Scottish Charity No.SC 038119
Fortrose Free Church of Scotland
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025
Fortrose Free Church of Scotland
Contents of the Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Church Information | 1 |
| Reportofthe Trustees | 2-4 |
| Report ofthe IndependentExaminer | 5 |
| Receipts and Payments Account | 6 |
| Statement ofBalances | 7 |
| NotestotheFinancialStatements | 8—10 |
Fortrose Free Church of Scotland Church Information
Trustees at 31 December 2025
Deacons’ Court: Rev R Stott, Messrs D Cumming, N Lipp, W Mackintosh and I Macleod
Contact address
Free Church of Scotland 5 Church Street Fortrose IV10 8TE 01381 621404
Bankers
Bank of Scotland Inverness City 2-6 Eastgate Inverness IV2 3NA
Solicitors
Blackadders LLP 10 Euclid Crescent Dundee DDI 1AG
Independent Examiner
Roderick Cunningham CA Mann Judd Gordon Ltd 26 Lewis Street Stornoway Isle of Lewis HS1 2JF
Page 1
Fortrose Free Church of Scotland Report of the Trustees
The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the church for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Status of Charity and Governing Document
Fortrose Free Church of Scotland is established by Constitution. The church is a Scottish Charity (No. SC 038119).
Aims and Affiliation
Fortrose Free Church of Scotland is a congregation of the Free Church of Scotland working towards the common aims set out below. It is a Presbyterian church adhering in its worship and doctrine to the position of the Church of Scotland at the Reformation. The Free Church of Scotland has an explanatory document which explains the origins of the Church and which gives the historical background to the Church coming into being in 1843 and lists documents in which is embodied the constitution of the Church. The document is available on request from the Free Church of Scotland, 15 North Bank St., The Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS.
The Free Church of Scotland currently has over 100 congregations in Scotland, as well as one in London and four in North America, and sister Churches founded by mission work in India, Peru and South Africa. The Church also has a seminary in Edinburgh for the training of ministers and other Christian workers and sustains an extensive missionary programme relative to the size of the church. The principal activity of the Church is the conduct of public worship and associated matters in the context of local congregations. Dating from 1843 but with its roots in the Reformation, the Free Church of Scotland owes its distinctive title to its historical struggle to remain ‘free’ from state interference in its internal affairs. It has close and active relations with many other Reformed churches of Jesus Christ throughout the world and stands firmly in the tradition which accepts the Bible in its entirety as the Word of God and, therefore, derives its forms of teaching, worship, ministry and government from it. The main emphasis of our worship is the preaching of the gospel - the good news of a free and sovereign salvation through Jesus Christ alone. The congregation is authorised by the Church to have a minister paid from central funds of the Church.
The church building and the minister’s manse are the property of the congregation and are held under the Church’s model trust deed.
Trustees and Office Bearers
The congregation is governed and administered by elected office bearers (all volunteers) and its minister. The Kirk Session, being the minister and elected elders, has responsibility for spiritual oversight, while the Deacons’ Court, composed of Kirk Session members plus elected deacons, oversees financial and property matters. Under Charity Law, the Deacons’ Court are deemed to be the trustees of the congregation as those with responsibility for day to day management and control. This is distinct from the role of property (congregational) trustees who are responsible only for holding property in trust. The Deacons’ Court (the Trustees) who served during the year were as follows. All served throughout the year.
Minister Rev R Stott Elders Messrs D Cumming and N Lipp Deacons Messrs W Mackintosh and I Macleod
Congregational Trustees:
For holding property: Rev A Sutherland and Messrs D Cumming and W Mackintosh
Page 2
Fortrose Free Church of Scotland Report of the Trustees
Appointment of Trustees
The Kirk Session exercises its discretion in determining the most appropriate method of electing new Trustees (Elders and Deacons). Any election process must involve the communicant membership of the congregation. There is no fixed term for Trusteeship. Prior to their appointment, new Trustees would have served the church for some time in various roles and would be familiar with the church’s values, its aims and objectives as well as its day-to-day operations. As part of their induction programme, new Trustees are required to understand their statutory responsibilities as well as their responsibility as elder or deacon.
Achievements and Performance
During the year, the church met regularly for worship in the church building in Church Street. Throughout the year it carried out various activities in pursuit of the above stated aims. Weekly events througha typical week included Café Blether, Women's Bible Study and the midweek prayer meeting. The congregation continued its commitment to support the National Free Church of Scotland both spiritually and financially. Along these lines the congregation supports the national Free Church’s vision of ‘A Healthy Gospel church in every community in Scotland’.
