ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025 2024-2025
Lairg & District Learning Centre Schoolhouse, Main Street, Lairg, IV27 4DD
Registered as a Scottish Charity SCO33900 Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee SC381245
admin@lairglearningcentre.org.uk
014549 402050
A A WORD FROM THE CHAIR WORD FROM THE CHAIR
We learn from each other, with each other and for each other
This year has shown, more clearly than ever, why small rural organisations matter — and why our Learning Centre continues to be such an essential part of life in Lairg and the surrounding villages. In a place as geographically dispersed and sparsely populated as Sutherland, where services are limited and distances long, the presence of a warm, open, local space is not a luxury. It is a lifeline.
The Annual Report that follows captures the breadth of what we do: learning that is creative, practical, intergenerational and deeply rooted in place. It reflects the mosaic of activities that make up our year — from sewing and woodwork to climate engagement, digital skills, filmmaking, Gaelic language, outdoor learning and family cooking. As the report notes, “we work with people of all ages… the learning opportunities we offer are broad, creative and practical” . That diversity is one of our strengths.
But behind that variety lies something even more important: we are one of the very few places in our community where people can walk through the door and receive holistic, human support — without needing to fit a category or meet a threshold.
In hyper-rural areas like ours, organisations inevitably become “catch-all” spaces. We may present as a learning centre, but in reality, we are also:
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a safe place to talk through trauma
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a source of support for people navigating systemic inequality
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a warm, trusted space for those facing fuel poverty
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a point of connection for people experiencing isolation
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a practical support hub for employment, digital access and everyday challenges
The report highlights that “long distances, limited services and isolation all play a part here” and that accessible, local learning “really matters” . That same context shapes the wider support we provide. In more urban areas, people can access specialist services in multiple settings. Here, in Lairg, there is the GP surgery, the community centre, the library and us. That reality is both a responsibility and a privilege.
We are small, but we are trusted.
We are tiny, but we are steady.
We are not a specialist service, yet we often hold the work that specialist services cannot reach.
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LEARNING AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY LIFE
A A WORD FROM THE CHAIR WORD FROM THE CHAIR
This year, we have supported people living with some of the highest fuel costs in the UK, in a county where mental health services struggle to reach and where there are no job centres or outreach provision. The report reflects this wider rural context clearly: “High living and fuel costs, limited transport, fewer well-paid jobs and an ageing population all affect everyday life” . These pressures shape the lives of the people who come through our doors — and they shape our work too.
Despite these challenges, the Learning Centre continues to be a place of joy, creativity and connection. The highlights in this report — from the Flight Path climate project to the Eden Court community drama performance, from Cyber Savvy Kids to our Makers’ Spaces — show what is possible when learning is rooted in community and delivered with care. They also show the power of partnership, something we value deeply.
None of this would be possible without our staff team, tutors, volunteers and partners. Their work is often quiet, often complex, and often unseen, but it is transformative. They create the conditions in which people feel welcome, capable and valued. They hold space for people navigating hardship. They celebrate every small step of progress. They keep our doors open.
I also want to acknowledge our funders, whose support allows us to keep learning free or low-cost and to reach people across Sutherland. As the report notes, “core support is essential… without this support, we’d struggle to exist” . In a challenging funding climate, their trust means everything.
As we look ahead, our commitment remains the same:
to be a place where people can come as they are, learn something new, find support, and feel part of a community that cares.
To continue reaching rural villages and harder-to-reach areas. To keep learning accessible, relevant and rooted in local need.
And to ensure that people in our part of the world are not left behind simply because of where they live.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our story this year. Your trust, participation and partnership are what make this Learning Centre the heart of our community.
IRENE WARNER-MACKINTOSH
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
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LEARNING AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY LIFE
WHO WE ARE...
Lairg and District Learning Centre was set up in 2001 as a registered charity to support learning in a remote rural part of Sutherland.
We are based in the old schoolhouse in Lairg, which has become a well used and welcoming space for the community. Alongside this, we take learning out into small villages, offering workshops in local halls and community hubs across Ross-shire, Caithness and the west coast.
We offer learning for people of all ages and at all stages of life, shaped by the realities of rural living. Long distances, limited services and isolation all play a part here, which is why having local, friendly places where people can come together, learn something new and feel part of something really matters. That belief sits right at the heart of everything we do.
We are grant funded, which means we work hard to shape what our community wants to learn around available funding. It’s really important to us to keep our learning opportunities accessible to all and affordable; cost is never a barrier to taking part. We’re a small staff team, supported by a strong board and a brilliant group of tutors, as well as our volunteers who step in whenever needed. We work closely with local organisations and funders, and we really value those relationships.
At the heart of everything we do is our community, and making sure everyone feels welcome through our doors.
The Learning Centre is a place where people meet, take part in things, and feel welcome. Lairg would be a much poorer place without it. It gives me a reason to get out of the house
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WHY WHY COMMUNITY LEARNING MATTERS COMMUNITY LEARNING MATTERS
Living and learning in a remote area brings both strengths and real challenges.
We are a close knit community, spread out and often overlooked, yet the pressures people face are significant. High living and fuel costs, limited transport, fewer well-paid jobs and an ageing population all affect everyday life, particularly for families, older residents and those on low or insecure incomes. Learning that is affordable, accessible and close to home matters here.
We provide community-led learning shaped by over 20 years’ experience and local need, delivered in welcoming spaces where people feel comfortable walking through the door. From children and young people to working-age adults and older residents, our work supports skills, wellbeing and a sense of belonging, helping people stay rooted in the area and take part in community life.
