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2024-12-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: SC038274

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

FOR

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

Benham Conway & Co. Chartered Accountants 16 Royal Crescent Glasgow G3 7SL

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 13
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 14 to 15

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. 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

Objectives and aims

The Free Church of Scotland currently has over 100 congregations in Scotland, as well as 1 in London and 5 in North America, and sister Churches founded by mission work in India, Peru and South Africa. The Church also has a full time seminary in the heart of Edinburgh for the training of Ministers and other Christian workers and sustains an extensive Missionary programme relative to the size of the church.

Dating from 1843 but with its roots in the Reformation, it 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.

Dowanvale Free Church of Scotland is a congregation of the Free Church of Scotland working towards the common aims set out above. 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 congregation is authorised by the Church to have a Minister, and as of May 2023 an Assistant Minister, paid from the central funds of the Church.

At 31 December 2024 the congregation owned the following properties: Church building at 35 Dowanhill Street, Glasgow and the manse property at 9 Laurel Park, Jordanhill.

The government of the Free Church of Scotland is Presbyterian and the congregation is within the Presbytery of Glasgow & Argyll.

Significant activities

During the year, the Church met regularly for worship and carried out various activities in pursuit of the above stated aims.

The congregation continued its commitment to support the Free Church of Scotland both spiritually and financially.

Grantmaking

The congregation makes grants from its gift income to individuals and organisations whose aims are compatible with the congregation's objectives.

Page 1

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities

Achievements and Performance

During 2024 the Dowanvale congregation met regularly for worship with two services on a Sunday, regular midweek prayer meetings and a range of other activities in pursuit of the above stated aims. Grace Church Kilmacolm also met regularly for worship on each Sunday morning along with regular midweek meetings.

The congregation continued as an active supporter of the Free Church of Scotland both spiritually and financially.

Significant highlights, events and developments of note in the year included the following:

The trustees offer special thanks to all who have contributed so much to the work of the congregation throughout the year. This includes those who give their time and energy as volunteers with the various ministries noted above. It also includes those who contribute so generously with their finances to the work of the congregation, and those who pray faithfully for all aspects of the work.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The financial statements for the year are set out in pages 6 to 15. The Statement of Financial Activities on page 6 reflects net incoming resources of £6,186 (2023, £25,205).

Page 2

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

The congregation receives its funding by way of weekly/monthly offerings and gift aid donations.

Reserves policy

The main commitment against the congregation's general fund is its financial contribution to the funds of the Free Church of Scotland. The unrestricted funds were assessed as providing a sufficient balance to meet on-going opening commitments in the new year.

Total reserves, including balances on restricted funds but excluding the book value of fixed assets amounted to £766,318 (2023, £759,301).

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

Dowanvale Free Church of Scotland is established by Constitution.

Trustees and Office Bearers

The church is Presbyterian in government and its day to day running is undertaken by the Elders (the Kirk Session) and the Deacons (the Deacons' court). The Deacons' Court's specific function relates to the material and financial business of the congregation, whereas Elders are charged with the general and spiritual oversight of the congregation (it is accepted practice for the Minister and Elders to also be in membership of the Deacons' Court). Under charity law the Deacons' Court are deemed to be the Trustees of the Congregation. (This is distinct from the role of congregational trustees responsible only for holding property in trust).

Congregational Trustees

For holding property:

.

Appointment of Charity 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.

Risk management

The Trustees assess the major risks to which the congregation is exposed on an ongoing basis and have established procedures to mitigate those that are identified as a result of these reviews.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Charity number

SC038274

Principal address

35 Dowanhill Street Partick Glasgow G11 5QR

Page 3

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

Trustees

The Deacons' Court ( the Trustees ) who served during the year were as follows :-

Independent Examiner

Benham Conway & Co. Chartered Accountants 16 Royal Crescent Glasgow G3 7SL

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 23 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Page 4

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 set out on pages six 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 :

have not been met; or

Benham Conway & Co. Chartered Accountants 16 Royal Crescent Glasgow G3 7SL

23 September 2025

Page 5

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
31.12.24 31.12.23
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
Notes £ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 201,801 60,652 262,453 258,194
Investment income 2 18,392 - 18,392 11,568
Total 220,193 60,652 280,845 269,762
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Direct charitable expenditure 236,751 37,908 274,659 244,557
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (16,558) 22,744 6,186 25,205
Transfers between funds 10 (3,814) 3,814 - -
Net movement in funds (20,372) 26,558 6,186 25,205
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 582,092 460,530 1,042,622 1,017,417
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 561,720 487,088 1,048,808 1,042,622
----- End of picture text -----

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

BALANCE SHEET 31 December 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
31.12.24 31.12.23
Notes £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 6 282,490 283,321
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 7 436,063 484,731
Cash at bank 345,999 294,106
782,062 778,837
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year 8 (15,744) (19,536)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 766,318 759,301
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES 1,048,808 1,042,622
NET ASSETS 1,048,808 1,042,622
FUNDS 10
Unrestricted funds 561,720 582,092
Restricted funds 487,088 460,530
TOTAL FUNDS 1,048,808 1,042,622
----- End of picture text -----

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 23 September 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, 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 Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. 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 less estimated residual value over its estimated useful life.

