CAOLAS", Community Association Of Lochs And Soun Loch Sunart and the Sound of Mull Community Association of Lochs and Sounds (CAOLAS) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025 Charity registration number: SC047982 SCIO registered on: 07 December 2017 Reference and Administrative Information Charity Name: Community Association of Lochs and Sounds Also known as: CAOLAS Charity registration number: SC047982 SCIO registered on: 07 December 2017 Registered Office: Kiel House, Lochaline, Morvem. PA80 5XT Country of Origin". UK Trustees Appointed July 2024 January 2024 December 2017 December 2017 October 2023 December 2017 May 2023: reS￿ned January 2025 December 2017. Resigned January 2024 De￿rnber 2017; Resigned October 2023 December 2017: Resigned August 2023 October 2021. Resigned December 2023 Bankers: The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). Fort Williarn Website: www.caolas. o Facebook.. htt s.'IthM.facebook.comlmarinecommuni rou The Trustees present their second annual report and financial statements for the period April 2024 - March 2025. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT The Community Association of Lochs arKI Sounds was set up as an informal association in 2015 but on 7 December 2017 it ￿gIStered as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Association {SCIO). The Charity is administered in accordance with the temis of its Constitution. Recrultment and Appolntment of Board The Board are appointed by election from the membership at an Annual General Meeting according to its constitution. articles 57-76. The Board may al any time also appoint any member to be a charity trustee if there is a vacancy. The maximum number of trustees is 10. Tnistee Induction and Training New trustees a￿ provided with a summary of their role and the responsibilities. the constitution, minutes and financial reports of previous meetings and access to online advice from offi￿ for the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). Formal training can be a￿SSed if required. Objectives and Activities The charity has been fom)ed to • encourage and promote sustainable use of local waters for recreation, fishing and other marine activrties promote and cary out research, surveys and investigations of the local marine environment involve the community and raise awareness of marine issues and the related cultural heritage educate arKI involve yourKJer members of the community protect and allow recovery of biodiversrty and natural processes in the Sound of Mull, Loch Sunart Woth with other communty organisations. Non-Govemmental Organisations (NGOS). statutory organisations, the Scottish Government arKI others. to record. wcxnote and protect our marine environment. ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE Staff Capacity & Strdtegic Coordination Across the work of the CAOLAS employees. Irustees and with the support of Fauna and Flora, CAOLAS coordinated an in-person ￿treat to hold a detailed slrategy workshop. Hosted on the Isle of Cama by the Carna Conservation Initiative, members of the team met for a long weekend. coverin our internal ourne to the current oint condLJCted a Theo of Change exercise, to assist in the identification of CAOLAS. main goals, values and objectives moving fOr￿ard. The weekend allowed for detailed discussion of the activities covered up until this point, with a clear view to looking ahead and beginning more substantial conversations around potential funding and donor support for core activities and governance of CAOLAS. Fioure i The CAOLAS teurn retvrnin9Arom the Isle of Corno durino our 2024 Strotegy Weekend-o key nx%nent to rellect. connect. gnd Ol￿n on future pr￿ritIeS. Fwure 2 Iteftj A visuol mopping of CAOLAS's growth ond evolvin9 Str(Jtegy. illustroting how our portnerships. projerts, ond purpose hove developed over time. fRwht) Core to CAOIAS'S opprooch is o volues-led rycle ol Understanding. Appreciot￿n. Knowledge. ond Core & Protection-onchored in Lwr identity os Communities of the Seo. In 2024-2025, funding from the William Grant Foundation enabled CAOLAS to employ part-time Administrator. Over the course of the year, this evolving role has become a central pillar of the organisation's intemal coordination. communications. and strategic development. The post has signrficantly enhanced CAOLAS'S capacity to deliver on its aims in ￿searCh, outreach. education. campaigning. and govemance. Key contributions have included coordinating monlhly truslee meetings (scheduling, agendas, minutes), supporting the planning and delivery of the 2024 Strategy Weekend and AGM, and helping to organise regular internal team check-ins. The Administrator also led a consislent and strategic communications effort-developing a media outreach plan, publishing 110 social media posts, and scheduling continued outreach through 2025. In addition, the role supported the development of intemal StarKlard Operating Procedures (SOPS) to build trustee and staff capacity across tools like Trello. Google Calendar. and shared drives. This post has played an inlegral role in consolidating systems, strengthening inlernal govemance, and preparing for future fundraising and strategic planning. Native O ster Resloralion Pro ect The Lochaline Native Oyster Restoration Project (LNOP) has remained a cornerstone of CAOLAS'S work throughout 2024-2025. Supported by the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) in partnership wth Ardlomish Estate, the project aims to reintroduce and monitor native oyster populations in Loch Aline-enhancing biodiversity and supporting long-lerm ecosystem recovery. Over the year. the LNOP team has significantly expanded its research and restoration efforts. Key achievements include: Deployment of oysters: Two new cohorts of oysters (cohorts 3 