This approach reflects wider ambitions for our part of the world, to be a place where people can live and work, enjoy life, where opportunities aren’t limited and there is a strong sense of people and place.
When we apply for funding, our work is underpinned by careful research and local knowledge. We listen closely to our community and consult with local organisations, partners and tutors to understand what is needed and where the gaps are. We attend local community markets, gatherings such as The Crofters’ Show , and gather feedback, on google forms and through casual conversations. We also keep ourselves well informed by reading and drawing on wider evidence, including Local Place Plans, Scottish Government and third sector research, and impact assessments linked to local renewable developments. This includes reports such as Poverty in the Highlands by HTSI, Understanding the Changing Nature and Context of Poverty in Scottish Rural and Island Communities, and local impact assessments of wind farm community benefit funding.
Keeping up to date helps ensure our projects are relevant, realistic and rooted in both lived experience and the wider rural context.
Living in a small place like Lairg can be great, but it can also be pretty isolating. The Learning Centre gives people somewhere to go, something to do, and people to talk to. It makes a real difference, especially in the winter.
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WHAT WE WHAT WE DO DO
Lairg and District Learning Centre is a bit like a mosaic.
We are made up of lots of small elements, people, ideas, skills, interests and experiences, that come together to form something stronger and more meaningful as a whole. Everyone brings something different, and that is what makes our learning so rich and varied.
We work with people of all ages, from young children taking part in Mini Makers and school activities, through to teenagers, adults and older people in our community. The learning opportunities we offer are broad, creative and practical, and shaped by what people tell us they want and need.
Over the year we have offered a wide range of learning, including a community drama project with Eden Court, a Climate Engagement project, community cycling and walking, mosaic making, wool and fibre crafts, film making, woodwork, children’s activities, writing and poetry, pottery, learning to paint, gardening and fermenting and cookery workshops. We work across generations and across interests, and no two weeks ever look quite the same.
If we are not already running what people want to learn, we will try to find the funding to make it happen. All our workshops and classes are grant funded, and we pride ourselves on turning that into learning that feels welcoming, enjoyable and meaningful. We work hard to take learning into communities, reaching those who may not be able to travel, or feel more comfortable in their local village hall. It’s one of the things that makes us unique; we take learning to the doorstep.
We work closely with local schools, both primary and secondary, and with organisations such as The Kyle of Sutherland Hub in Bonar Bridge, the Bradbury Centre, Brora Learning Zone, Strathnaver Museum, Timespan and Historylinks Dornoch.
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A community made mosaic, part of our Scottish Government Climate Engagement Fund Project: Flight Path; learning about climate change through the lens of bird migration
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OUR FUNDERS OUR FUNDERS
We are incredibly grateful to all of our funders for their trust and support over the year.
Without them, it simply wouldn’t be possible to deliver such a wide range of high quality, affordable learning for people in our community. Funding from Scottish Government Climate Engagement Fund, Achany and Rosehall Windfarm, Highland Third Sector Interface, the National Lottery, the Robertson Trust, Bank of Scotland, Voluntary Groups Sutherland, the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Anne Duchess of Westminster Trust, Foundation Scotland, North Highland Initiative, Highland Council, Lairg Community Council and Police Scotland has allowed us to respond to local need and keep learning free or low cost. Their support makes a real difference and helps ensure learning remains accessible to everyone.
Alongside project funding, core support is essential. It keeps our doors open, supports our small staff team and gives us a strong base from which to plan our work and go out and secure further project funding, especially in today’s challenging funding climate. Support from Foundation Scotland through the Achany and Rosehall Windfarm funds, alongside Ardgay, Creich and Lairg Community Councils, helps cover essential costs, from staff posts to building maintenance.
Without this support, we’d struggle to exist.
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SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM A BUSY YEAR SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM A BUSY YEAR
Flight Path – Climate change through birds and migration
Funded through the Scottish Government Climate Engagement Fund, Flight Path was one of only eight projects across Scotland to be awarded funding. The project explored climate change through the lens of bird migration, offering a creative and imaginative way to engage with a complex issue. Through mosaics, writing, poetry, art, talks and shared learning, participants followed the migratory journeys of birds such as the cuckoo, with our very own “George”, sponsored and carefully watched on his journey south for winter. This approach made climate change feel relevant, accessible and rooted in place, encouraging reflection and discussion about our shared responsibility for the natural world.
Good Things Foundation
Our project "Cyber Savvy Kids" saw us working with the schools in our area, from primary to high, teaching computer literacy and internet safety for children in the rural communities of Sutherland. From passwords, to sharing information, we made sure our lessons were fun, informative, interactive and had keeping safe on-line embedded in them.
Highland Community Waste Partnership – legacy and learning
This year marked the end of the Highland Community Waste Partnership, bringing a significant and bittersweet chapter to a close. Over its lifetime, the project supported repair, reuse, making and skill sharing, embedding climate awareness into everyday learning. While the funding has ended, its impact continues through our Maker’s Space, sewing, woodwork and practical workshops, and in the confidence and skills people have taken forward. The project highlighted both the value of community led climate action and the challenges of time limited funding.
Maker’s Space and family learning
We continued to offer hands on, intergenerational learning through cooking, crafting, sewing, pottery and woodwork. Families played an active role in shaping the programme, ensuring activities met real local need. These sessions provided practical skills, connection and confidence, reinforcing the Learning Centre’s role as a trusted and welcoming space within the community.
Screen Scotland - Creative Scotland
Funding from Screen Scotland enabled us to facilitate accessible and affordable filmmaking and mentorship to people of all ages and skill levels in Sutherland & Caithness. Films created were imaginative and different, told stories and were shared with the community at a celebratory event. The project drew people from far and wide, and led to interesting and enlightening discussions about film, people, place and history.
