LARKHALL COMMUNITY GROWERS
Trustee’s Annual Report & Financial Statements For the 12 month financial period ending 28th February 2026
Scottish Registered Charity SC042093
Peter Hall Finance & Accounting
TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 February 2026
CONTENTS
Trustees’ Annual Report ......................................................................................... 3 - 9 Independent Examiner’s Report….............................................................................. 10 Statement of Income & Expenditure............................................................................11 Balance Sheet ............................................................................................................12 Notes to the Financial Statements......................................................................... 13-18 Other………………………………........................................................................... 18-21
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Administration
Charity Name: Larkhall Community Growers
Charity Numbers: Scottish Registered Charity SC042093
Constitutional form: Private Limited Company by guarantee without share capital. Use of ‘Limited’ exemption .
Constitutional Date: 15th February 2011
Principal Address: 2 King Street, Larkhall, Lanarkshire ML9 1DP
Charity Trustees: Nancy Barr – Chair Andrew Meikle Marion Andrews
Bankers: The Co-operative Bank
Senior Staff member responsible for day-to-day management of the charity: Terry Paterson
Independent Examiner : Peter Hall of “Peter Hall Finance & Accounting Solutions” of Dunfermline, Fife KY11 4JU
Governing Document: Larkhall Community Growers was recognised as a Scottish charity with effect from 15th February 2011. The Charity is administered in accordance with the terms of the Memorandum and articles for a private company limited by guarantee.
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 28th February 2026. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the ac-counting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s trust deed, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and 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 published on 16 July 2014.
Organisational structure and decision-making process
The Trustees are the managerial arm of “Larkhall Community Growers”. There are 6 Fulltime and part time paid employees (in total) who report to the Project Manager.
How trustees are appointed & recruited
Any person who is willing to act as a director, and is permitted by law to do so, may be appointed to be a director—
(a) By ordinary resolution, or
(b) By a decision of the directors.
In any case where, as a result of death, the company has no members and no directors, the personal representatives of the last member to have died have the right, by notice in writing, to appoint a person to be a director. For the purposes of paragraph (2), where 2 or more members die in circumstances rendering it uncertain who was the last to die, a younger member is deemed to have survived an older member.
Risk Management
The Trustees regularly review the principal risks and uncertainties facing the charity and have established systems and procedures to mitigate these risks where possible. Key areas monitored include financial sustainability, grant dependency, health & safety, governance compliance, volunteer engagement and operational delivery. Financial risks are managed through regular cashflow monitoring, budgeting processes and oversight of reserves. Non-financial risks, including safeguarding, volunteer welfare and health & safety matters, are reviewed regularly by the Trustees and management team.
Affiliations and connections
Whilst the Trustees, workers and some volunteers attend various churches in Larkhall, there are no affiliations or connections of “Larkhall Community Growers” to other organisations.
The charity is registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and Companies House and operates in accordance with applicable charity and company legislation within the United Kingdom.
Objectives and activities
Objectives of the charity as set out in the constitution: As set out in the constitution;
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✓ The advancement of education,
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✓ The advancement of health,
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✓ The advancement of citizenship or community development,
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✓ The advancement of environmental improvement,
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✓ The provision of leisure & recreational facilities, the organization of recreational activities, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities or activities are primarily intended. These are specifically, though not exclusively targeted at the unemployed and disadvantaged.
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✓ Improvement of the quality of life in the local community through a healthier environment, in-creased employment, increased levels of disposable income and reduced reliance on Government benefits.
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✓ Encouragement in the areas of personal growth and advancement of personal responsibility and the privilege of citizenship.
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Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects
For the good of the disadvantaged and needy in Larkhall and surrounding area. The garden beds at our “Hareleeshill Community Garden” give the community a central focus on previously disused council land. The Charity also gives people skills in gardening and “green” technologies. Our community engagement exercise led to the publication of the Larkhall Community Plan Survey Report and the Action Plan is being prepared. We are actively working with South Lanarkshire Council to take responsibility for Green Space within Larkhall. LCG is working with Charities to improve their Community Asset Transfer building grounds.
Public Benefit
In carrying out these activities, the Trustees have had regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). The Trustees consider that the charity’s activities during the year provided clear public benefit through environmental improvement, community development, education, wellbeing initiatives and support for local residents.
Environmental Impact
Larkhall Community Growers remains committed to environmental sustainability and biodiversity improvement throughout the local community. Through the Hareleeshill Community Garden, Beeline to Nature project and wider community initiatives, the charity actively promotes pollinator-friendly planting, food growing, environmental education and the improvement of green spaces across Larkhall.
