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← The Wild Olive Tree

2025-07-31-accounts

Charity registration number SC045792 (Scotland)

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees A Duncan (Chair)
S Maxwell
K Stewart
D Harris
H Wright
R Morrison
Charity number (Scotland) SC045792
Registered office St George's Tron Church of Scotland
163 Buchanan Street
Glasgow
G1 2JX
Independent examiner William Vernall CA
Azets Audit Services
Chartered Accountant
Titanium 1
King's Inch Place
PA4 8WF

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the financial statements 7 - 14

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 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 governing document, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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

To relieve poverty and to give relief to those in need by reason of financial disadvantage and homelessness by operating a cafe at St George's Tron Church of Scotland which provides workplace employability placements to clients of Glasgow City Mission or such other agencies as are or may be deemed appropriate.

To give relief to those in need by reason of financial disadvantage and homelessness, and to relieve poverty by donating all profits from the cafe to Glasow City Mission and Bethany Christian Trust or to such other agencies having the same or similar objective, to further their work in Glasgow.

To advance religion by promoting, contributing to and supporting the charitable objectives of St George's Tron Church of Scotland (registered charity in Scotland SC004931) as a place of Christian worship, fellowship,instruction, mission and service.

Activities

The Wild Olive Tree shall operate a cafe open to the general public, providing work placements to clients of Glasgow City Mission or other agencies deemed appropriate by the Board. The Wild Olive Tree shall donate all profits to Glasgow City Mission and Bethany Christian Trust and shall operate a 'gifted soup and coffee' scheme which allows members of the public to purchase a soup or coffee for the cafe to give to someone who is vulnerable and unable to pay.

Achievements and performance

General Performance 2024-25

The period 2024-25 saw a sustained continuation of the previous year’s growth. The customer base remained loyal, and the number of daily covers remained at a satisfactory level to ensure economic viability and even steady growth.

This in turn allowed for further progress in rebuilding our financial reserves following the 2020-21 pandemic. Over the course of the year, the Trustees resolved to take a more planned approach to managing profits, both in terms of rebuilding reserves, as well as in setting aside funds for the purposes of annual disbursement to our charity partners.

Donations Scheme

Our donations scheme continues to be a vital source of support to some of the most vulnerable people in Glasgow. The scheme is largely funded by customer donations, through which the café gives away food and drink on a daily basis to those who cannot afford to pay for it. Over the course of the year, we were delighted to be able to give away a total of 15,783 free items of food and drink, which represents a 25% increase over the previous year.

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

Employability Work Placements

A significant development in our investment in people, came in the form of an newly created post of Volunteer Coordinator. This post was funded through a grant received from The Merchants House and allowed us to employ Bekah Jack to work part-time in developing a focused programme of recruitment, training and support, both for volunteers and for those coming to us on work placements, many of whom have additional support needs. Over the course of the year we developed positive partnerships with a number of agencies, including the Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership Supported Employment Service and Project Search.

Throughout the year, the café was delighted to have nineteen volunteers, who gave their time to support the social aims of our project. In addition, we provided fifteen supported placements for individuals seeking access to training and experience in the workplace. Of those, two moved on into employment, having gained the confidence and skills from their time working at The Wild Olive Tree café to enable them to do so.

Price Increases

In order to continue to stay on top of the cost-of-living increase, a further price increase of 5% proved necessary. There was no discernible negative impact of these price increases in terms of trading figures, with a positive increase in income overall leading to a more balanced financial picture over the course of the year.

Financial review

Our main source of funding is food purchased by our customers.

The price increases which had been agreed in the previous trading year continued to increase the overall profitability of the café and this, combined with the significant upsurge in trading levels, have placed the café on a significantly more secure financial footing.

The Wild Olive Tree received a grant of £7,500 from The Merchants House of Glasgow in November 2024. This grant was used to help fund the role of volunteer co-ordinator from the start of January 2025.

The Wild Olive Tree is an accredited Living Wage Employer, and therefore in April 2025 we increased staff wages by 5%, in line with the guidance set out by the Living Wage Foundation.

The overall financial position at the end of July 2025 was one showing a balanced financial position, with a satisfying level of growth, ensuring the ongoing viability and sustainability of the enterprise.

Reserves policy

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 between three and six month’s 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 charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

The Trustees’ policy is to have a minimum of £30,000 in reserve to cover running costs for one month should the café be forced to cease trading.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) which was registered on 9 July 2015. When it was initially created it had a single tier structure and constitution, with the Trustees as the sole members of the charity.

In the course of 2017-18 the Trustees moved to a two-tier governance structure in order to safeguard the interests of St George's Tron as a place of Christian worship, ministry and mission, given the prominent place which the Wild Olive Tree occupies within the sanctuary space. Having adopted this structure, election of the Trustees has now become the responsibility of the membership of St George's Tron Church of Scotland. This change in governance required an amendment to the charitable aims of the Wild Olive Tree, in order to bring these into line with those of St George's Tron Church of Scotland, the wording of which was presented to and accepted by OSCR as follows:

"To advance religion by promoting, contributing to and supporting the charitable objectives of St George's Tron Church of Scotland (registered charity in Scotland SC004931) as a place of Christian worship, fellowship, instruction, missionand service".

The change to the constitution took effect on 17 September 2017.

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting. There must be a minimum of three and a maximum of six Trustees, with a quorum of four. Three are elected directly from the membership of The Wild Olive Tree Cafe and these three in turn co-opt and appoint the additional three Trustees. Membership of the cafe is open to members of St George’s Tron church.

There were no changes to Trustees in the year 2024-25.