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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS “A group of 14 pupils from across the year groups at GHS really enjoyed working with LDLC and David McNeish on the theatre project that began, for us, in January and led to the 39 performance of ‘Welcome to Lairg’ in June. Pupils were delighted to see the ideas that they wrote for them. As a teacher I enjoyed seeing the pupils involved develop skills in theatre and story telling and grow in confidence. Some of the pupils who performed on the night had not taken part in on-stage roles at GHS and surprised themselves with their ability to take part. On the Saturday in June pupils were well looked-after and supported by the LDLC, David and the team as well as by the wider community and the experience was overwhelmingly positive for all involved”. Naomi Alison, Golspie High School Drama teacher. ~~a~~ One of the standout projects of the year was our partnership with Eden Court, which was funded through the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, In On The Act was a community drama project rooted in local stories, memories and shared experience. Working with writer David McNeish, people of all ages came together to explore what makes Lairg what it is. The resulting performance was joyful, moving and inclusive. It sold out, extra chairs were needed, and the inflatable wee house became a symbol of home, memory and belonging. The project drew people from across The Highlands and reflected everything the Learning Centre stands for.
The resulting performance was a real celebration of where we live and our community, it was incredibly moving, telling stories, and tales of Lairg, and performed by local people, as well as a performance by The Gaelic Choir and a specially written song. It sold out, extra chairs were needed; people from across Sutherland came along. Above all, we feel it the whole project and performance reflected everything the Learning Centre stands for.
Children and Young People - supporting the next generation.
Children and young people are a huge part of life at the Learning Centre. We work with primary pupils right through to high school and young adults, offering everything from crafts, art and eco make up workshops to outdoor adventures with GoWildHighlands. Younger children learn lifelong skills such as knitting, sewing painting and woodwork, while families and carers feel supported knowing there is local safe place for them, something positive to take part in and to be part of. Our older young people are really engaging with digital activities too, from coding to gaming, developing skills they simply would not access otherwise in a small rural place. We are one of the only places in Lairg where children and teenagers can come along to do this kind of thing after school. We are right next to the school, well known, trusted and safe, which makes all the difference for families.
We also enjoy working with other organisations such as Brora Learning Zone, Planet Youth and The Hub in Bonar Bridge and have a recently developed a close working relationship with Golspie Youth Action Project. We talk regularly, share ideas and offer the best we can to the young people and children in our community. These connections are so important, offering support to teams in otherwise isolated places 9 and working together to offer the best we can.
BREADTH OF LEARNING... BREADTH OF LEARNING...
Over the year, we delivered an exceptionally wide range of workshops, reflecting the many interests, ages and skills in our community, from the creative to the practical.
Sewing and making
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·Sew Your Own sessions (Japanese Knot Bags, Bucket Hats, Eco Face Wipes, Heat Bags, Re-usable Gift Bags, Bottle Bags, Snoods and Mittens, Twisted Headbands, Festive Dolls)
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·Group Sewing projects including Felt Birds and World Map Tapestry
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·Quilting
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·Turtle Mop Workshop
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·Scrap busting Workshop
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·Decoupage for Wellness
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·Handmade soaps
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·Mosaics; including our Flight Path Climate Change Triptych
Art and wellbeing
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·Art for Wellbeing with Anne Little
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·Landscapes in Soft Pastels
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·Watercolour Scene
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·Birds of Prey in Acrylic
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·Zen and Zine Creative Therapy
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·Creative Calm Mindful Doodling
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·Fine Lines Patterns and Drawings
The Cabin Workshops: Woodwork, practical skills and pottery
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·Woodworking 4 Week Introduction
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·Make Your Own Bee and Bug Hotel
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·Loom making and using
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·Make Your Own Planter Box
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·Hallowe’en Lanterns
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·Christmas Tree Shelf
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·Bird Houses and Bird Feeders
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·Pottery 4 Week Introduction
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·2 Week Pottery Bird themed Taster
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·2 Week Pottery Bird Bowls
Outdoor learning, nature and gardening
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·Foraging walks and classes (Balblair Woods, Raven’s Rock, Rosehall and Camore Wood)
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·Getting Growing Ready and Seed Swap
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·Gardening: How to Create a Dead Hedge
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·Trip to RSPB Forsinard
Health, wellbeing and safety
- ·Emergency First Aid at Work
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AND AND THERE’S MORE... THERE'S MORE...
Food and cooking
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·Vegetable Fermentation, Kefir and Fermented Oats
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·Make Your Own Kefir, Fermented Oats and Veg
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·Bake and Blether – blocks of weekly sessions
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·Soup and Sparkles
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·Family Cooking workshops – blocks of weekly sessions.
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·Shrove Tuesday
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·Pasta making for teenagers
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·Biscuit decorating
Gaelic language, song and culture
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·8 Week Beginners Gaelic Courses (online)
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·8 Week Post Beginners Gaelic Courses (online and in person)
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·Gaelic Mythology with Eilidh
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·Gaelic Song Workshops with Duncan and Rona (Bonar Bridge and Golspie)
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·Storytelling and Poetry: Birds and Boglands (with Gaelic names)
Writing, poetry and heritage
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·Writing Classes: Quill the Climate Crisis (Ospreys, Cuckoos, Seabirds, Swallows and Martins)
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·Historical Mapping Workshop
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·Highland Heritage: From Flint Scatters to Farmsteads
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·Then and Now - Local history project with History Links Dornoch
Digital skills, film and Screen Arts
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·Smartphone Filmmaking Workshops with Robert Aitken
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·Screen Arts Film Training (3 Day Course)
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·Food and Film Night
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Digital workshops, IT support and basic computer lessons.
