Borders Disability Sport
Trustees Annual Report
for the period to
31[st] March 2026
Scottish Charity No: SC033264
Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] March 2026 Scottish Charity No SC033264
Index
Page 3 Reference & Administrative Information Page 4 Trustees Annual Report: Structure Governance & Management Objectives & Activities Page 5 - 7 Achievements & Performance Page 8 Financial Review & Statement of Trustees Page 9 Annual Accounts Page 10 Notes to the Accounts Page 11 Independent Examiners Report
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Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] March 2026 Scottish Charity No SC033264
Reference & Administrative Information
Charity Name:
Borders Disability Sport
Scottish Charity No:
SC033264
The Charites Principal Address: Invercraig Springfield Terrace St Boswells TD6 0EP
Charities Trustees on date off approval including office held:
Chairperson Ruth Hounam Vice Chairperson Dr Graham Cook Secretary Alison Clark Treasurer Kenneth Ovens Trustee Daniel Porter (Bowling) Trustee Anthony Philips (Fundraising) Trustee Ryan Evans (Boccia & Athletics)
In attendance at meetings are the following:
Greig Shortreed - Scottish Borders Council Disability Sports Officer Helen Kallow - Disability Sport Scotland Councillor Leagh Douglas - Scottish Borders Council Lynne Bain – NHS Rep Jenny Lineham – Scottish Borders Council
Names of other trustees during the period:
None
Independent Examiner: Sue Bennett ACIE 21 Dounehill JEDBURGH TD8 6LJ
Bankers:
Bank of Scotland plc PO Box 1000 BX2 1LB
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Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] March 2026 Scottish Charity No SC033264
Structure, Governance & Management
Governing Document:
Borders Disability Sport is a charitable unincorporated association administered by a management committee under the terms of a constitution.
Trustee Recruitment & Appointment:
All of the associations Management Committee are officially appointee or reappointed at an Annual General Meeting held within six months on the Year End.
Objectives & Activities
The Charities Charitable Purpose:
As set out in the ‘Constitution’ and ‘The Charities and Trustee Investments (Scotland) Act 2005’ the purpose(s) of Borders Disability Sport are the following: -
- ⚫ The advancement of public participation in sport
Any other purpose that may reasonably be regarded as analogous to any of the preceding purposes.
Summary of the main activities in relation to these objectives:
The charity's objectives in relation to the above is to support and work towards the benefit of athletes with any form of disability to allow them as many opportunities as their able-bodied friend as is practicable.
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Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] March 2026 Scottish Charity No SC033264
Achievement & Performance
Last year we commended Scottish Borders Council for their drafting of a new Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, and shared the widening of the focus to health and wellbeing as this is a crucial element of disability sport, where the sport provides a vital connection to communities and plays a key role in supporting and improving physical and mental health.
SDS also launched A Call to Action, urging government, local authorities, health boards, education providers, leisure trusts and third-sector organisations to recognise the rights of people with a disability, as set out in Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and to collaborate on systemic change.
There is no doubt that special arrangements must be made to support many people with disabilities to engage in sport and physical activity, whether that is in school, local clubs or other community settings. As a group we play a crucial role in helping shape delivery/work plans to ensure effective, measured routes to inclusivity and increased participation of people with disabilities. Our successes however are often met with disappoint when, for example our very successful Disability Wellbeing Project does not receive ongoing funding.
Sport and Participation this year
Athletics - one runner taking part in the National SDS Cross Country event. We continue to support Gala Harriers Athletics session that has specific sessions for young people with disabilities.
BANG - Summer Camp was well attended, and a great success. Cricket was a new addition this year and was very popular. It is hoped to introduce sports including softball and table cricket.
Boccia - £720 received from CBAH to purchase new Boccia balls. A successful bid to the Weir Trust has resulted in £22,000 being awarded to BDS. This means there is now some funding in place to go forward with a Boccia/Bowling Co-ordinator. Two young people completed the Boccia Leaders course. One secondary pupil competed at the National Schools Boccia Tournament.
Another successful league season run with grateful thanks to all the volunteers and coaches. It has been difficult to secure a suitable venue for Boccia to continue following the closure of the Queens Centre in Galashiels, a community venue much used by our group.
