial Statements

For the Year Ended

31 March 2026

Charity Number: SC 031564

The Scots Fiddle Festival

Report and Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 March 2026

*Contents*	*Pages*
Reference & administrative information	2
Report of the Trustees	3 - 4
Independent Examiner’s report	5
Statement of Financial Activities	6
(including Income & Expenditure Account)
Balance sheet	7
Notes to the accounts	8 - 12

The Scots Fiddle Festival

Reference & Administrative Information For the Year Ended 31 March 2026

Scottish Charity Reference:

SC 031564

Trustees:

The following served as trustees of the charity throughout the year:

Malcolm Gillies Dugald McArthur Moira Weitzen

Convener

Treasurer:

Catherine DeKeizer

Artistic director:

Graham Rorie

Independent Examiner:

Gordon Mavor, ACMA

Bankers:

The Bank of Scotland 43 Comely Bank Edinburgh, EH1 1AF

Registered Office:

39 High Street East Linton EH40 3AA

The Scots Fiddle Festival

Report of the Trustees For the Year Ended 31 March 2026

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.

Structure, Governance & Management

The Scots Fiddle Festival is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). The Scots Fiddle Festival is a registered charity, and is governed by its Constitution.

The trustees oversee a committee of dedicated volunteers who help to run the festival. The trustees appoint an artistic director to specifically oversee the musical and artistic programming of the festival. In addition to the trustees, and the artistic director, a committee of volunteers work throughout the year to plan the festival. Without the dedication of these committee members, the festival could not run.

The names of those who served as trustees during the year and other reference and administrative information are set out on page 2.

Objectives & Activities

The objectives of the charity are to advance the arts and culture in Scotland by holding an annual music festival focusing on traditional and contemporary fiddle music, and to advance the education of the public, primarily in Scotland, in traditional and contemporary fiddle music by including a programme of adult and youth workshops in the annual festival and by encouraging youth engagement with fiddle music outwith the annual festival

The Scots Fiddle Festival 2025 took place on 14, 15 and 16 November 2025, based at The Pleasance in Edinburgh.

Our Artistic Director, Graham Rorie, pulled together a great group of artists to perform at the concerts throughout the weekend. The Friday night concert opened with Grace Smith & Sam Sweeney followed by Fergal Scahill & Fabian Joyce. The Saturday night concert showcased the Scots Fiddle Festival Youth Engagement Project (“YEP”) - young musicians from around Scotland who came together to be taught music and performance skills by Lauren MacColl. The Saturday night concert continued with music from the Strathspey & Surreal Fiddle Orchestra, culminating in a performance by Saltfishforty.

The Festival had 11 daytime recitals over the weekend, including two free-to-attend recitals which were designated as family friendly concerts, and one “Trad Tunes for Bairns” recital which was also free-to-attend and designed for children under the age of seven. 24 workshops took place over the weekend, including one youth workshop. This year also saw the continuation of free-to-attend led sessions, and the free late-night Festival club on Saturday night.

Over the festival weekend itself, an additional group of around 20 volunteers helped with the hands-on operation of the festival including stewarding, ticket collection, hosting workshops etc. The committee extends its thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the Festival possible.

The Scots Fiddle Festival

Report of the Trustees (continued)

Financial Review

There was a net decrease in funds of £1,888 over the year (2025: increase of £2,638). There was an overall decrease in income of £1,985 (2025: increase of £3,525), primarily caused by a drop in income from the Festival compared to the prior period.

Expenditure increased by £2,541 - 8% overall (2025: decrease of 2%) as analysed in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 6. Total performer fees incurred by the Festival this year were £14,356 (2025: £12,907).

The Festival continues to make sales of the Legacy Project tune books and CDs. Sales of £713 (2025: £918) were recorded in the year, with associated costs of sale of £338 (2025: £330). The Festival holds £5,810 (2025: £6,053) of stock representing Legacy Project books and CDs.

Funds of £13,620 are carried forward (2025: £15,508), representing the free reserves of the charity. The festival works on a tight budget and the aim is to maintain one half of the cost of running a festival in reserves. The Trustees are committed to ensuring the festival is self-sustaining and have put in place a programme of cost control, together with expanding the workshops provision – which generally provide a good level of return - to achieve this goal.