Children and young people
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·Coding for Kids: 4 Week Introduction
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·Coding for Kids: The Next Level
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·Mini Coders (P1–P4)
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·Mini-Makers
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·Digital sessions at Golspie High School
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·Internet Safety and keeping safe online at Lairg and Rosehall Primary Schools
Talks, events and community activity
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·Bird Talks with Blue Highlands Bird Rescue, Rangers Andy & Marcia, and BTO
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·Open Day: Flight Path Launch
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·Winterfest 2024
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·Highland Community Waste Partnership Celebration Event
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·Community outing to Forsinard RSBP
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Our sewing workshops help people learn practical skills, build confidence and make things last.
From basic machine use to mending and repairing clothes, they support self reliance while encouraging reuse and reducing waste.
They are relaxed, social sessions where people learn together, share skills and quietly do their bit for the planet. Where possible, we re-use items donated to us such as duvet covers, ripped jeans and curtains, giving them new life as part of the circular economy.
I enjoyed it, and it was good as I could learn about my own machine, at my pace.
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Art and creativity really matter to our community. We see it every week in our groups, where people come together in small, supportive settings to try something new, learn skills and spend time with others.
Recent research has shown that taking part in arts and culture can have real benefits for health and wellbeing, helping people feel less stressed, more connected and more confident. That very much reflects what we see locally. Keeping creative learning low cost and welcoming means people feel able to give it a go, often for the first time. Over time, confidence grows, friendships form and people begin to see what they’re capable of.
I found the class very enjoyable with a lovely relaxed but supportive atmosphere. I haven't painted since school and it was good to challenge my "unused creative muscles". I also learned some new skills and enjoyed working in company with others
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Our cabin is the perfect place to work with your hands. It’s well equipped, welcoming and made for getting a bit messy.
Whether it’s picking up a saw, shaping a piece of wood, or throwing a slab of clay down on the table, people are free to experiment, learn and make without pressure.
The cabin is about confidence as much as craft, giving people the space to try something new, enjoy the process and take pride in what they’ve made.
I’ve never done anything like this before and didn’t think I could, but I surprised myself.
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Outdoor learning and nature are a big part of what we do. We’re lucky to live and work in such a beautiful place. Being outside feels natural here and is so good for your mental health. We offer seasonal foraging walks and bushcraft, giving children the chance to play, explore and learn practical outdoor skills, and a proper break from screens. Working with Go Wild Highlands, these sessions are always popular and much needed.
Because demand for being outdoors is so high, we’ve expanded this work to include community walks and cycle rides, delivered with Pedal Pursuits and in partnership with The Kyle of Sutherland Hub.
It was lovely being out in nature and realising how much food is right there for free. The tutor was so knowledgeable and brought along loads of books, which made it feel really special.
These simple activities get people outside, moving, chatting and spending time together, improving mental and physical health.
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From family cooking sessions, where parents, carers and children of all ages come together around the table, to our weekly Bake and Blether, pasta workshops for teenagers , learning to ferment and make kefir and biscuit decorating for little ones, our cooking activities reach right across the community.
These sessions are about more than following recipes. People learn practical cooking skills, talk about good, nourishing food, and build confidence in the kitchen. Many take meals home to share with family and friends, spreading that learning further.
Me and my son who has Autism have enjoyed these cookery classes. It has given him lots of confidence in cooking at home .The cuppa and a chat at the end of the class was nice to catch up with new friends
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Our creative writing workshops offer a quiet but powerful way for people to explore ideas, share stories and make sense of the world around them. Our workshops create relaxed, supportive spaces where people can write, listen and be heard, whether they are picking up a pen for the first time or returning to something they have always loved. Working with themes such as place, nature and climate, these workshops help build confidence, encourage reflection and allow people to express their own voices, often drawing on personal experience and local landscapes. They are welcoming, inclusive and valued as much for the conversation and connection they create as for the writing itself.
I thoroughly enjoyed the courses, the tutor was extremely encouraging and knowledgeable
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Digital support is a key part of our work and demand continues to grow. We offer weekly drop-in IT sessions, providing one-to-one help with everything from setting up phones and using email to online banking, virus protection and general digital confidence. Alongside this, we run digital inclusion workshops and work with local schools to deliver coding and gaming sessions for children and young people, from primary through to high school.
Digital support is a vital resource for our community. As banking and essential services shift online, the older generation can often feel sidelined. Our intervention provides a necessary lifeline.
I still mourn the loss of my analogue world, but after these workshops I’m now less likely to be deceived and less likely to be marginalised
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SMARTPHONE FILMMAKING
BEGINNERS[ guide] Friday 26th July • 10am - 4pm
Create filmed stories using your mobile phone led by filmmaker Robert Aitken < Free entry - Open to all - Masterclass tips a > Sate in SMARTPHONE FILMMAKING INTERMEDIATE guide Tuesday 6th August • 10am - 4pm
A Screen Scotland Funded Project These film training days are offered as part of a co-funded Screen Arts project by Creative Scotland (Screen Scotland), lead partner, Lairg & District Learning Centre, and delivery partner, Poetic Film School.
Film making has become an important and popular part of what we offer, giving people the chance to tell stories, learn new skills and see their ideas take shape. Working with local and national partners, including Screen Scotland and local film maker Robert Aitken, we delivered accessible film making workshops using smartphones and simple equipment.