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

A Duncan, Trustee

17 April 2026

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2025, which are set out on pages 5 to 14.

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)-(c) of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 does not apply.

It is my responsibility to examine the financial statements as required under section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 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 Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. 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 seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements.

Independent examiner's statement

In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1)(a) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and Regulation 4 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006, and

  3. to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006

have not been met, or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

17 April 2026

William Vernall CA The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland

Azets Audit Services Chartered Accountant King's Inch Place Renfrew Glasgow PA4 8WF

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
2,656
31,000
Charitable activities
4
326,470
-
Investments
5
344
-
Total income
329,470
31,000
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
311,686
25,467
Other expenditure
10
1,523
-
Total expenditure
313,209
25,467
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
16,261
5,533
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 August
2024
12,138
-
Fund balances at 31 July
2025
28,399
5,533		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
33,656
-
28,063
326,470
305,283
-
344
157
-
360,470
305,440
28,063
337,153
306,701
28,063
1,523
534
-
338,676
307,235
28,063
21,794
(1,795)
-
12,138
13,933
-
33,932
12,138
-		 Total
2024
£
28,063
305,283
157
333,503
334,764
534
335,298
(1,795)
13,933
12,138

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 JULY 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 12 3,669 5,191
Current assets
Stocks 13 3,090 3,500
Debtors falling due within one year 14 2,673 -
Bank current account 18,900 7,502
Bank reserve account 11,973 19,763
Allocation for VAT payment 9,347 -
Grant 7,500 -
Cash in hand 2,936 3,365
56,419 34,130
Creditors: amounts falling due within 15
one year (26,156) (27,183)
Net current assets 30,263 6,947
Total assets less current liabilities 33,932 12,138
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds 16 5,533 -
Unrestricted funds 17 28,399 12,138
33,932 12,138

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 17 April 2026

A Duncan, Trustee

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Wild Olive Tree is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Its principal address is St George's Tron Church of Scotland,163 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, G1 2JX.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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 charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

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 under 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 the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

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.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Kitchen equipment 33% on cost
Fixtures and fittings 25% on cost
Computer equipment 25% on cost

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.10 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.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
-
23,500
Grants
-
7,500
Gift Aid
2,656
-
2,656
31,000		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
23,500
-
28,063
7,500
-
-
2,656
-
-
33,656
-
28,063		 Total
2024
£
28,063
-
-
28,063

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Cafe income
Sale of goods 326,470 305,283

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Interest receivable 344 157

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

6 Expenditure on charitable activities

Direct costs
Staff costs
Food and drink
Rent and management fees
Postage, stationery and advertising
Cleaning
Bank charges
Telephone
Other costs
Equipment maintenance
Donations
Subscriptions
Utilities
Share of support and governance costs (see note 7)
Support
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
7
Support costs allocated to activities
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Cafe
Governance costs comprise:
Accountancy
Independent examiner's fee		 2025
£
202,934
81,267
24,714
865
5,867
5,771
366
3,759
1,645
-
2,153
4,592
333,933
3,220
337,153
311,686
25,467
337,153
2025
£
3,220
3,220
2025
£
1,270
1,950
3,220		 2024
£
195,914
90,559
23,891
1,175
3,633
4,308
320
2,298
1,094
5,000
1,243
2,879
332,314
2,450
334,764
306,701
28,063
334,764
2024
£
2,450
2,450
2024
£
775
1,675
2,450

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

8 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

9 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries		 2025
Number
20
2025
£
202,934		 2024
Number
22
2024
£
195,914

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

10 Other expenditure

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Depreciation 1,523 534

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

12
Tangible fixed assets
Kitchen
equipment
Fixtures and
fittings
Computer
equipment
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 August 2024
4,063
5,206
3,131
At 31 July 2025
4,063
5,206
3,131
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 August 2024
3,228
2,782
1,198
Depreciation charged in the year
276
677
570
At 31 July 2025
3,504
3,459
1,768
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2025
559
1,747
1,363
At 31 July 2024
835
2,424
1,932
13
Stocks
2025
£
Finished goods and goods for resale
3,090
14
Debtors
2025
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
Trade debtors
1,137
Other debtors
1,536
2,673
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
£
Other taxation and social security
15,022
Accruals and deferred income
11,134
26,156		 Total
£
12,400
12,400
7,208
1,523
8,731
3,669
5,191
2024
£
3,500
2024
£
-
-
-
2024
£
15,817
11,366
27,183

THE WILD OLIVE TREE SCIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

16 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 August Incoming Resources At 31 July At 31 July
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £
Gift fund - 23,500 (23,500) -
Work placement scheme - 7,500 (1,967) 5,533
- 31,000 (25,467) 5,533
Previous year: At 1 August Incoming Resources At 31 July
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
Gift fund - 28,063 (28,063) -

The Gift fund represents amounts received by the charity to provide soup or coffee to people who are unable to pay for them less related expenditure. It is clearly explained to our customers that all donations received are used to fund the free distribution of food in this way without exception. It is consistently the case that that whilst customer donations are generous, they do not fully or entirely offset the expenses associated with this scheme and there is therefore never a surplus of funds from the pool of donations. Should this be the case however, it is the declared policy of the Trustees that any such donations would be carried forward from year to year as restricted funds to be used solely for the purpose described above.

Work Placement scheme is help towards the salary of a new position of volunteer coordinator for the cafe.

17 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 August Incoming Resources At 31 July
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £
General funds 12,138 329,470 (313,209) 28,399
Previous year: At 1 August Incoming Resources At 31 July
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 13,933 305,440 (307,235) 12,138