Future outlook

The Trustees have considered the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Based on the charity’s current cash reserves, and after reviewing forecasts for next year, the Trustees believe the charity is a going concern.

By Order of the Board

Name: A M Gillies Trustee

Date: 30 August 2026

Report of the Independent Examiner To the Trustees of The Scots Fiddle Festival Limited I report on the accounts of The Scots Fiddle Festival Limrted for the year ended 31 March 2026, which are set out on pages 6 to 12. Respectlve responsibilitles of the trustees and examiner The Irusle8s of the charity are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wlth the lem)s ol the Charities and Trustee Investment Iscollandl Act 2005 Ilhe 2005 Acll and the Charities Accounts {Scollandl Regulations 2006. They consider that the audit requirement of Regulation10111 lal to (cl of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility lo examine Ihe accounts as required under section 44{1) Ic) of the Act and to stste whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiners statement My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotlandl Regulations 2006. An èxamination includes a review of the accountin9 records kept by the challly and a comparison of the acc£)unls presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the Iruslees concerning any such mallers. The proCedUS undertaken do nol provide all the evidence that would be required in an audlt, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the vtew given by the accounts. Independent examlnerfs statement In the wurse of my examination, no matter has c¥)me lo my attenlion: 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. lo keep accounting COrdS in accordance with Section 44{11 {a) of the 2005 Aol and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. and lo prepare accounts which accord with th8 accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met, or 2. to which, in my opinlon. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. Gordon Mavor ACMA Dat•: 30 Zoib 39 Bryce Road Edinburgh EH14 5LP

The Scots Fiddle Festival

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income & Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2026

Note Income from charitable activities: Income from Annual Fiddle Festival 2 Grants, sponsorship & donations 3 Sales of legacy project materials: Total income Expenditure on charitable activities: Annual Fiddle Festival: Ticketing costs (including commission) Performers' fees & expenses Artistic Director fees Venue expenses & insurance Publicity & merchandise Outreach (YEP) programme Other administrative costs Accountancy & independent examination Other expenditure: Total expenditure 4 Net income / (expenditure) for year Net movement in funds Funds brought forward Funds carried forward	Unrestricted Funds £ 26,583 2,517 713 29,813 2,092 14,356 1,500 10,484 1,436 588 547 360 338 31,701 (1,888) 15,508 13,620	Restricted Funds £ - 2,000 - 2,000 - - - - - 2,000 - - - 2,000 - - -	Total 2026 £ 26,583 4,517 713 31,813 2,092 14,356 1,500 10,484 1,436 2,588 547 360 338 33,701 (1,888) 15,508 13,620	Total 2025 £ 27,830 5,050
				918
				33,798
				2,219 12,907 1,500 9,416 1,478 2,354 596 360
				330
				31,160
				2,638
				12,870
				15,508

All incoming resources and resources expended are derived from continuing activities. The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than those included in the Statement of Financial Activities above.

The comparative figures are analysed by category in note 9 to the financial statements.

The notes on pages 8 to 12 form part of these financial statements.

The Scots Fiddle Festival

Balance Sheet at 31 March 2026

Note Current Assets Stocks 5 Debtors 6 Cash at bank Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 7 Net Current Assets Net Assets Funds: Unrestricted funds 8 Restricted funds 8 Total Funds	2026 £ 5,810 550 7,921 14,281 661 13,620 13,620 13,620 - 13,620	2025 £ 6,053 3,059 7,574
		16,686 1,178
		15,508
		15,508
		15,508 -
		15,508

Approved by the Board and authorised for issue on

Signed:

Name: A M Gillies

Date: 30 August 2026

Trustee

The Scots Fiddle Festival

Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2026

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of Accounting

The financial statements of the charity, which constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102, have been prepared on the historical cost basis and in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102): '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)'; and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).

Advantage has been taken of the exemption permitted for smaller charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

Going Concern Basis

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The trustees have assessed the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern and have a reasonable expectation that it will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future assuming adequate funding can be raised for each annual festival. Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these financial statements.