POETIC FILM SCHOOL
For some participants, this was a first opportunity to try film at all, while for others it was the chance to fulfil a long held interest
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Supporting children and young people continues to be a key part of our work. Throughout the year, we worked with local primary and secondary schools, offering activities that build confidence, skills and curiosity. From coding and digital sessions to creative workshops, outdoor learning and making, we provide safe, welcoming spaces where young people can try new things and learn at their own pace. For some, this is about discovering new interests; for others, it’s about having somewhere warm, friendly and supportive to spend time after school. We work closely with schools and partners to make sure activities are accessible and affordable, and to respond to what young people tell us they want and need.
: € a ty of ‘es eis -) a im Sepa * y 20 a i My “ah
We were so proud to work in partnership with Eden Court on In On The Act, a community drama and film project that brought people together to create and perform locally rooted work. This project offered local folk the chance to be involved in drama, storytelling and performance, many for the first time. It was inclusive, welcoming and shaped by those taking part, creating a strong sense of shared ownership and pride. Working with Eden Court while keeping the project grounded in our community showed the power of partnership, and demonstrated how creative work can build confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.
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It was great. Claire was so effective, supportive and challenged us
8 WEEKS - GAELIC POST £40 BEGINNERS LEVEL 1 (A1) Wednesday 2nd April | 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Online
8 WEEKS - GAELIC POST BEGINNERS LEVEL 2 (A2)
£40
Thursday 3rd April | 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Hybrid: Online & In-Person
We see it as an important part of our role to offer Gaelic language lessons and Gaelic myth workshops here in our own community. We work hard to secure funding so that these sessions can happen, keeping them accessible and affordable for local people. It matters to us that Gaelic is not something distant or academic, but something living and shared.
We work closely with local Gaelic speakers and more recently with Gaelic In Sutherland to make sure what we offer feels authentic and rooted in place. Our workshops, both online and in person, provide a gentle and welcoming space for people to learn or reconnect with the language. Some arrive as complete beginners, others are returning after years away. With patient tutors and a relaxed atmosphere, the sessions are supportive, story filled and always well attended. We see people from different parts of the world keen to join, something we are looking to expand in the future.
Reaching rural communities
We wouldn’t have taken part if we’d had to travel, so having this here really matters.
In response to requests we increased our outreach into rural villages in the Creich Community and Ardgay Community Cuoncil areas. Delivering locally reduces barriers such as transport and cost, and participation numbers are steadily increasing.
We plan to expand our rural delivery in the next year, with more workshops in Ardgay, working alongside Highland Wool Community Interest Company on our wool, knitting spinning and felting workshops, as well as well as working with The Kyle of Sutherland Hub, Culrain, Invershin and Rosehall. These workshops contribute to the long-term sustainability of halls through use and room hire, benefiting the whole community.
Our digital drop in at Rosehall was popular, local people were really grateful.
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statistics
Tickets sold - 533
Posts on Facebook - 246 Highest views on a single FB post - 6074 Link clicks - 6,235 shared posts - 446 times audience reach - 67,492
Most sold in a single day? - 16 on July 10th Classes and workshops ran - 122
Student map - locations such as Berlin, Bordeaux, Fleurance, Florida, Singapore and more.
Financial
Top event by sales - Emergency First Aid = £1493.43
Total Gross payout - £8,476,26 Total net payout - £7,698,90 Average ticket price - £15.42 Language class - 78 Gaelic learners
LDLC Visitor numbers
Outreach Venues
Hall costs for outreach classes and workshops for the year - £1,365.80
Villages reached - 15 including Rosehall, Strathnaver, Tongue, Brora, Bettyhill and more
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a word from the manager
As we look ahead, the need for community learning remains as strong as ever.
In a remote rural area like ours, affordable, local learning really matters, and we are committed to keeping cost from being a barrier wherever possible.
Demand continues to grow, particularly for digital skills and support, as more services move online and people try to keep up. At the same time, the creative side of what we offer remains hugely valued. Art, craft, making and storytelling give people space to slow down, learn new skills and connect with others, and these sessions are often where we see confidence grow the most.
The funding landscape is extremely challenging, and the future can feel uncertain at times. Like many small organisations, we face difficult decisions and cannot always meet the level of demand we see. This brings pressure and worry, but we also know we are deeply supported by our community, partners and those beyond our immediate area. People continue to show up, take part and offer help.
We keep going because this work matters. We care deeply about what we do and the people we work with. Despite the challenges, we remain resilient and hopeful, building on what works well and continuing to offer learning that is welcoming, relevant and rooted in community.
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Learning that is affordable, accessible and close to home matters here.
LOOKING AHEAD
“Since moving to Lairg 3 years ago, I can't say enough about what a fantastic asset the Learning Centre is, not only to the village, but to many people who travel from surrounding areas to take advantage of the courses and activities. At the writing course there was even a couple from Lossiemouth! To lose such a facility would leave a huge hole in the lives of many people, the young and the more elderly alike. The centre offers such a variety of classes at a very reasonable cost, as well as IT support and occasional free events, such as educational talks, eg about the geology of the area.”
What would people do if the Learning Centre was not here?
It is a question we were recently asked during a visit from the Highland Poverty and Equality Commission (March 2026) and it is one that stayed with us. It echoes the words of one of our students in the quote above, who described the Learning Centre as a fantastic asset to the village and surrounding communities.
When we think about that question, the answer becomes clear. The absence of the Learning Centre would leave a very real gap. For many people it is a place to learn new skills, to meet others, to find support, or simply to feel part of something. We have even been told that when people are deciding where to live, the presence of the Learning Centre can tip the balance. In rural communities, places like this matter.
What it does remind us of is how important it is to plan carefully for the future and ensure the Learning Centre remains strong, stable and able to respond to the needs of our community.
