PIVL BAIND THE CITY OF BRÈCHIN PIPE BAND ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024/2025 scio Scotlish Charity No. SC037508 'rR.4DI'fIoN. CUllMUN11'Y. EXCELLENCE.
Trustees’ Annual Report for 01 Oct 24 to 30 Sep 25.
Charity Name
City of Brechin Pipe Band
Charity No.
SC037508
Contact Address
Kerrie Moffat, 135 Auchinyell Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7EH
Current Trustees
Karen Dillon – Chairperson
Joe Wood – Secretary
Kerrie Moffat - Treasurer
Craig Black - Pipe Major
Darren Moffat – Lead Drummer
Denese McKenzie
Kevin Rae
Gloria Nicoll
Craig McLean Emily Dillon Stewart Gray Caroline Wood
Other Trustees during the year
N/A
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
During the year the City of Brechin Pipe Band continued to strengthen its governance structure as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) through the recruitment and appointment of Trustees to the Board. This process was undertaken to ensure that the organisation maintains strong leadership, appropriate oversight, and a broad range of skills and experience to support its long-term sustainability.
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Trustees’ recruitment is always carried out in accordance with the SCIO constitution and is based on identifying individuals with relevant knowledge, experience and commitment to the objectives of the Band.
Any changes to the Board of Trustees occurs during the Annual General Meeting which is usually scheduled for October/November each year.
On a monthly basis, the Board of Trustees mee to discuss strategic direction, monitor performance, and support the operational activities of the Band. The continued development of the Trustee group has strengthened governance arrangement and enhanced the Band’s capacity to delivery its charitable objectives effectively within the community.
Governing Document
Our governing document is The Constitution of the City of Brechin Pipe Band.
Charitable Purpose
Our purposes, as set out in our constitution, are to advance the education of the public in the art of bagpipe playing and drumming through the delivery of public performances and other associated activities. In pursuit of these aims, the Ban will seek to:
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a) Promote, encourage, and further the development of bagpipe playing and drumming; and
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b) Promote and preserve the traditions and performance of pipe band music more generally
The objectives guide the activities of the organisation and underpin its commitment to education, performance, and the continued development of pipe band music within the community.
Activities and Achievements
The City of Brechin Pipe Band continued to maintain a strong and active programme of fundraising and community engagement through the year, helping to generate vital income to support the ongoing development and sustainability of the Band.
Our popular monthly bingo afternoons continued to be well supported by the local community and provide a consistent and reliable source of fundraising income. In addition, the Band successfully hosted its annual Solo Piping and Drumming Competition, which attracted a very good attendance from competitors, spectators and supporters alike. The event generated
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valuable additional income through entry fees, spectator admissions, raffles and tuck shop sales, with all proceeds contributing directly towards Band activities and operational costs following the deduction of event expenses.
Further fundraising activities were generated throughout the year to diversify income streams and strengthen community involvement. In November 2024, the Band hosted a successful evening with local medium Annie Moon, which was very well received and enjoyed strong attendance. This was followed by a Colours Fashion Show Fundraiser, held in conjunction with one of our bingo afternoons, which also proved to be both enjoyable and financially beneficial.
In March, the Band organised a fundraising quiz night which attracted excellent support from the local community and provided an enjoyable social event for members and supporters. During the same period, Band members also carried out a bucket collection at a Brechin City F.C match, where the Band performed prior to the game, helping to further raise both funds and the profile of the organisation within the wider community. To conclude the year’s fundraising programme, the Band hosted another successful event in September featuring medium Karen Docherty, which again received excellent community support.
Throughout the year, significant investment was made in maintaining and improving the Band’s equipment, uniforms, and overall resources to support both performance standards and member development. New equipment purchased included drums, drum practice pads, chanters, pipe chanters, drumheads, snares, drumsticks, tenor drums stands, capes, glengarries, bagpipe covers, and a folding trolly to assist with the transportation of equipment to events and competitions. These purchases were essential in ensuring that members continue to have access to high-quality equipment and presentation standards.
The Band was extremely grateful to receive a generous donation of £1,000 from Edzell Village Improvement Society (EVIS), as well as funding of £6,825 from the Angus Common Good Fund towards the purchase of new jackets and waistcoats. This financial support has played a significant role in helping the Band maintain a professional appearance and continue investing in its future.
Regular weekly practices continued throughout the year, providing both new and existing learners with free tuition and development opportunities. The Band remains committed to encouraging participation in traditional pipe band music and supporting learners of all ages and abilities within the local community.
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During the year, the Band proudly represented the town of Brechin at a variety of local and regional events, including the Remembrance Day Parade in Brechin, the Brechin Pageant, the Angus Show, Edzell Gala Day, Fettercairn Show, and the Stonehaven Highland Games. These performances continue to strengthen the Band’s visibility within the community while supporting important civic and cultural events.