The charity encourages sustainable gardening practices, community food production and environmental awareness through workshops, educational activities, volunteer engagement and partnership working with local organisations and South Lanarkshire Council.
Projects undertaken during the year included the planting of pollinator-friendly flowers and fruit trees, biodiversity enhancement initiatives, educational gardening sessions for children and families, and environmental improvement work connected with community spaces and town centre regeneration.
The Trustees recognise the importance of environmental stewardship and seek to ensure that the charity’s activities continue to contribute positively to local biodiversity, community wellbeing and environmental resilience.
Volunteers
The charity is very involved in the community and relies on the help of volunteers in the areas of supervision of the beds and administration of the charity. The Trustees would like to thank all volunteers for their invaluable contribution to the life of the charity. The Trustees acknowledge that service to the public benefit would not be possible without these volunteers. The Volunteer Celebration was in the form of Afternoon Tea and Christmas Lunch to acknowledge all their hard work and commitment to the project.
Financial effect of significant events
Grants received continue to help with the expenses of the Charity. There was no significant outlay.
Investment policy and objectives set
Objectives for the next financial year are to continue to grow the charity by continuing to engage with volunteers, the community led events and maintenance of the beds and all the facilities of the charity.
There is no surplus cash investments or debt instruments.
Charity’s policy on reserves
The Trustees of Larkhall Community Growers are committed to maintaining a prudent Reserves Policy that aligns with the charity’s financial strategy and supports delivery of its charitable objectives.
The policy is reviewed regularly and takes a risk-based approach to determining an appropriate level of free reserves. This approach considers the reliability of income sources, the potential need to reorganise activities, and exposure to specific liabilities. The policy also incorporates provision for both known risks and unanticipated costs or opportunities that may arise.
The principal purposes for holding reserves are:
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To safeguard the continuity of our operations in the event of fluctuations or shortfalls in income.
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To support investment in operations that further the charity’s aims.
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To provide a financial buffer for asset replacement and other operational needs.
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To meet specific liabilities and manage identifiable risks.
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To retain the flexibility to respond to time-sensitive opportunities that support our mission.
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To ensure the charity can meet its contractual obligations.
For the current financial year, the trustees have agreed an optimal reserve target of £4,000, which reflects the estimated cost of dismantling and winding down the organisation’s physical assets if ever required. This recognises that staff costs are currently funded by grants and not from unrestricted income.
As of 28 February 2026, the charity’s Free Reserves — defined as total unrestricted funds, less tangible fixed assets and any long-term commitments — stand at £12,201, which exceeds the target level and reflects a stable financial position. The charity holds restricted reserves relating to specific funded projects together with unrestricted reserves available to support the charity’s general operations.
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The policy is reviewed quarterly as part of our internal financial controls to ensure it remains appropriate to the charity’s size, structure, and risk profile.
The trustees are satisfied that the current reserves position provides a sound financial foundation for continuing operations, while maintaining the flexibility to respond to future developments.
Donated facilities and services
The lease is fifteen years with the option of a further ten years. No new agreement since originally signed.
Financial review
During the financial year ended 28 February 2026, Larkhall Community Growers continued to deliver a wide range of community and environmental projects across Larkhall and the surrounding area. The charity remained financially stable during the year despite a planned reduction in reserves resulting from the delivery of funded projects and increased operational activity.
Income
Total incoming resources for the year amounted to £129,159 (2025: £138,003).
The majority of income continued to be received through restricted grants and donations supporting specific projects, including the Beeline Project, Larkhall Plan Partnership initiatives, NHS Stonehouse activities, and environmental and wellbeing programmes. Restricted income totalled £113,866, while unrestricted income generated through charitable and community activities amounted to £15,293.
The Trustees remain grateful to all grant-making bodies, partner organisations, volunteers and supporters whose ongoing commitment enables the charity to continue serving the local community.
Expenditure
Total charitable expenditure for the year was £148,456 (2025: £105,222).
Expenditure increased during the year as the charity expanded its activities and community engagement programmes. Significant expenditure related to staffing costs, project delivery, environmental initiatives, volunteer support activities, and community development work undertaken through the charity’s various funded programmes.
The largest areas of expenditure included the Beeline Project, Larkhall Plan Partnership activity, Big Lottery funded programmes, staffing costs, and wider operational support costs necessary to deliver charitable objectives.