Our ambition is simple. We want to continue providing learning, creativity and practical support for people of all ages across our rural communities. Demand for our work continues to grow. Last year we welcomed over 1,560 visitors through the centre, with more than 2,600 people taking part in workshops and activities. Numbers are carefully monitored through sign in records and Eventbrite tracking and, while there will always be a little overlap, they give a clear picture of the scale of engagement.
Looking ahead, we want to strengthen our role in learning, employability and skills development, particularly for young people. Schools and partner organisations are increasingly asking for our support with young people who need a little more encouragement, those who may feel disengaged from school or who are still feeling the longer-term impact of the COVID years.
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In recent months we have worked with Work.Life.Highland and local schools to deliver practical qualifications such as First Aid and Food Hygiene. In an area where hospitality provides an important source of seasonal employment, these qualifications can offer young people a valuable first step into work. We are also exploring new ways to support learning and study. During Easter 2026, the Learning Centre will open as a warm, safe study space, working alongside Scottish Schools Online so young people have somewhere they can learn.
As our Chair says:
We are small, but we are trusted. We are tiny, but we are steady.
We are not a specialist service, yet we often hold the work that specialist services cannot reach .
That trust gives us the confidence to remain quietly ambitious. With the right support we can continue to grow opportunities for learning, qualifications and creative skills, helping people of all ages build confidence and widen their life chances.
None of this happens without core funding. It may not be front page news, but it is the foundation that allows everything else to exist. Core funding supports three part time posts that keep the Learning Centre open, coordinate projects, support learners and build partnerships across our communities.
Like many small charities we adapt constantly to the funding available. Last year we had to reduce staff hours and make a redundancy simply to keep the organisation stable. The work itself does not decrease, which means our small team continues largely because they care deeply about the community we serve. Core funding also covers the practical things that keep the doors open. Insurance, heating, lighting, maintenance, equipment, photocopying, and the everyday costs that are rarely visible but absolutely essential. Recently volunteers helped replace the roof on The Cabin, saving us almost £4,000.
These things may not sound exciting, but without them the Learning Centre could not function. Core support provides the stability that allows everything else to happen, the workshops, the partnerships, the learning opportunities and the quiet, steady work that supports our community every day.
The Learning Centre has always been resilient. Like many small community organisations we adapt, keep going and continue building on what works. We will keep doing what we do best, opening the doors, responding to local need, growing opportunities for learning and applying for the funding that allows this work to continue.
With the continued support of our community and funders, we are confident that the Learning Centre will remain a strong and steady foundation for our community for many years to come
27
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 28 to 29 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 30 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 31 |
| Balance Sheet | 32 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 33 to 40 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 41 |
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2025
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30th June 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Charitable Purposes
Our purposes are reported in the constitution: To advance the education of the residents of Sutherland by providing or assisting in the provision of local facilities and resources for lifelong learning.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Achievements in the year are detailed in the Chair's Report.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The financial position in the year is total income of £202,502 (2024: £112,588) and total expenditure of £183,550 (2024: £146,406) resulting in a surplus of £18,952 (2024 Deficit: £33,818)
The intention of Trustees is to maintain unrestricted reserves at a sufficient level to meet the needs of the Trust for a period of up to three months. At the end of this year the charity has £13,678 (2024: £40,067) in unrestricted funds which complies with this intention. The trustees are looking at opportunities to increase the unrestricted reserves and therefore do not have any uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
The methods used to recruit and appoint new charity trustees are identified in the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
The Company was registered as a charity on 25th November 2001 and became incorporated on 30th June 2010 as a Private Limited Company by guarantee without share capital use of 'Limited' exemption. Trustees are also members of the management committee, the latter body being responsible for the day to day running of the company.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number
SC381245 (Scotland)
Registered Charity number
033900
Registered office
Lairg Learning Centre Main Street Lairg Sutherland IV27 4DD
Page 28
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2025
Trustees
Ms L Davidson-Payne Ms M MacDonald Ms M Mackenzie Ms S McLeod Ms R Orr Mr T A Owen Ms I M Warner-Mackintosh Mrs K I Hurrion Ms C Donald Director (appointed 26/6/25)
Independent Examiner
Goldwells Ltd 10 Knockbreck Street Tain Ross-Shire IV19 1BJ
The name of the charity is Lairg & District Learning Centre. Its Charity number is SC033900 and Company number is SC381245.
The address of the principal office and the address of its registered office is: Lairg Learning Centre, Main Street, Lair, Sutherland, IV27 4DD.
The names of the charity's trustees as as this report date or who served as a trustee in the reporting period are as follows:
Lorraine Davidson-Payne Morag MacDonald Marjorie Mackenzie Sanaa McLeod Rita Orr Thomas Adrian Owen Irene Margaret Warner-Mackintosh Mrs K I Hurrion
30 March 2026
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
........................................................................ Ms I M Warner-Mackintosh - Trustee
Page 29
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
I report on the accounts for the year ended 30th June 2025 set out on pages four to thirteen.
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) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity's trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(a) to (c) 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 the independent examiner's report
My examination was 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 seeking explanations from you as 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 view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention :
-
(1) 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 to comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations
have not been met; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mr Calum Stewart
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
Goldwells Ltd 10 Knockbreck Street Tain Ross-Shire IV19 1BJ Date: .............................................