The Band also returned to competitive performance during the year, taking part in competitions at Banchory, Dollar Academy, Aberdeen Highland Games, the Scottish Pipe Band Championships, the European Pipe Band Championships, the World Pipe Band Championships, and the Pitlochry Highland Games. The Band continues to demonstrate ongoing improvement and progression, and this year marked a particularly significant achievement as it was the first time in the Band’s history that qualification for the final at the European Championships was secured.
To further support musical development and home practice, the Band renewed its subscription to Ensemble, the pipe band score editor developed by Time Sig Studios. This software continues to provide substantial benefits to members of all experience levels by enabling accessible practice and learning opportunities outside of regular Band rehearsals.
Financial Review
Following the flooding of the Band Hall, the City of Brechin Pipe Band has continued to maintain its operational activities by relocating weekly practices and bingo fundraising events to the Parkview Bowling Club. This arrangement has enabled the Band to sustain its core activities and maintain engagement with members and supported during a period without a permanent home venue.
During the previous financial year, the Band was awarded a £3,000 grant from Angus Council following Storm Babet. This funding was specifically allocated for the purchase of tables and chairs to replace damaged equipment. At the end of the reporting period, these items have not yet been purchased due to the Band not currently having access to a permanent Band Hall. The funds remain reserved for this intended purpose.
Income during the year was generated through a combination of kit fees, proceeds from annual Solo Competition, and fundraising activities undertaken at various local events attended by the Band. The income streams continue to play a vital role in supporting the Band’s ongoing running costs and community activities.
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No Trustees were paid for their role during the financial year, reflecting the voluntary nature of the organisation’s governance structure and the Trustees’ commitment to ensuring that available resources are directed toward charitable objectives.
The Band also incurred costs associated with the hire of coached to transport members and equipment to competitions and events. Where possible, income was partially offset by offering surplus seats to Band supported, helping to reduce overall transport costs.
At the end of the financial year, the Band held total unrestricted funds of £19,364.65. Included within this balance is £3,000 designated as restricted funds, representing the unspent grant received from Angus Council under the Storm Babet recovery funding scheme.
During the year, a new savings account was established to maximise interest returns on available funds, thereby improving the Band’s overall financial efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Looking ahead, the Band’s priorities will focus on increasing learners, maintaining and expanding performance and competition activity, continuing local fundraising initiatives, and securing suitable premises to establish a new permanent Band Hall. These objectives will support the continued development and stability of the organisation.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf
Karen Dillon President
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Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of the City of Brechin Pipe Band I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2025
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner .
The charity's Board 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. The charity's Board Trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation l0(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 examiners 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 view given by the accounts.
Independent Examiners Statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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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 Action and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations and
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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.
Dated 28 Nov 2025
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City of Brechin Pipe Band Receipts and Payments Account for the year ended 30 September 2025
| Receipts Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Competitions-Prize Money Donations received Grant Received Engagement fees Fundraising Interest Membership Subscriptions Insurance Claim-Flood Refund re. Electricity Transport to Competitions Sale of Equipment Event Tickets Other Sales Misc Total Receipts 0 Payments Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Competitions Equipment Kit Fundraising costs Hall Transport - Buses/Parking Insurance (PL/Kit/Equipment) Event Tickets Other Misc costs Postage / Stationary Trustee expenses Website Total Payments 0 Surplus / Deficit for the year Opening Cash and Bank Balances Balance adjusted by surplus / deficit |
Restricted funds Unrestricted funds |
2024 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 350.00 1380.00 12169.13 1460.00 3000.00 6825.00 1100.00 700.00 5892.29 11506.68 593.06 279.00 1626.00 2894.00 6213.00 0.00 663.17 0.00 1180.00 220.00 215.00 2960.00 0.00 373.00 60.00 1758.00 340.00 0.00 |
||
| 0 | 33401.65 30355.68 |
|
| Restricted funds Unrestricted funds |
2024 2025 |
|
| 555.00 309.50 3203.67 9387.17 4506.70 7729.88 2541.49 4610.81 1884.08 1900.00 6083.98 5020.00 500.72 462.44 200.00 376.00 583.39 669.71 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 184.32 237.12 |
||
| 0 | 20243.35 30,702.63 |
|
| 13158.30 -346.95 2024 2025 |
||
| 9553.30 22711.60 22711.60 22364.65 |
Cash and Bank Balances as at 30th September 2025
| Restricted | Unrestricted | 2024 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |||
| Clydesdale Bank Current A/c | 22671.60 | 12253.47 | ||
| Clydesdale Bank Savings A/ | 3000 | 7011.18 | 0.00 | 10011.18 |
| Cash in Hand (Treasurer) | 40.00 | 100.00 | ||
| Float in hall | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Unpresented Cheques | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 3000 | 7011.18 | 22711.6 | 22,364.65 |
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