PIPE f) st. 2000 CAITHNESS YOUTH PIPE BAND TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR END 30" SEPTEMBER 2025
Reference and Administrative Detalls Ch8rhy Name Reglstered Charf Principal Address C8tthness Youth Pipe Band SC032879 Millwell Clayock Halkirk Caithness KW12 6UZ Number Trustee Name Position In Committee Chairperson Secretary Quartermaster Treasurer From To Clare Miller Nancyswanso Gemma M8cDonald Julie Manson 5 September2024 October 2020 1" June 2025 1" June 2025 Continued in post 30" September 2025 Continued in post Continued in post Trustee Namg Positlon In Commltt88 Quartermaster Acted From Acted To Win Campbell 5" September 2024 1°'June 2025
Structure, Governance and Management Governlng Do¢ument The charity is governed by a Constitution. which sets out the charity's purposes, powers and the rules under which it operates. Tru3188 Recrultment and Appointment Trustees are appointed and eLectrd in accordancewith the provisions of the Constitution. Trustees are elected bythe membership at the Annu81 General Meeting and are iesponsiblefor the govefnance and strategic direction of the charity. New trustees receive information on the charity's activities, governance arrangements and their responsibilities as charitytrustees. Govemance and Management The charity is managgd by a voluntary Board ofTrustses. which meets reEularlythroughoutth8 year to oversee the charity's activities, finances 8nd strategic development. Day-to-day operational matters. including rehearsals. performances. fvndraising and events, are supported by volunteers and delegated committee mernbers. wrth signrficant decisions being made collectively bythe Board in accordance with the Constiiution. Objectives and Activities Charitablo purpos8 Th8 charity exists to advancethe education and appreciation of tradltlonal Scottish pipe band music and culture by providing high-qualitytuition and development opportunities for young peopleaged 8 to 21. This Is achieved through structured instruction in piping and drumming, supponlng members to develop their musical abilkty. encouraging participation in performances and competitions. and promoting Scottish musical heritag8 through communty engagement and pubtic 8vent$. The charity is committed to provlding an inclusive, supportive and positive erwironment where young people can develop confidence. teamwork. discipline and leadership skiiis while representing Caithness with pride at local, nation81 and intemational events. Summary of maln actlvitles in relatlon lo oble¢tNo8 Throughoutthe year, the band Continued to provide reguiartuition and rehearsal$ for young people aged 8 to 21 in pipingand drumming. Supporting members to develop th8ir musical skills in a structured and encouraging environment. Members represented the bgnd at performances. competttions and community events across Caithness and further afield, promotingtraditional Scottish pipe balld music while gaining valuable performance experience. The band continued to invest in the development of its members through access to quabfied instructors and performance opportunities. Alongside musical education, the Charity promoted teamwork, disciptine, confidence and leadership, helpingyoung people to develop valuable life skilts.
Fundraising 8¢tlvities and communitySUPPOrt played an important role in enablingthe ch8rity to deliver its objectNes, helplng to provloe equipment. uniforms. tuitlon and opportunities for membersto participate and travelto competbtlon8 and events. A¢hievoments and Porfomiance The pastyear has been one of significant growth and achievement forthe band. both musicalty and thIn the wider communty. Our members enjoyed success at both the Caithne88 MuBlc Fe8tivalachieving excellent indNidual results that reflected thelr haid work. commitment and the high stsndard of tuition provided throughout the year. The band was honoured to represent Caithness at the Edinburgh Tartan Parade May 2025. performing81ongside bands from across Scotland and showcasingthetslent otouryoung Musicians to a national aLbdience. We contlnued ourvalued partnership wkth Scrabster HarbourTNst, providlng performances to welcome Cruise ship visitor8 to Catthness. These performances help promote the county's culture and herttage while giving members valuable public performance experience. Throughoui theyear. the band performed 8t a variety of local events and shows, continuingto play an active rol8within the communty and promoilng tmditionalscottish pipe band music acrossthe reglon. The band continued to invest in its long-term sustainability by enhancingthe resources available to its members. This included the purchase of equlpment to support musical devglopment and perfomiance stsndards, alongside ongoing investment in uniform8. 8quipment and essential resources. These investments ensure that members have accessto hlgh-quatity instruments and presentation, remove barriers to participation where possible. and help the band maintaln the professionalstsndards expected at performances. competittons and publlc events. M8mbership continued to grow duringtheyeai. with new young people joiningthe organisation and existing members progressing through the band. This growth reflects the increasing interest in the opportunities the band provides and str8ngth&ns the charity's ability to fulfil tts objectives for years to come. Financial Review The accounts for the year ending 30 September showthatthe org8nisation remalns in a stsble financial position. Duringthe year, totsl income amounted to É26.613.68. generated through a combin8tion of performance fees, sponsorship, donations, fundraising activities and succ8ssfulfvnding applications. The continued support of members. volunteers. support6rs and funding bodies has begn invaluable in en8biingthe organisation to deliver its activities and achieve its objectives. Total expenditure for the yearwas £31,216.09. The principal areas of expenditure related to the band's participation in the inaugufal Tartan Day Parade in Edinburgh in May and the purchase of new drums in August. Expenditure was carefully managed throughout the year to ensure that resources were used effeGtively and in ne with the organisation's priorities.