Page 30
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2025
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 931 Charitable activities 4 Learning Centre 35,752 Investment income 3 561 Total 37,244 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Learning Centre 63,636 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (26,392) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 40,067 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 13,675 |
Restricted funds £ - 165,259 - 165,259 119,915 45,344 30,133 75,477 |
2025 Total funds £ 931 201,011 561 202,503 183,551 18,952 70,200 89,152 |
2024 Total funds £ 1,658 110,242 688 112,588 146,406 (33,818) 104,018 70,200 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 31
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
BALANCE SHEET 30TH JUNE 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted fund funds Notes £ £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 8 442 6,980 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 9 6,557 - Cash at bank and in hand 10,002 68,500 16,559 68,500 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 10 (3,323) (6) NET CURRENT ASSETS 13,236 68,494 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 13,678 75,474 NET ASSETS 13,678 75,474 FUNDS 11 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
2025 Total funds £ 7,422 6,557 78,502 85,059 (3,329) 81,730 89,152 89,152 13,678 75,474 89,152 |
2024 Total funds £ 9,703 2,702 61,615 64,317 (3,820) 60,497 70,200 70,200 40,067 30,133 70,200 |
|---|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 30th June 2025.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 30th June 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
-
(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
-
(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. I M Warner-Mackintosh - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 32
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives 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.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |
| funds | funds | funds | funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | 931 | - | 931 | 1,658 |
continued...
Page 33
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2025
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ Deposit account interest 561 - 4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Activity Course Fees Learning Centre Room Lets Learning Centre KOSAS Learning Centre Miscellaneous Learning Centre Grants Learning Centre Staffing Income Learning Centre Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: The Robertson Trust Achany Community Fund SSE B=rd na Gàidhlig AD Westminster Foundation Scotland National Lottery Community Fund Highland Third Sector Interface Scottish Government NHI Climate Fest Highland Council Fèisean nan Gàidheal Keep Scotland Beautiful Creich Community Council Bank of Scotland Foundation Highlands & Islands Climate Hub KOSAS SEACHAIN NA GAIDHLIG Scottish Gov Climate Eng Fund Good Things Foundation Eden Court Creative Scotland |
2025 Total funds £ 561 2025 £ 6,855 6,676 4,500 7,443 164,759 10,778 201,011 2025 £ 15,000 10,000 - 3,600 9,100 5,000 15,000 9,500 18,240 4,550 25,800 - 12,437 500 - 9,868 - - 7,264 6,000 4,000 8,900 164,759 |
2024 Total funds £ 688 2024 £ 8,164 1,639 2,549 7,119 90,771 - 110,242 2024 £ 1,600 - 17,000 (166) - 15,000 - - - 381 - 3,145 24,690 1,000 23,261 450 4,000 410 - - - - 90,771 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 34
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2025
5. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Depreciation - owned assets | 3,707 | 4,843 |
6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
No trustees received remuneration from Lairg & District Learning Centre in the year.
Trustees' expenses
No trustees received reimbursement of expenses from Lairg & District Learning Centre in the year.
7. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | - | 5 |
Please note that Cleaning Wages and Tutor Fee Wages are included in the seperate lines for for Cleaning, Light and Heat and Training & Associated costs in the Detailed Statement of Financial Activities.
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | |
|---|---|
| Computer | |
| equipment | |
| £ | |
| COST | |
| At 1st July 2024 | 40,521 |
| Additions | 1,426 |
| At 30th June 2025 | 41,947 |
| DEPRECIATION | |
| At 1st July 2024 | 30,818 |
| Charge for year | 3,707 |
| At 30th June 2025 | 34,525 |
| NET BOOK VALUE | |
| At 30th June 2025 | 7,422 |
| At 30th June 2024 | 9,703 |
continued...
Page 35
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2025
| 9. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade debtors Expense accounts Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Wages control Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 5,135 963 250 209 6,557 2025 £ (80) 2,033 1,376 3,329 |
2024 £ 1,517 691 250 244 2,702 2024 £ (81) 2,525 1,376 3,820 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 36
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2025
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net | |||
| movement | At | ||
| At 1.7.24 | in funds | 30.6.25 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| Unrestricted Funds | 40,067 | (26,389) | 13,678 |
| Restricted funds | |||
| The Robertson Trust | - | 4,590 | 4,590 |
| Climate Challenge Fund | 3,252 | (1,083) | 2,169 |
| Lairg Wind Farm | 928 | - | 928 |
| Achany Community Fund | 5,001 | (5,001) | - |
| SSE | 125 | (42) | 83 |
| SCVO | 98 | (33) | 65 |
| The Highland Council | - | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Edinburgh Sutherland Assocation | 250 | - | 250 |
| Bord Na Gaidhlig | 2,324 | (212) | 2,112 |
| Wellbeing Fund Round 2 | 112 | 6,011 | 6,123 |
| AD Westminster | - | 6,835 | 6,835 |
| Highland Community Waste Project | 478 | (474) | 4 |
| Litter Pick Project | 667 | (120) | 547 |
| NHI Climate Festival | - | 19 | 19 |
| CLD Device Fund | 5,451 | (1,815) | 3,636 |
| COMHLA | 5,376 | (5,376) | - |
| EIST | 1,500 | - | 1,500 |
| KOS Apprentice | 178 | (178) | - |
| Maker Space | - | 350 | 350 |
| Seachdain na Gaidhlig | - | 600 | 600 |
| Sutherland Cares 2022/23 | 1,348 | 616 | 1,964 |
| Gaelic Arts Fund - MEG | 3,045 | (1,140) | 1,905 |
| Hi Climate Hub | - | 9,868 | 9,868 |
| NHI Polytunnel | - | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| National Lottery - Mountains to Cost | - | 10,924 | 10,924 |
| HTSI | - | 7,478 | 7,478 |
| Scottish Gov - Flourish & Thrive | - | 9,524 | 9,524 |
| 30,133 | 45,341 | 75,474 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 70,200 | 18,952 | 89,152 |
continued...