The new church building continued to prove to be a helpful asset through the year, not only for the congregation but also for various organizations in the community.
Additional appeals were made during the year resulting in donations totalling over £1,800 being made to:
- e Damaris House e Free Church Camps e London City Mission e Wycliffe Bible Translators for James MacDonell e Slavic Gospel Association e Highland Hospice
Financial review
The income to the general fund has increased over 2024, with a general increase in all principal sources of income. A material source of funds continues to be rental of the church premises to outside agencies. With the increase in income comes an increase in the contribution to the Central Mission Fund of the Free Church, which is calculated at 50% of all unrestricted income above £66,716. Most costs were in line with budget expectations, exceptional repair costs of £1,104 arising in respect of the church heating boiler and £2,456 for the replacement of the manse oil tank. In 2025 there was an excess of payments over receipts of £3,196, reducing unrestricted reserves to £3,768. Increased costs in respect of ministry and administration levy due to Central Funds will arise in 2026. These will amount to £49,128, an increase of £5,412 over the figure for 2025.
The great financial achievement of 2025 was making the final repayment of the loan received to finance the building of the new church. The original intention was that repayment would not be achieved until 2039 and the Lord is to be praised and all donors thanked sincerely for their generosity in this achievement. A fabric fund has now been opened for ongoing improvements to the building, £6,864 having been paid from it for the sound insulation panels in the meeting hall. A local mission fund has also been created, used during the summer to finance the Holiday Club.
The Deacons’ Court continues to be most grateful for the continuing generous support of the congregation throughout the year.
Page 3
Fortrose Free Church of Scotland Report of the Trustees
Trustees’ Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in Scotland, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the provisions of the charity’s constitution, requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Church and must take reasonable steps for the prevention and/or detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
= select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
-
= make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
-
= prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the church will continue its activities.
On behalf of the Trustees
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ery
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Rory Stott Trustee
25 February 2026
Page 4
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of FortroseFree Church of Scotland
Charity number: SC 038119
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025 set out an pages 6 to 10
Respective responsibilities ofTrustees and Examiner.
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in aceordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (as amended) and the Charities \ccounts (Scotland) Reoulations 2006 (45 amended). The charity's trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation LOC Xd) of the 2006 Regulations does notapply. [tis my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section J4(1)¢c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to nly attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement
My examination is carried out in aceordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison ol the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of ans unusual items or disclosures im the accounts and sechs explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. ‘The procedures undertaken do not pros ide all the ev idence that would be required in an audit and, consequently. F do not express att audit opinion on the view given by 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 « Accountsto prepare accountsRegulations. whichand accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met. or
2 te which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to cnable a proper understanding of the accounts te be reached.
Raderich C unnyigham Phe Institute of Chartered \ccountants of Scotland Viann Judd Gordon T td Chartered Accountants 26 Lewis Street Stornowas Isle ofb ewts HIST 2Jt A\ | Le | 026
Page 5
a
Fortrose Free Church of Scotland (iii i a Receipts and Payments Account
Year ended 31 December 2025
| Year endedended 31 December 2025 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended 31 December | 2024 | ||||||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||||||