Net Movement in Funds
The charity recorded a net deficit of £19,298 for the year (2025: surplus £32,780). This comprised a deficit of £8,766 on unrestricted funds and a deficit of £10,532 on restricted funds.
The Trustees are satisfied that the deficit reflects the planned utilisation of previously accumulated project funds and reserves to support ongoing charitable activities and community development projects during the year.
Reserves and Fund Balances
Total funds carried forward at 28 February 2026 amounted to £101,223 (2025: £120,520), comprising unrestricted funds of £12,201 and restricted funds of £89,021.
The Trustees consider the current reserves position to remain satisfactory and sufficient to support the continuing activities of the charity. Restricted reserves are held for specific funded projects and cannot be applied for general purposes.
The unrestricted reserves continue to exceed the charity’s minimum reserves target and provide an appropriate level of financial resilience for operational continuity and future project development.
Trustee Remuneration
No Trustee received remuneration during the year. Any payments made to Trustees were solely for the reimbursement of authorised expenses incurred in carrying out duties on behalf of the charity and were approved in accordance with the charity’s governing document and OSCR guidance.
The Trustees are satisfied that all expenditure incurred was wholly in furtherance of the charitable purposes of Larkhall Community Growers.
Factors likely to affect financial performance or position going forward
The Trustees have no plans for future significant outlay and therefore believe there is no need to ring fence any funds.
Media
E-mail: officelcglarkhall@gmail.com Website: www.larkhallcommunitygrowers.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Larkhall-Community-Growers
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The Trustees believe that this report is a fair, balanced and an understandable review of the charity’s structure, legal purposes, objectives and activities, financial performance & financial position.
The Charity Trustees declare that they have approved this report.
Directors’ statements in accordance with Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 28th February 2026.
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) in approving these financial statements as directors of the company hereby confirm:
a) that for the year ending 28th February 2026 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006,
b) that no notice has been deposited at the registered office of the company pursuant to section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 requesting that an audit be conducted for the year ended 28th February 2026.
c) The Trustee’s acknowledge their responsibilities for:
1) ensuring that the company keeps proper accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Companies Act
2) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial Year and of its surplus or deficit for the Year then ended in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395, and which otherwise comply with the provisions of the Companies Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company and in which the methods and principles in the Charities SORP and all applicable UK accounting standards have been followed.
These financial statements are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The financial statements were approved by the directors/trustees and signed on its behalf by;
Full Name : Nancy Barr Position : Chair/Trustee
Date: 30/6/2026
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 28[th ] February 2026 which are set out on pages 11 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Independent Examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) 2005 Act and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (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 Independent Examination opinion
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent Examiner’s statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention
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Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation
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4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of
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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.
Date: 6/7/2026
Peter Hall FCPA MCSI Peter Hall Finance & Accounting Solutions Dunfermline, Fife KY11 4JU
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Larkhall Community Growers Statement of Income and Expenditure For the 12 months ending February 2026
Scottish Registered Charity SC042093 Company Number SC372934
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2026 | 2025 | Further | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | Total | total | Details | |
| funds | funds | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income & Endowments from: | |||||
| Donations & Legacies | 113,866 | 113,866 | 125,589 | 3 | |
| Charitable Activities | 15,293 | 15,293 | 12,414 | 4 | |
| Total | 15,293 | 113,866 | 129,159 | 138,003 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Charitable Activities | 24,059 | 124,398 | 148,456 | 105,222 | 6 |
| Total | 24,059 | 124,398 | 148,456 | 105,222 | |
| Net gains/(losses) on investments | |||||
| Net income/(expenditure) | (8,766) | (10,532) | (19,298) | 32,780 | |
| Transfers between funds | |||||
| Net movement in funds | (8,766) | (10,532) | (19,298) | 32,780 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Total funds bought forward | 20,967 | 99,557 | 120,524 | 87,740 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 12,201 | 89,021 | 101,223 | 120,520 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources, and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
Larkhall Community Growers Balance Sheet as at 28th February 2026
| Current Assets Cash at bank & in hand Total Current Assets Liabilities Creditors falling due within one year Net Current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net Assets The funds of the charity: General Reserve Unrestricted Restricted Funds of the Charity |
2026 2025 103,615 122,337 103,615 122,337 2,392 1,816 10 101,223 120,520 101,223 120,520 101,223 120,520 11 12,201 20,967 89,021 99,553 101,223 120,520 |
|---|---|
These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and constitute the annual accounts required by the Companies Act 2006.