Page 37
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2025
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted funds The Robertson Trust Climate Challenge Fund Lairg Wind Farm Achany Community Fund SSE SCVO The Highland Council Bord Na Gaidhlig Wellbeing Fund Round 2 AD Westminster Highland Community Waste Project Litter Pick Project NHI Climate Festival CLD Device Fund COMHLA KOS Apprentice Maker Space Seachdain na Gaidhlig Sutherland Cares 2022/23 Gaelic Arts Fund - MEG Hi Climate Hub NHI Polytunnel National Lottery - Mountains to Cost HTSI Scottish Gov - Flourish & Thrive Creigh Community Council TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 37,244 15,000 - 5,000 10,000 - - 2,000 3,600 9,800 9,100 12,437 - 150 - - 4,500 25,504 6,000 2,000 2,400 18,768 2,000 15,000 9,500 12,000 500 165,259 202,503 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (63,633) (26,389) (10,410) 4,590 (1,083) (1,083) (5,000) - (15,001) (5,001) (42) (42) (33) (33) - 2,000 (3,812) (212) (3,789) 6,011 (2,265) 6,835 (12,911) (474) (120) (120) (131) 19 (1,815) (1,815) (5,376) (5,376) (4,678) (178) (25,154) 350 (5,400) 600 (1,384) 616 (3,540) (1,140) (8,900) 9,868 - 2,000 (4,076) 10,924 (2,022) 7,478 (2,476) 9,524 (500) - (119,918) 45,341 (183,551) 18,952 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 38
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2025
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted funds Climate Challenge Fund Lairg Wind Farm Achany Community Fund SSE SCVO Eon Rosehall Wind Farm Edinburgh Sutherland Assocation Restricted Bord Na Gaidhlig Wellbeing Fund Round 2 AD Westminster Girls on Boards Highland Community Waste Project Litter Pick Project NHI Climate Festival TASGADH CLD Device Fund COMHLA EIST KOS Apprentice Letters to the Earth Maker Space Seachdain na Gaidhlig Sutherland Cares 2022/23 Gaelic Arts Fund - MEG TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.7.23 £ 63,331 (2,435) - - (93) 258 71 250 608 1,262 406 493 73 6,393 927 - (100) 8,264 14,839 1,500 395 89 3,760 22 3,705 - 40,687 104,018 |
Net movement in funds £ (16,412) (1,624) 928 5,001 (63) (49) (90) - - 1,062 (55) (494) - (5,915) (260) 135 200 (2,813) (9,463) - (217) - (4,391) 14 (2,357) 3,045 (17,406) (33,818) |
Transfers between funds £ (6,852) 7,311 - - 281 (111) 19 - (608) - (239) 1 (73) - - (135) (100) - - - - (89) 631 (36) - - 6,852 - |
At 30.6.24 £ 40,067 3,252 928 5,001 125 98 - 250 - 2,324 112 - - 478 667 - - 5,451 5,376 1,500 178 - - - 1,348 3,045 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30,133 | ||||
| 70,200 |
continued...
Page 39
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2025
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted funds Climate Challenge Fund Lairg Wind Farm Achany Community Fund SSE SCVO Eon Rosehall Wind Farm Bord Na Gaidhlig Wellbeing Fund Round 2 AD Westminster Highland Community Waste Project Litter Pick Project NHI Climate Festival TASGADH CLD Device Fund COMHLA KOS Apprentice Maker Space Seachdain na Gaidhlig Sutherland Cares 2022/23 Gaelic Arts Fund - MEG TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 18,268 - 5,000 17,000 - - 10,000 3,435 - - 24,690 - 831 100 - 23,261 6,549 - 409 - 3,045 94,320 112,588 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (34,680) (16,412) (1,624) (1,624) (4,072) 928 (11,999) 5,001 (63) (63) (49) (49) (10,090) (90) (2,373) 1,062 (55) (55) (494) (494) (30,605) (5,915) (260) (260) (696) 135 100 200 (2,813) (2,813) (32,724) (9,463) (6,766) (217) (4,391) (4,391) (395) 14 (2,357) (2,357) - 3,045 (111,726) (17,406) (146,406) (33,818) |
|---|---|---|
12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 30th June 2025.
13. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY
The company is controlled by the Trustees.
Page 40
LAIRG & DISTRICT LEARNING CENTRE
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations 931 - Investment income Deposit account interest 561 - Charitable activities Course Fees 6,855 - Room Lets 6,676 - KOSAS - 4,500 Miscellaneous 7,443 - Grants 4,000 160,759 Staffing Income 10,778 - 35,752 165,259 Total incoming resources 37,244 165,259 EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Wages 31,915 58,718 Insurance 351 - Cleaning, Light and heat 6,490 1,380 Training & Associated Costs 2,864 35,533 Other Costs 20,396 9,127 Subcontracted LC staff - 15,160 62,016 119,918 Support costs Finance Bank charges 575 - Interest payable 17 - 592 - Governance costs Accountancy and legal fees 1,025 - Total resources expended 63,633 119,918 Net (expenditure)/income (26,389) 45,341 |
2025 Total funds £ 931 561 6,855 6,676 4,500 7,443 164,759 10,778 201,011 202,503 90,633 351 7,870 38,397 29,523 15,160 181,934 575 17 592 1,025 183,551 18,952 |
2024 Total funds £ 1,658 688 8,164 1,639 2,549 7,119 90,771 - 110,242 112,588 77,447 290 4,149 38,295 25,252 - 145,433 - - - 973 146,406 (33,818) |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 41