| General | Restricted | Total | General | Restricted | Total | ||
| Fund | Funds | 2025 | Fund | Funds | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | = | £ | ||
| Receipts | |||||||
| GifiAidgiving | 34,255 | 8315 | 42,570 | 30,090 | 19,740 | 49,830 | |
| GiftAid-TaxRecovered | 10,098 | 3,397 | 13,495 | 8,770 | 5,386 | 14,156 | |
| ChurchDoor collections | 7,687 | - | 7,687 | 6,196 | 6,196 | ||
| Otherofferings (NotGiftAided) | 15,583 | 9,028 | 24,611 | 14,665 | 5,777 | 20,442 | |
| Rental income | 7510 | - | 7,510 | 8,320 | 8,320 | ||
| Funeraldonations | 200 | 200 | 700 | 700 | |||
| Investment income | 0 | 0 | 97 | 97 | |||
| Magazines | 230 | 230 | 189 | 189 | |||
| Donations and fundraising | 0 | 3,139 | 3,139 | 4,178 | 4,178 | ||
| Total Receipts | 75,563 | 23,879 | 99,441 | 69,027 | 35,081 | 104,108 | |
| Payments | |||||||
| PaymentsforCharitable activities | |||||||
| CentralFunds -Ministry | 35,880 | 35,880 | 33,240 | 33,240 | |||
| CentralFunds -Admuustration levy | 7,836 | 7836 | 7,608 | 7,608 | |||
| CentralFunds -Missionlevy | 4,308 | 4,308 | 2,447 | 2,447 | |||
| Class 1Anational insurance | 367 | 367 | - | : | |||
| PulpitSupplyandCommunionExpenses | 679 | 679 | 851 | 851 | |||
| Minister's expenses | 3,946 | 3,946 | 3,893 | 3,893 | |||
| Church&ManseInsurance Heat&Light |
1,536 2,439 |
1,536 2,439 |
1,449 3,169 |
1,449 3,169 |
|||
| Church internet | 1,113 | 1,113 | 869 | 869 | |||
| Audio visual equipment | 0 | 1,429 | 1,429 | ||||
| Magazines Repairs&Renewals |
254 6,202 |
6,864 | 254 13,066 |
529 2,050 |
$29 2,050 |
||
| Mansecouncil tax | 3,991 | 3,991 | 3,706 | 3,706 | |||
| PresbyteryExpenses | 1,032 | 1,032 | 1,377 | 1,377 | |||
| Photocopierlease | 587 | 587 | - | - | |||
| Donations | 2,121 | 3,561 | 5,682 | 538 | 1,665 | 2,203 | |
| Website development | 211 | 211 | 106 | 106 | |||
| Sunday School expenses | 439 | 489 | 222 | 222 | |||
| Holidayclub | 486 | 486 | |||||
| Traming | 1,160 | 1,160 | |||||
| Books Loanrepayments |
123 | 9,841 | 123 9,841 |
132 | 30,726 | 132 30,726 |
|
| Administration | 2,600 | 2,600 | 2,879 | 2,879 | |||
| Loan mterest | 5 | 75 | 1,293 | 1,293 | |||
| Sundry Expenses | 1,559 | 1,559 | 1,238 | 1,238 | |||
| Governance costs | 0 | ||||||
| Independent Examination | 324 | 324 | 324 | 324 | |||
| TotalPayments | 78,758 | 20,826 | 99,586 | 66,627 | 35,113 | 101,740 | |
| Deficit(-)/surplusforyear | -3,196 | 3,052 | -144 | 2,400 | 32 | 2,368 | |
| Transfers | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 0 | |
| Netmovementinfunds aftertransfers | ~3,196 | 3,052 | -144 | 2,400 | -32 | 2,368 | |
| Total fundsbroughtforward | 6,964 | 1,474 | 8,438 | 4,564 | 1,506 | 6,070 | |
| Totalfundscarriedforward | 3,768 | 4,526 | 8,294 | 6,964 | 1,474 | 8,438 | |
| Represented by: | |||||||
| Unrestrictedfunds | |||||||
| GeneralFund | 3,768 | 3,768 | 6,964 | 6,964 | |||
| RestrictedFunds | |||||||
| Special collections | 0 | 0 | > | ||||
| MissionFund | 164 | 164 | |||||
| FabricFund | 4,362 | 4,362 | |||||
| BuildingFund | 0 | 0 | 1,474 | 1,474 | |||
| 3,768 | 4,526 | 8,294 | 6,964 | 1,474 | 8,438 |
Page 6
Fortrose Free Church of Scotland
Statement of Balances
As at 31 December 2025
| Note | 2025 | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| FUNDSHELD LOCALLY | |||||
| Bank& Cash in hand | |||||
| Opening balance | 8,438 | 6,070 | |||
| (Deficit)/Surplus fortheyear | (144) | 2,368 | |||
| Closing balances | 8,294 | 8,438 | |||
| Total ofmonetary assets held | 8,294 | 8,438 | |||
| Reserves | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | 6 | 3,768 | 6,964 | ||
| Restricted funds | 7 | 4,526 | 1,474 | ||
| 8,294 | 8,438 | ||||
| Assets held for charitable purposes | |||||
| Church & Manse | 2 | 1,167,152 | 1,167,152 | ||
| Other assets | |||||
| Investment income receivable | 94 | ||||
| Letting income receivable | 352 | 652 | |||
| Gift aid tax recoverable | 3,101 | 3,791 | |||
| 3,547 | 4,443 | ||||
| Liabilities | |||||
| Longterm loans to financenew Church building | 3 | - | 9,840 | ||
| Accrued charge | 4 | 324 | 324 | ||
| 324 | 10,164 | ||||
| FUNDSHELDATTHECENTRAL OFFICE | |||||
| Investmentsheld,atcost | 5 | 2,391 | 2,391 |
Approved by the Trustees on 25 February 2026 and signed on their behalf by the undernoted:
| JW Mackintosh | R Stott |
|---|---|
| Trustee/AssistantTreasurer | Trustee |
The notes form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
Fortrose Free Church of Scotland Notes to the Accounts—Year ended 31 December 2025
1. Accounting Policies
Accounting Convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, subject to the noting of the manse at trustees’ valuation, and in accordance with the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
Basis ofPreparation of Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis.