Full Name : Nancy Barr Position : Chair/Trustee
Date: 30/6/2026
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Notes to the Statement of Financial Activities
1. Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation & uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
a) Basis of preparation
The general purpose financial statements are prepared under
(a) The historical cost convention and in accordance with the Charity SORP 2015 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) and the Companies Act 2006. Transactions are recognised at cost or transaction value unless stated in the relevant notes.
(b) The Charities Act 2011
(c) The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005
(d) The Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended)
(e) The Companies Act 2006
"Larkhall Community Growers" meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
b) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
The Trustees have assessed the charity’s financial position, cashflow forecasts and reserves levels and are satisfied that the charity remains a going concern for the foreseeable future.
c) Income
(a) Income is recognised and included in the statement of financial activities (SoFA) when the charity becomes entitled to income; receipt is probable; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
(b) Where income has related expenditure (e.g. conferences and training courses), the income and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA
(c) Bank interest is recognised when credited to the account. Income from investments is included in the year in which it is receivable.
(d) Gift aid is recognised in the same accounting period as the donation to which it relates.
(e) Income which is subject to conditions that the charity has yet to fulfil, or which is specifically for use in the future accounting period, is treated as deferred income.
(f) Income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
(g) Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included.
d) Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.
e) Fund accounting – restricted and unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds are those available to use at the discretion of the Directors in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes.
f) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
(a) Expenditure is recognised using accrual accounting in compliance with paragraph 27 of IAS 1. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
(b) Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay out resources.
(c) Governance costs include the cost of preparation and examination of the statutory accounts, the cost of the trustee meetings and the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
g) Allocation of support costs
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the Charity's programmes and activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities. The basis on which support costs have been allocated are set out in note 7
h) Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis. There are no assets of the Charity to be depreciated. The land used by the Charity is leased from the local council.
i) Stock
Stock is included at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Donated items of stock are recognised at fair value which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay for the items on the open market.
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j) Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
k) Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
l) Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
2. Legal status of the charity.
Larkhall Community Growers was recognised as a Scottish Charity with effect from 15th February 2011. The Charity is a private company limited by guarantee without share capital use of 'Limited' exemption, and administered in accordance with the terms of the memorandum and articles.
| 3. Income from donations and legacies Administrator Beeline Big Lottery – General Community Links CAF Income FiveWays to Wellbeing Income General Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub Larkhall Community Network Larkhall Plan Partnership HCG NHS Stonehouse Plants Trinity |
2026 2025 7,500 27,382 41,478 28,156 33,224 917 2,497 15,293 12,414 (3,750) 200 1,681 35,471 50,000 1,843 1,957 4,400 1,000 5,500 |
|---|---|
| 129,159 138,003 |
Larkhall Community Growers is grateful to the charities who gave grant funding. In accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the economic contribution of general volunteers is not recognised in the accounts.
4. Income from charitable activities
| 4. Income from charitable activities | |
|---|---|
| Donations Other General Town Centre Fund |
15,293 12,414 |
| 15,293 12,414 |
5. Investment Income
Bank Interest
6. Analysis of expenditure on Charitable activities
Expenditure on charitable activities was £148,456 (2025 £105,222)
| Restricted Administrator Beeline Befriending project Community Links CAF Five Ways to Wellbeing Garfield Weston HCG Larkhall Community Network Larkhall Plan Payments (now UnRest) Management Costs/Income Big Lottery - General NHS Stonehouse Plants Trinity General |
3,992 31,729 39,260 9,905 917 2,281 5,455 2,780 3,207 989 2,751 49,521 16,019 (2,925) (4,687) 25,131 29,783 3,971 513 5,500 37 |
|---|---|
| 124,398 101,731 |
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| Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|
| General Expenses | 24,059 | 3,492 |
| Town Centre Fund | ||
| Total | 148,456 | 105,222 |
| 7. Analysis of governance & support costs | 2026 | 2025 |
| Professional Fees | 1,890 | 1,810 |
| Salaries, wages & related costs | 95,475 | 74,292 |
| General office & general charity expenses | 51,092 | 29,120 |
| 8. Analysis of staff costs | ||
| Salaries & Wages | 93,914 | 72,149 |
| Social Security Costs (under Employment Allowance) | 877 | |
| Pension Costs | 1,561 | 1,266 |
No charity trustee received remuneration or payment for professional services during the year. Trustee expense reimbursements disclosed within the Trustees’ Report related solely to authorised expenditure incurred on behalf of the charity.