Bowling - The club in Peebles has enjoyed a very good year, bowlers loved their new team tops. It is hoped that outdoor grass bowling will be extended to Gala and Kelso next session. There are now 2 new players who are wheelchair users. Frankie Orr and Gavin Brunton attended a competition in Perth and Kinross. Gavin won a bronze medal and then in the SDS National Indoor Bowls Tournament won a silver medal. Congratulations to Gavin for all his success across many different sports. 15 Bowlers enjoyed indoor sessions at Tweedbank. Danny Porter continues to impress in both indoor (winning Teviotdale Gents indoor title) and outdoor bowling where assessments continue to remain part of Scotland’s High-Performance Squad.
Cricket - the Cricket Development Officer delivered a block of sessions at the Queens Centre. 8 people attended. £1000 has been received from SportsAid for cricket equipment.
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Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] March 2026 Scottish Charity No SC033264
Achievement & Performance cnt’d
Football - Neurodivergent Football at Melrose and Kelso Football Clubs (in partnership with Meeting of Minds) where football sessions will take place in June.
Gymnastics - Gymnastics sessions continued and 10 young people were supported by parents and 4 Live Borders staff.
Multi-Sports – These sessions have been held in Galashiels at the Queen’s Centre. The group has consistently had eight young people attending each week, testing their skills through agility courses, challenges, and various other sports.
Pilates - Pilates sessions are completed and were very successful.
Peebles Disability Sports went ahead for the High School and Primary Schools in the Tweeddale area. 28 participants attended with one new athlete being highlighted who may well be able to access other disciplines.
RDA - The Border group RDA continues to provide sessions helping children and adults enhance their physical and mental health and develop new skills to achieve goals. Fifty participants attend weekly and in addition to riding at all levels, Equine Assisted Therapy is available, and working with two Occupational Therapists, Hippotherapy, using the movement of the horse to help core strength and balance. None of the above would be possible without trained coaches and volunteers. Four teenagers are currently working as volunteers; this is helping their anxieties and mental health.
Swimming - Barracudas - new coach Bailey Macleod is a great addition to the swimming sessions. The Swimming Gala held in November was very successful. 4 clubs attended with almost 40 swimmers taking part. A real good news story is that 2 swimmers who started with the family swim group, progressed to lessons then competed and achieved a silver and a bronze medal at the gala.
The Wooden Spoons Charity carried out a well-received refurbishment of the pool at Wilton School in Hawick.
The Learning Disability Games were a huge success. 45 participants received attendance medals and we were particularly successful in Football, Rugby and especially Boccia where we won several medals.
Scottish Borders District Union. (SBDU)
David Ferguson attended SBDU which is designed to bring together Borders rugby clubs to develop inclusion and work towards becoming community hubs. They are working with many different groups including Scottish Rugby and Sported Scotland. A key strand is inclusion and accessibility. On behalf of SBDU Colin Richardson, a wheelchair user has visited clubs across the Borders advising on how to improve accessibility, often with very simple adjustments. Borders Clan Rugby Team based in Hawick, continues to grow from 2-3 regular players to 22 active players. They had a successful rugby tour to Cork.
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Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] March 2026 Scottish Charity No SC033264
Achievement & Performance cnt’d
The 20th Jed Renilson 10k wheelchair and hand cycle race was held on the 26th October. An excellent field took part including a former world record holder; Paralympians and we hope some stars of the future. A fabulous day, great racing and the weather was kind.
The Development Officer has carried our inclusion sessions in SBC schools.
The Club Sport Disability Awards were achieved by the following: Roxburgh - Kelso Gliders Boccia Team, Tweeddale - Tom Keddie – Swimming, Berwickshire - Sofia Mazzoni – Badminton, Eildon - Neil Dewar – Modern Pentathlon.
Disability sport and physical activity opportunities continue to be supported and developed in the Borders. Our DO Greig Shortreed works tirelessly along with our Committee, our Volunteers and partners - SBC, SDS and NHS Borders, to implement and co-ordinate our vision to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of people with a disability who take part in sporting activity in the Scottish Borders.
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Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] March 2026 Scottish Charity No SC033264
Financial Review
Statement of Reserves Policy:
The reserves of £41,253.90 as shown in the Statement of Funds, whether restricted or designated, are being used solely in furtherance of tour charitable purpose.
Details of any deficit:
There was a financial deficit this year.
Details of Donated Facilities & Services:
The Charity benefits from the time given by all the Trustees to the running of the Charity, including monitoring, supervision and meeting times.
