Chairman’s Report — Young Crown (SCO45082) 2025
As we look back on the past year, I am pleased to report that Young Crown continues to thrive as a stand-alone charity with a clear Christian message and a valued link to the local churches, including Crown Church, Old High, and St Stephen’s. We remain focused on providing a safe, welcoming space where children, young people, and families can grow, explore faith, and feel part of a caring community.
Interesting times lie ahead with the imminent union of Crown Church and Old High & St Stephen’s, forming the new Midmills Parish Church from 1st January. This is a significant moment for the church in Inverness, and it will no doubt shape how we work together in the years ahead. While Young Crown is independent, our connection to the churches is an important part of who we are, and we look forward to exploring new opportunities for partnership as the new parish begins its journey.
It is also worth noting that the 9:30 service continues to thrive, thanks to the dedicated work of those who faithfully lead these services. We are encouraged to see the number of young families attending continue to grow. Their involvement brings fresh energy and innovative ideas, which in turn help shape the direction of our work with children and families in the community.
One of our challenges this year came when our funding application to Seeds for Growth was unsuccessful. There appeared to be some concern or confusion over our relationship with the church, which may have contributed to this outcome. However, we were deeply encouraged when an anonymous sponsor stepped forward and offered to match pound for pound any money we could raise through donations and fundraising activities, up to a maximum of £7,000. I am delighted to report that we raised £6,126, and with Gift Aid added we are in a strong financial position heading into 2026.
Our Youth Worker, |, continues to deliver outstanding work. Her toddler group remains a valued resource for parents and carers, and her work at Crown Primary School is flourishing, with growing numbers attending the Scripture Union group. WM also provides support at Millburn Academy, helping to strengthen links with young people as they move through secondary school. She has been linking with Old High and St Stephen’s through their Sweaty Church programme and is collaborating with the Kinmylies Church Youth Worker, helping her build confidence, knowledge, and experience. Saturday Night At Crown (SNAC), which runs monthly, continues to be a popular event for our younger members, offering a fun and safe environment with a positive Christian message.
This year we were sorry to lose one of our board members due to ill health. In addition, our long-serving treasurer has decided to step down. We are very grateful for the commitment and expertise both brought to Young Crown and wish them well.
I am delighted to report that we now have two willing volunteers ready to step into the vacant roles, which gives us confidence and stability as we plan for the future.
Looking forward, we are excited by the opportunities that the formation of Midmills Parish Church and our ongoing partnerships with local churches will bring. With dedication, the commitment of our volunteers, and the generosity of our supporters, Young Crown is well placed to continue our mission of serving the children, young people, and families of our community.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us — through prayer, volunteering, donations, and encouragement. Your partnership makes all the difference and allows us to keep building something that impacts lives in a lasting way.
Chairperson, Young Crown
Young Crown SCIO
Statement of Accounts - to 31st August 2025
RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
| Income:- | ||
|---|---|---|
| Donations / Fundraising | £7,977.72 * | |
| Gift Aid (Year 23-24) | £3,660.55 ** | |
| Gift Aid (Year 24-25) | £3,162.33 | |
| Standing Orders | £9,757.00 *** | |
| £24,557.60 | £24,557.60 | |
| Expenditure:- | ||
| Wages | £20,790.67 | |
| Tax, NI | £3,458.56 | |
| Pension | £1,688.40 | |
| Insurances | £648.83 | |
| Expenses | £2,070.54 | |
| £28,657.00 | £28,657.00 | |
| Deficit for the Year | £4,099.40 | |
| Notes:- |
-
Donations received by Young Crown are used wholly for the purposes of the Charity.
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** There are 2 years of Gift Aid money shown here - there was an issue with the 2023-24 application.
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*** Standing Orders are donations received by Young Crown and are used wholly for the purposes of the Charity.
BALANCE SHEET
| Opening cash at bank and in hand | £18,130.59 |
|---|---|
| Deficit for the Year | -£4,099.40 |
| Closing Cash at Bank and in hand | £14,031.19 |
| Bank & Cash Balances: | |
| Bank Account | £14,031.19 |
11[th] September 2025
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Young Crown SCIO Scottish Charity number SCO 45802
I report on the accounts of the charity to the year ended 31[st] August 2025.
Respective responsibilities of trustee 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 Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of regulation 10(1) (d) 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 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 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 view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner’s statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of 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.
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17[th] September 2025