9. Debtors Nil
| 10. Liabilities: amounts falling due | within a year. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAT to be received | (192) | (376) | ||
| PAYE & NI for February 2026 | 2,101 | 2,192 | ||
| Other | 483 | 1,350 | ||
| 11. Funds of the Charity | At 29/2/25 | Movem’t | T’frs | At |
| 28/2/26 | ||||
| Bank – Unrestricted (incl TC fund) | 20,967 | (8,766) | 12,201 | |
| Bank - Restricted | ||||
| Administrator | 3,508 | 3,508 | ||
| Beeline Project | 16,873 | (4,347) | 15,526 | |
| Big lottery | 32,636 | 3,025 | 35,661 | |
| Five Ways to Wellbeing | 216 | 216 | ||
| HGC Operations | 3,665 | (937) | 2,728 | |
| Larkhall Community Network | 1,775 | (789) | 986 | |
| Larkhall Plan Payments | 33,981 | (14,051) | 19,930 | |
| Management Costs | 9,627 | 2,925 | 12,552 | |
| NHS Stonehouse | 429 | 429 | ||
| Plants | 1,000 | (513) | 488 | |
| 99,556 | (10,532) | 89,025 | ||
| Total of bank account | 120,520 | (19,298) | 101,223 | |
| Total funds of charity | 120,520 | (19,298) | 101,223 |
| 12. Cash flows - operating activities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net movement in funds - Bank | 120,520 | (19,298) | 101,223 |
| 13. Number of employees | 2026 – 6 | 2025 – 5 |
Achievements & Performance
The LCG Board is pleased to report a highly successful 2025/26 year, with our growing reach allowing us to expand our impact across the community. We are currently engaging with the new owner of Trinity Home and sharing building condition information gathered during our recent feasibility study.
HCG
HCG had another strong growing season in 2025, with increased community use of the site— from individuals growing food to youth groups completing badge work and children learning about where food comes from. LCG took part in the Wild and Well Family Fun Day, where staff engaged families on the importance of pollinators, helped children make egg box gardens, shared flower seed bombs, and offered micro green tastings. On Valentine’s Day 2026, we launched our first Kids Gardening Club of the year, which was so well attended we nearly ran out of crafts. We hope future sessions are just as successful.
King Street
Larkhall Plan Partnership is working with INCH Architecture to redesign King Street as an accessible, vibrant community space with seating, covered areas and planting. The location would link the train station to Union Street and create a more welcoming town centre. The Partnership is finalising details with South Lanarkshire Council before submitting a planning application and seeking funding.
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Trinity Church
The former Church of Scotland building on Union Street was identified as a potential community venue, with space for events and opportunities to support the town’s night time economy. A feasibility study was funded, and a community survey launched in June 2025 to gather residents’ ideas. As of January 2026, the building was sold at auction, and the new owners have begun revitalising it.
Leisure Centre
In January 2025, the Partnership and Larkhall Community Council continued to campaign urging South Lanarkshire Council to fund a new leisure centre. The campaign reached 130,000 people on Facebook, gathered 2,000 petition signatures and generated at least 113 emails to Council leader Joe Fagan. In February 2025, the Council confirmed additional funding for the new centre. The Partnership is now working with the Council on the design, with construction due to begin in June 2026. Part of the existing building will be demolished to accommodate the expanded facility.
Bank Closure
The Bank of Scotland closed its last Larkhall branch on 8 January 2026 despite a major community campaign involving petitions, public meetings and a peaceful demonstration that reached national news. The closure is disappointing given the bank’s own figures of 41,000 customers, 1,400 businesses and planned housing growth. Although the branch is gone, discussions continue on future banking services, and pressure on the bank remains important.
Community Survey
From 28 April to 2 June, 1,657 residents completed the community survey online or on paper. Topics included the town, health, transport, services, community and volunteering. Partners helped reach a wide range of residents through social media, events, leaflets, banners and one to one conversations. The survey coincided with the local by election, allowing engagement with major party candidates. The Gala Day was also key for outreach which strengthened the impact. Results are now being analysed to shape the next community plan.
Running Track
Residents highlighted the need for a new athletics track, as the current school track is not competition standard. The Partnership has been working with South Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture on upgrade options and costs. YMCA coach Willie Mowbray hopes a second phase of leisure centre development could include a modern synthetic track, which would greatly benefit local athletes.
The Trustees believe these activities continue to strengthen community cohesion, improve environmental awareness and support the long-term wellbeing of residents within Larkhall and the surrounding area.
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