Charity Registration No. SC043125 (Scotland)
THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
~ a Charity number (Scotland) $C043125 Registered office Old Town of Leys House
Old Town of Leys House Culduthel Inverness IV2 6AE
Independent examiner Po Johnston Carmichael LLP Clava House Cradlehall Business Park Inverness IV2 5GH
THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ report | 1-2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notestothefinancialstatements | 6-10 |
THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees present their annual report and unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Trust Deed, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006, FRS102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" ("FRS 102"), including the provisions of Section 1A relevant to Small Entities, 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 (FRS 102).
Objectives and activities
The objectives of the Sutherland Family Charitable Trust include maintaining the Garden known as "The Oldtown of Leys Garden" located on the escarpment to the south of Inverness. The ethos is that we will have a series of honesty boxes which attract funds deposited by visitors who enjoy the ambience, quality and sheer pleasure of visiting this garden which covers a 2.5 acre site with over 10,000 plants and trees to view.
In turn, the proceeds of the public collections and donations will be distributed between local charities in the Highland area, such as the Highland Hospice and Alzheimer Scotland, but given that we are members of Scotland's Garden Scheme, 40% of the income gathered will be donated to their charities on an annual basis.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by OSCR in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
This has been a vibrant year, with strong visitor numbers and generous contributions to our charitable causes. We're delighted to see continued high levels of repeat visitors, alongside an increase in Garden Club trips from across the country. Building on last year’s success, our birdsong walks, bee activity trips and pond dipping experiences remain popular.
Our polytunnel continues to thrive thanks to the tireless work of Fiona, Pamela, Alex, and the team - their commitment is truly appreciated by alll.
A heartfelt thank-you to our visitors, local supporters, and Scotland's Gardens Scheme partners—your generosity makes a meaningful difference to our chosen charities.
Financial review
The charity recorded a deficit of £4,559 (2024 - £57,210) in the year to 31 March 2025. At the year end the charity had unrestricted funds of £16,023 (2024 - £20,582).
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to 12 months charitable expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charities current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised.
As this reserve policy was not met, the trustees have donated £45,000 to the charity post year end to ensure that sufficient funds are available in line with this policy, as noted in note 12 of the accounts.
Structure, governance and management
The charity was established by a charitable trust deed on 7 April 2012.
The Trustees who served on the date of approval of the accounts, or during the reporting period were:
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THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees have the power to assume new trustees as appropriate.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
The Trustees’ report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
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THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
| report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 4 to 10.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 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 financial statements as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, 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 | do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements.
Independent examiner's statement
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In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: (i) | to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations; and
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(ii) | to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations;
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have not been met: or
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(b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Use of our report
This report is made to the charity's board of trustees, as a body, in accordance with the terms of engagement. My work has been undertaken to enable me to undertake an independent examination of the charity's financial statements on behalf of the charity's board of trustees and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, | do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's board of trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Johnston Carmichael LLP Clava House Cradlehall Business Park Inverness V2 5GH
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THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | 54,065 | 2,646 |
| Total income | 54,065 | 2,646 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | 4 | 58,624 | 59,856 |
| Total expenditure | 58,624 | 59,856 | |
| Netexpenditure forthe year/ | |||
| Netmovement in funds | (4,559) | (57,210) | |
| Reconciliation of Funds | |||
| Fund balances at 1 April 2024 | 20,582 | 77,792 | |
| Fundbalancesat31March2025 | 16,023 | 20,582 |
All amounts in the current and previous financial period relate to unrestricted funds.
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THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Debtors | 9 | 10,267 | 250 | ||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 19,566 | 32,967 | |||||
| 29,833 | 33,217 | ||||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | 10 | ||||||
| one year | (13,810) | (12,635) | |||||
| Net current assets | 16,023 | 20,582 | |||||
| The funds of the charity: | |||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 16,023 | 20,582 | |||||
| 16,023 | 20,582 |
The 1 aOGusr 4 accounts were approved by the Trustees on oe IU CUST Jo2s
THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 1 Accounting policies
1.1 Accounting convention These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”), including the provisions of Section 1A relevant to Small Entities, 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), the Charities and Trustees Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
- 1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least the next 12 months. Post year end, the trustees have specifically made donations to the Trust to ensure the reserve policy is met and will continue to introduce funds when necessary. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
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1.3 Charitable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
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1.4 Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable and the amount can be measured reliably.
Donations and grants, including government grants, are usually recognised on receipt, unless performance conditions satisfy early recognition or deferral of the income. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under gift aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of donation.
- 1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category and activity on a direct basis. Expenditure on charitable activities are those costs incurred directly in the objects of the charity. Governance costs, which form part of expenditure on charitable activities, are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash at bank.
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THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.7 Financial instruments
- The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are measured at transaction price including transaction costs.
Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date.
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, are recognised at transaction price.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The Trustees consider there to be no critical judgements or key sources of estimation uncertainty.
3 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Public donations | 54,065 | 2,344 |
| Gifts | - | 302 |
| 54,065 | 2,646 | |
| Includedwithinthecurrentyeararedonationsof£10,000(2024 -Enil)whichwasreceiveda Trustee, £10,000 (2024 - £nil) from(Mand £20,000 (2024 - £nil)from Trustee along withtheassociatedgiftaid. |
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THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4 Charitable activities
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Staffcosts | 40,093 | 41,260 |
| Donations | 3;753 | 2,644 |
| Plants and materials | 9,673 | 11,672 |
| Management fees | 2,210 | 1,493 |
| 55,729 | 57,069 | |
| Share ofgovernance costs (see note 5) | 2,895 | 2,787 |
| 58,624 | 59,856 | |
| Analysis byfund | ||
| Unrestrictedfunds | 58,624 | 59,856 |
5 Support costs
| Support costscosts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support | Governance | 2025 | 2024 | Basis of | |
| costs | costs | allocation | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Independent examination fees | - | 2,895 | 2,895 | 2,787 | Direct |
| - | 2,895 | 2,895 | 2,787 | ||
| Analysed between | |||||
| Charitableactivities | - | 2,895 | 2,895 | 2,787 |
6 Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration, reimbursed expenses or expenses paid directly on their behalf during the current or prior year.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
7 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Total | 1 | 1 |
| Employment costs | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Wagesandsalaries | 40,093 | 41,260 |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more.
8 Taxation
The company is a registered charity and is recognised as such by HMRC for taxation purposes. As a result there is no liability to taxation on any of its charitable income.
9 Debtors
| Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Amounts falling due within one year: | £ | £ |
| Other debtors | 10,000 | - |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 267 | 250 |
| 10,267 | 250 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Trade creditors | 11,064 | 10,587 |
| Accruals and deferred income | 2,746 | 2,048 |
| 13,810 | 12,635 |
10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
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THE SUTHERLAND FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
11. Related party transactions
Included within note 3 are details of donations received from trustees.
At the year end the charity owed Argyll & Inverness Ltd £10,827 (2024 - £10,587). The trustees control Argyll & Inverness Ltd.
12 Post balance sheet events
Subsequent to the year end, the trustees have donated £45,000 to the charity to ensure sufficient funds are available in accordance with the reserve policy.
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