Freehold property - 0% on cost Improvements to property - 10% on cost Equipment - 25% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 25% on cost

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds represent unrestricted funds which have been earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes.

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.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Government grants

Government grants in respect of capital expenditure are treated as deferred income and are credited to the profit and loss account over the estimated useful life of the asset to which they relate or twenty years, whichever is shorter. Government grants in respect of revenue expenditure are credited to the profit and loss account in the year to which they relate.

continued...

Page 8

DOWAYJ VALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- colltiDued Fol. The YeaT EDded 31 DefembeT 2024 INVESTMENT ThCOI 31.12.24 3l.l2.23 Bat]k tnterest Othei [nt￿eSt ijio 16.482 1.342 10.226 18J92 11,568 TRUSTEES, REMUTr1￿RAT[ON A]¥D BENEF￿s Durixi8 tlie year rellillt￿r3t10n of £2,600 was paid to tee. for services relldered. (2023. £2,600 was paid to Trustees, expenses There were llo tn]stees' eXpe￿SeS paid for the year ended 31 Decenther 2024 llor for tbe year ended 31 Decenkner 2023. STAFF COSTS The average monthly number of enwloyees dwing the year was as follows". 31.12.24 31.12.23 Staff No en)ployees received en￿)1￿mentS in excess of £60.000. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCLIL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fLULds Restticted fLuML5 Total funds 4COME AND E￿￿0￿MENts FROM Dtsnatiol￿ ￿ld legacies 212,080 46,114 258,194 Investtllettl incoxne 11,568 11,568 Tot&1 223,648 46.114 269,762 EXPE￿D1TuRE ON chArit￿ble Acti￿lIeS Direcl chaTitsble expenth'tute 209.165 35.392 244.557 T INCONIE Tr4nsfer$ between thlld$ 14,483 (4,006) 10,722 4,(K)6 25,205 Net movèment In funds 10,477 14,728 25,205 RECONCILIAIIOI% OF FUNDS Toial fll[￿S broushi fonvard 571.615 445.802 1.017.417 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 582.092 460.530 1.042.622 Pa8e 9 continlled...

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST
At 1 January 2024 and
31 December 2024
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2024
Charge for year
At 31 December 2024
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
Improvements
Freehold
to
property
property
£
£
281,250
10,240
-
10,240
-
-
-
10,240
281,250
-
281,250
-
Equipment
£
24,685
22,614
831
23,445
1,240
2,071
Fixtures
and
fittings
£
19,715
19,715
-
19,715
-
-
Totals
£
335,890
52,569
831
53,400
282,490
283,321

Freehold property in the balance sheet consists of the church buildings at 35 Dowanhill Street and the manse property at 19 Laurel Park Close, Glasgow which are both stated at cost.

The property at 35 Dowanhill Street was purchased in 1935 for £1,250. This does not provide any meaningful guide to the current value of these buildings and is stated for information only.

7. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Other debtors
8.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Other creditors
9.
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Fixed assets
282,490
-
Current assets
294,974
487,088
Current liabilities
(15,744)
-
561,720
487,088
31.12.24
£
436,063
31.12.24
£
326
15,418
15,744
31.12.24
Total
funds
£
282,490
782,062
(15,744)
1,048,808
31.12.23
£
484,731
31.12.23
£
2,027
17,509
19,536
31.12.23
Total
funds
£
283,321
778,837
(19,536)
1,042,622

continued...

Page 10

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Assets Fund
Fabric Fund
Restricted funds
Grace Church
Local Mission
Mission Work Fund
Building Refurbishment Fund
Food Bank Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above ar
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Fabric Fund
Restricted funds
Grace Church
Local Mission
Building Refurbishment Fund
Food Bank Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1.1.24
£
202,446
281,250
98,396
582,092
145,643
-
312,177
-
2,710
460,530
1,042,622
e as follows:
Net
movement
in funds
£
(9,493)
-
(7,065)
(16,558)
14,226
10,983
-
(3,814)
1,349
22,744
6,186
Incoming
resources
£
213,311
6,882
220,193
22,094
13,393
16,182
8,983
60,652
280,845
Transfers
between
funds
£
(3,814)
-
-
(3,814)
-
-
-
3,814
-
3,814
-
Resources
expended
£
(222,804)
(13,947)
(236,751)
(7,868)
(2,410)
(19,996)
(7,634)
(37,908)
(274,659)
At
31.12.24
£
189,139
281,250
91,331
561,720
159,869
10,983
312,177
-
4,059
487,088
1,048,808
Movement
in funds
£
(9,493)
(7,065)
(16,558)
14,226
10,983
(3,814)
1,349
22,744
6,186

continued...