Church Income
All voluntary income and interest received is accounted for when received.
Investments
As the accounts are prepared on a receipts and payments basis the investments are included at cost. Market value of the investments is disclosed within the notes to the accounts.
Fixed Assets
Heritable property is stated at the trustees' estimate of market value at the balance sheet date in respect of the manse and cost in respect of the new church building completed in 2019. No depreciation has been applied as depreciation is anon cash item and therefore should not be included in the receipts and payments account.
Receipts and Payments Account.
For the purpose of the Receipts and Payments Account as shown on page 6, funds are defined as follows:
Unrestricted funds comprise grants and other income received for the objects of the church without further specified purpose and are available as general funds.
Restricted funds comprise income which has been received for the objects of the church and specified for a restricted purpose within these objects by the donor.
Page 8
Fortrose Free Church of Scotland
NNen ar Oe rere anl
Notes to the Receipts and Payments Accounts
For the year ended 31 December 2025
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||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|2|Assets|held|for charitable|purposes|
|Stated at|cost|
|New|church|building|867,152|867,152|
|Stated at current valuation|by|trustees|
|Manse|300,000|300,000|
|1,167,152|1,167,152|
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|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|3|Long term|loans|to|finance|new|church|building|
|Outstanding|at|31|December:|
|Free|Church|of Scotland|-|9,840|
|4|Accrued|charges|
|Accrued|independent examination|fee|324|240|
|324|240|
|5|Investments|
|The|congregation holds|investment|(cost)|25391|2,391|
|Market|value|of the|investment|4,259|4,002|
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Following the transfer of the Free Chuch pension scheme to a specialist pension insurance company the share pool units of the pension element of the endowment investment have been transferred in order to ensure that the income continues to be used in accordance with the original endowment intentions. This results in a reduction in the annual dividend income receivable by the congregation.
Page 9
Fortrose Free Church of Scotland
SS
Notes to the Receipts and Payments Accounts
For the year ended 31 December 2025
| 6 | Unrestricted funds | Balance at | Incoming | —_Resources | Balance at | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1.25 | resources | expended | Transfers | 31.12.25 | ||
| i | £ | x | £ | £ | ||
| GeneralFund | 6,964 | 75,563 | 78,758 | - | 3,768 | |
| 7 | Restricted funds | Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Balance at | |
| AAS | resources | expended | Transfers | 31.12.25 | ||
| i | = | £, | £ | £ | ||
| Special Collections | 3,561 | 3,561 | - | - | ||
| BuildingFund | 1,473 | 8,442 | 9:915 | - | - | |
| MissionFund | 650 | 486 | 164 | |||
| Fabric Fund | 11,226 | 6,864 | 4,362 | |||
| Totalrestrictedfunds | 1,473 | 23,879 | 20,826 | - | 4,526 |
8 Transactions with Trustees
The minister is a trustee. In addition to payments made for manse heating and power costs of £3,156 ( 2024-£2,866), manse insurance of £319 (2024-£301) and council tax of £3,991 (2024-£3,706), expenditure in respect of motor expenses of £130 (2024- £339) and manse telephone of £554 (2024-£688) was incurred by the congregation in the year.
Donations were made to partly cover the costs of children and leaders attending Free Church camps. These amounted to £970 in respect of the family ofN Lipp and £500 in respect of the family of I A Macleod, trustees.
During the year payments totalling £2,600 (2024-£2,879) were made to the wife of I A Macleod, a trustee, for administration services.
Page 10