Income

Generally income is recognised and included in the accounts when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance or other conditions attaching to the income have been met or are fully within the control of the charity, the income has been received or receipt is considered probable and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from grants, sponsorship and donations for the annual festival is recognised in the financial year when the festival takes place and the corresponding expenditure has been incurred.

Where a grant or donation is received for a specific purpose, it is included in restricted income and any unexpended portion carried forward as a restricted fund.

Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and when there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments relate to amounts paid in advance for expenditure attributable to future financial periods. Accrued income relates to income due for the current year, which had not been billed or received at the year-end.

The Scots Fiddle Festival

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

1. Accounting Policies (continued)

Stock

Stock is stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less cost to sell. Stock is recognised as an expense in the period in the period in which the related revenue is recognised. At the end of each reporting period, stock is assessed for impairment.

Creditors & Provisions

Creditors are recognised at settlement amount, where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event, which is likely to result in the transfer of funds to a third party, and the amount due can be measured or estimated reliably.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activity. It is not registered for VAT and expenditure includes VAT where appropriate.

Funds

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with any of the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Accounting estimates

The trustees do not consider that there are any areas of the financial statements where significant judgements are being carried out.

The Scots Fiddle Festival

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

2. Income from Fiddle Festival Ticket sales & other festival income Stall rental & merchandise Total income 3. Grants & sponsorship William Syson Foundation Hugh Fraser Foundation Other grants, sponsorship & donations . 4. Expenditure & related parties Expenditure includes Independent examiner's remuneration Inventory recognised as an expense	2026 £ 25,802 781 26,583 2026 £ - 2,000 2,517 4,517 2026 £ 360 243	2025 £ 27,111 719 27,830 2025 £ 2,000 - 2,750 5,050 2025 £ 360 330

No remuneration was paid to any director of the company during either year.

Expenses of £288 were reimbursed to trustees during the year (2025: £419).

£1,508 (2025: £1,490) was paid to John Weitzen Lighting Services - a related party to the Charity as a close family member of the trustees - for the provision of technical lighting services at the Festival in November 2025. At the year end no amounts remain outstanding to related parties (2025: nil).

	2026	2025
Stock	£	£
Goods for resale	5,810	6,052

5. Stock

Stock represents Legacy project books and CDs, and is stated after provisions for impairment of £NIL (2025: NIL)

6. Debtors Trade Debtors Prepayments	2026 £ - 550 550	2025 £ - 3,059 3,059

10 -

The Scots Fiddle Festival Ltd

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

At 1/4/25 £ 15,508	2026 £ - 661 661 Income £ 29,813	At 31/3/26 £ 13,620


0	2,000	0

15,508	31,813	13,620

In the year to 31 March 2026, restricted funds related to grants received for the running of the Youth Engagement Project (YEP). All other grants and donations received during the year were unrestricted.

11 -

The Scots Fiddle Festival Notes to the Accounts (continued)

9. Prior Year Statement of Financial Activities

for the Year to 31 March 2025

Note Income from charitable activities: Income from Annual Fiddle Festival 2 Grants, sponsorship & donations 3 Sales of legacy project materials: Total income Expenditure on charitable activities: Annual Fiddle Festival: Ticketing costs (including commission) Performers' fees & expenses Artistic Director fees Venue expenses & insurance Publicity & merchandise Outreach (YEP) programme Other administrative costs Accountancy & independent examination Other expenditure: Total expenditure 4 Net income / (expenditure) for year Net movement in funds Funds brought forward Funds carried forward	Unrestricted Funds £ 27,830 2,750 918 31,498 2,219 12,607 1,500 9,416 1,478 354 596 360 330 28,860 2,638 12,870 15,508	Restricted Funds £ - 2,300 - 2,300 - 300 - - - 2,000 - - - - 2,300 - -	Total 2025 £ 27,830 5,050 918 33,798 2,219 12,907 1,500 9,416 1,478 2,354 596 360 330 31,160 2,638 12,870 15,508

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