Page 11

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Assets Fund
Fabric Fund
Restricted funds
Grace Church
Mission Work Fund
Building Refurbishment Fund
Food Bank Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1.1.23
£
185,193
281,250
105,172
571,615
126,574
312,177
-
7,051
445,802
1,017,417
Net
movement
in funds
£
21,259
-
(6,776)
14,483
19,069
-
(4,006)
(4,341)
10,722
25,205
Transfers
between
funds
£
(4,006)
-
-
(4,006)
-
-
4,006
-
4,006
-
At
31.12.23
£
202,446
281,250
98,396
582,092
145,643
312,177
-
2,710
460,530
1,042,622

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Fabric Fund
Restricted funds
Grace Church
Building Refurbishment Fund
Food Bank Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
219,288
4,360
223,648
26,533
8,795
10,786
46,114
269,762
Resources
Movemen
expended
in funds
£
£
(198,029)
21,259
(11,136)
(6,776)
(209,165)
14,483
(7,464)
19,069
(12,801)
(4,006)
(15,127)
(4,341)
(35,392)
10,722
(244,557)
25,205

Explanation of funds

The General Fund encompasses all income and expenditure relating to the primary focus activities of the charity, other than those for which funding is restricted.

The Assets Fund represents the value of unrestricted funds tied up in fixed assets, which would not be readily convertible into cash.

The Fabric Fund represents the balance of the surpluses generated from disposal of properties in prior years which trustees agreed to designate as part of overall congregational Fabric Funds.

The Grace Church Fund represents monies held on behalf of Grace Church, Kilmacolm.

continued...

Page 12

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

The Local Mission Fund represents monies given for specific mission and evangelistic activities local to the congregation in Dowanvale.

The Mission Work Fund represents the proceeds from the sale of 17 Strathcarron Drive, Paisley and sale of 9 Silk Street, Paisley. The funds are held by the Central office of the Free Church of Scotland and can only be used by Dowanvale Free Church for mission work.

The Building Refurbishment Fund represents monies restricted for use in the Dowanhill Street Church building refurbishment project. This will also include professional service fees associated with the project.

The Food Bank Fund represents monies restricted for use in food provision to the community.

11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

During the year included in donations is £86,511 (2023, £74,855) received without conditions from trustees and their close family members.

During the year payments of £5,282 (2023, £4,004) were made to trustees and their close family members for services rendered.

Page 13

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Door Collection
Freewill Offering
Fabric Fund
Gift Aid Tax Reclaim
Publications
Grace Church
Special Collections/Donations
Local Mission
Building Refurbishment
Food Bank Donations
31.12.24
£
29,360
140,798
4,830
35,522
-
22,095
1,145
9,033
10,985
8,685
31.12.23
£
23,314
134,467
4,360
40,925
409
23,229
3,017
8,892
8,795
10,786
Investment income
Bank Interest
Other Interest
262,453
1,910
16,482
258,194
1,342
10,226
18,392 11,568
Total incoming resources 280,845 269,762
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Trustees' Salaries 2,600 2,600
Other Salaries 15,440 19,884
Social Security 787 490
Pensions 1,544 1,850
Contribution to Central Funds 113,960 106,952
Presbytery Expenses 2,712 1,644
Publications (Magazines) 847 689
S.School/Church Camps etc 1,084 1,709
Youth Club Supplies - 52
Youth Fellowship - 79
Mother & Toddlers 386 403
Stationery & Postage 3,284 1,846
Church Telephone/Website 1,953 1,104
Rent 21,858 12,598
Catering/Kitchen Supplies 4,434 4,037
Miscellaneous Expenses 1,324 789
Cleaning 6,746 4,150
Salary Administration 125 190
Depreciation - Property Improvements - 1,024
Depreciation - Equipment 831 1,039
Heat & Light 16,016 12,445
Carried forward 195,931 175,574

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 14

DOWANVALE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
31.12.24 31.12.23
£ £
Charitable activities
Brought forward 195,931 175,574
Council Tax & Water Rates 5,356 5,255
Insurance 5,835 6,034
Repairs & Maintenance 15,057 7,679
Visiting Preachers' Expenses 1,732 1,730
Grace Church Expenses 7,183 7,464
Building Refurbishment Costs and Associated
Fees 19,996 12,801
Food Bank Expenses 7,529 15,127
Donations 4,444 6,095
-
Training 1,468
Mercy Mission 115 76
Outreach 5,753 4,575
Motor and Travel 2,310 197
272,709 242,607
Support costs
Governance costs
Accountancy 1,950 1,950
Total resources expended 274,659 244,557
Net income 6,186 25,205
----- End of picture text -----

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 15