Overaii. the organisation reGorded a defictt of £4.602A1. resulting in 8 closing b8lan¢e of £9,900.55 at the y88r end. Despite thls planned investment in the band's activlties and equipment. the organisation remains in a 80und fln8ncl81 posltion, provlding a solid foundation tor future activities and planned projects. Looking ahead. the organisation willcontinueto focus on rnaintainingfinancial sustsinabiiity and securing additional funding opportunities to support its long-term 8mbition ot attending N8wYork Tartanweek in the future. The trustees would like to thank everyone who has contributed through fundraising, volunteering. donations and ongoing support throughoutthe year. Reserves Poucy The charity aims to maintain sufficient unrestricted reserves to ensure the continued delNeryof its charitable activities and to meet it5 ongoing financial commitments. Resetves provide stabilty for the oanisation, auowing it to respond to unexpected costs, maintain essential equipment and uniforms. supporttuition and mernber development, and ptan forfuture perform8nces, Competitions 8nd projects. The Trustees reviewthe level of reserves regularly to ensurethey remaln appropriate forthe charity's needs. Risk Management TheTiustees recognise their responsibilityto identify and manage risks that rnay affectthe charity. Regular consideration is given to financial m8nag8ment. safeguarding. health and safety, volunteer capacity and the maintenance of instiuments and 8quipment. Appropriate poii¢ies and procedures are in place where required. and risks are reviewed throughout the year to help ensurethe continued safe and effective operation of the charity. Future Plans The charity rernains committed to providing high-qu81itytuition and development opportunities for young people across Caithness. During the comingyear. the Trustees aim to continue growing membership. support members in achieving their musical potential. and increa8e opportuntties for performanGes, cornpetitions and community engagement. A keyfocus forthe comlngyears is fundraisingtowards an ambition to take the band to participate in th8 NewYorkTart8n Day Parade in either 2027 or2028. This opportunitywouid provide members with 8 unique cultural 8nd musical experience 118 showcaslngthe talent of young people from Calthne8s on an Internationalstage. To supportthis ambition, the charity hope to invest in branded gazebo, enabling the bènd to maximise fundraising opportunities while attending 8vents and performances. This will PTovide 8 base for seUinE merchandise, operating a small tuck shop and hosting children's games. helpingto increase fundraisingwhile engagingwykh local communities. A varied progr8mme of fundraisSng 8Ctfvitles Is planned. including 8 concert in November 2025 in collaboration with a local High18nd Dance Schoolto brlng somethlng really specialto the local communltyi a ceilldh in January 2026.
The Truste88 wliL continue to Invest In equlpment, unltorms and resources Ythere required, whlle developing partnerships and seekingfurther sponsorship and grant fundingto support the long- term su8tsinability of the charity. The Trustees remain focused on ensuringthe band continues to provide an inclusive. supportive and inspiring environmentwhereyoung people can develop both musically and personally. Other Optional Infomiation The Tru8tees have no additional matters to reportforthe period covered bythe report Declaration Signature Full Name Clare Miller Posttion Chairperson Date