Statement of Trustees Responsibilities
The members of the Charity must prepare financial statements which give sufficient detail to enable an appreciation of the transactions of the Charity during the financial year. The members of the Charity are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which, on request, must reflect the financial position of the Charity at that time. This must be done to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and must take reasonable steps for the prevention and/or detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
ruth hounam
Ruth Hounam Chairperson
Dated: 10.06.26
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Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] March 2026 Scottish Charity No SC033264
Receipts & Payments Account Year Ended 31[st] March 2026
| Note Receipts Grants Weir Charitable Trust Donations 1 Income Charitable Activities 2 Total Receipts Payments Charitable Activities Small Grants Other Expenses 3 Governance Honorarium Independent Examination Total Payments Surplus (Deficit) for year Transfer between Funds Totals Statement of Balances As at 31st March 2026 Funds at start of year Surplus (Deficit) for year Other Assets See note 4 Liabilities No Outstanding Liabilities |
Designated Funds 0.00 0.00 9,353.00 |
Unrestricted Funds 0.00 1,454.00 1,445.34 |
Restricted Funds 22,000.00 0.00 0.00 |
Total 2026 22,000.00 1,454.00 10,798.34 34,252.34 300.00 18,382.20 200.00 175.00 19,057.20 15,195.14 15,195.14 Total 2026 26,058.76 15,195.14 41,253.90 £1,442 |
Total 2025 0.00 1,353.01 5,477.20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9,353.00 | 2,899.34 | 22,000.00 | 6,830.21 | ||
| 0.00 13,630.70 0.00 0.00 |
300.00 4,751.50 200.00 175.00 |
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 |
300.00 54,794.35 200.00 175.00 |
||
| 13,630.70 | 5,426.50 | 0.00 | 55,469.35 | ||
| (4,277.70) 0.00 |
(2,527.16) 0.00 |
22,000.00 | (48,639.14) | ||
| (4,277.70) | (2,527.16) | 22,000.00 | (48,639.14) | ||
| Designated Funds 14,955.87 (4,277.70) |
Unrestricted Funds 11,102.89 (2,527.16) |
Restricted Funds 0.00 22,000.00 |
Total 2025 74,697.90 (48,639.14) |
||
| 10,678.17 | 8,575.73 | 22,000.00 | 26,058.76 | ||
| £1,064 |
kenneth ovens 10.06.26 Signed......……………………………………Dated................................... Treasurer
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Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] March 2026 Scottish Charity No SC033264
Notes to the Accounts
| 1 Donations Local Giving Other Donations 2 Income from Chartable Activities Wheelchair Race Boccia Swimming Gala Sponsorship Randolph Trust & Gala Swimming 3 Other Expenses Polo Shirts Scholarship Scottish Disability Sport & Eyemouth Community Centre Equipment Entry Fees Event Costs Insurance Facility Hire Website Costs Coaching Courses Swim Lessons Other Costs Transport Disability Wellbeing Membership Bank Charges |
2026 2025 0.00 253.01 1,454.00 1,100.00 £1,454.00 £1,353.01 266.00 851.20 8,773.00 4,335.00 116.00 291.00 939.00 0.00 704.34 0.00 £10,798.34 £5,477.20 756.62 457.14 260.00 0.00 310.00 310.00 1,557.54 569.44 32.00 60.00 2,943.77 821.40 193.00 181.88 9,183.49 3,731.86 0.00 404.16 1,906.75 1,835.69 300.00 780.00 0.00 440.58 216.20 202.85 699.30 186.35 0.00 44,813.00 23.53 0.00 |
|---|---|
| 18,382.20 54,794.35 |
4 Equipment
Terra 1516 Laptop 495.00 Boccia Referee Paddle & Handi life Standard Indoor Boccia Set 379.97 Jumbo Storage Chest 189.47 New Age Bowls Ramps 378.00 Total £1,442.44
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Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] March 2026 Scottish Charity No SC033264
Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts
Report to the trustees of Borders Disability Sport Registered charity number SC033264 On the accounts of the charity for the period to 31[st] March 2026 Set out on Pages 9-10
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) 2005 Act and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent examiner’s statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations
have not been met, or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
sue bennett Signed: ........................................................... Sue Bennett 21 Dounehill Jedburgh TD8 6LJ
11.06.26 Date: ................................................................
Relevant professional qualification(s) or body: ACIE & Dip Business & Finance
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Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ending 31. March 2026 Scottish Charity No SC033264 12