and 4) were received and intrOdU￿d to the Loch, wth additional stock planned for later in 2025. Monitoring systems: Biodiversity and abiotic monitoring continued at three release sites. supported by new equipment including sediment traps, light and temperature10ggers. hydrophones, and mini buoys from the University of Glasgow. Data and modelling: Chlorophyll and salinity loggers were added, and hydrodynamic model of Loch Aline 15 now in development to inform spat collection and larval dispersal predictions. Habltat mapplng: Ongoing subtidal surveys have begun to identfy and map Priority Marine Features (PMFS) such as old oyster beds and horse mussel reefs. Experlmental methods: Trials of willow spat cages were launched to explore biodegradable. predator- resistant options. These efforts have already inspired interest from internationa5 partners. Figure 3 1 NOP ProJecr Leod demonstJ"oting Dysrei growih 5toges dwin9 on oyster check The team has also engaged in robust outreach and education, includirKJ: Visits lo all five catchment primary schools, using hands-on activities to teach children about oyster restoration and rnarine biodiversity. A communily stall and oyster adoption initiative at the Lochaline Harbour Open Day. Guest lectures and srte visits for university and college students, including SRUC and the University of St Andrews. Participation in major knowledge exchange events, including Hope Week, the Native Oyster Network conference in Galway, and srte visits lo projects like Seawilding in Loch Broom. Figore 4 loc(Jl childien purliciputing in ¢ys',er. rhemed octivities 05 Port OA CAOLAS s cotchment.wide educotion progromme. The LNOP team also supported coordination of the Winter Talk Series and facilitated creative community engagement activrties during Gala Week. such as the public naming of the CAOLAS boat ('Flame') and ROV ("Blue Turtle.). funded with thanks to SMEEF. Figure 5 The CAOIA5 teorn Dt ,'he QUDlic noming c,, Cur wDrkDCtt "Flomp. tturino Golc LILlepk 2U24 celpbroiing community connettion to the projecr. Training and capacity-building have remained integral to the project. with staff and trustees completing VHF, Powerboat 2, Sea Survival, and First Aid at Sea qualifications, alongsKle seagra5s monitoring and rocky shore survey skn'11s. As the project enters its next phase, efforts continue lo expand monitoring, increase oyster cohort resilience, and deepen community engagement-ensuring Ihe restoralion of this keystone species is both ecologically roL￿St and locally rooled. Communil Outreach 2024 -2025 CAOLAS continued to grow its presence within the local community this year through school engagement, participation in local events, educational partnerships, and a consistent online outreach strategy. The team hosted stalls at the Morvem Highland Games and in Lochaline during Gala Week, connecting with residents and visitors to share CAOLAS'S Work and promote marine stewardship. Activities included fun facts about oysters and our local environment, which helped boost local engagement and visibility. A competrtion with the local community was organised to name the boat and ROV, so the community came up with Flame and Blue Turtle. This fun and engaging aclivily allowed for the input of adults and children from across the community. Figure 5 L_ e Jocts. focilitotin9 Ortivfftie5. ondpromoting locol 5rewordship. During the winter of 2024, CAOLAS participated in the Kiel Church Christmas Tree Festival. CAOLAS bought a tree which frt into an alcove space, in a prime position for community engagement, and the tree was decorated by CAOLAS Trustees and Ihe LNOP team, wrth creatively painted oyster shells and northem feather stars. bridging Ihe artistic and creative engagement with our teams, with the work occurring below Ihe surface of our walers. Figure 7 {LeftJ Decoroting the deep.- sociol medio highlights from the Kiel Church Chrjstrnos Tree Festivol. where CAOLA5 feotured o morine-lhemed tiee. fRightJ Creotivefy pointed oyster 5he115 ondfeothef 5tors. crofted by the teom, connecting festive Aun wlth ocegn aworenes5. Our 2025 Winter Talk Series was a highligm of the outreach calendar. featuring seven events covering topics such as regeneralive aquaculture. plankton. cetaceans. otters, and oyster restoration. Speakers included researchers from SAMS. Seawilding. and other partner organisalions. These events-0ffe￿d both in-person and online-allowed communrty members to engage directly wrth emerging marine science and conservation issues. CAOLAS A55000fA)n (X LLths P.¥ .hthl conservation. restoratk>n. and mor•1 •LIIOJ2025 •' oo piIIPzr•Y -. Ilty 2￿5 lin• s itAn￿Y Vocal cornrnufticali￿ in Cet•ct¥ns •2010&1025 ¥ 7 00 PM ". Trwj. L￿￿•1 wkn* loc [thl The MoiveTn 8x*bnt Prqeci 41QJIZOISV Itc i VW ." 4th15 .-00p*JP2￿ Fwufe 8 Promotin9 knowledge-5horin9 ond c005tol CUI*0514y- L•4v&po > u*ii4l¥r pruiJwrfllS supported ts pocked 2025 Winlef Tolk Series CAOLAS also supported educational outreach with local schools and maintained a growing relationship with the University of Glasgow. Additionally, knowledge exchange visits with Seawilding contributed to ongoing leaming and collaboration in restoration best practice. Finally, CAOLAS has ￿en working with individuals in our communty and engaging with relevant actors and stakeholders in the area, to increase awareness and knowledge of incidents of pollution. Efforts include ensuring communrty members have a forum with which to share their observations and concems and ask for advice about how to act as nature stewards in light of such incidents. A particular incident in July 2024, at Fiunary fish farm, operated by Scottish Sea Farms. local to the CAOLAS area and on the shores of where many members a￿ situated. the sinking of a vessel resulled in leaking oil near salmon farms. CAOLAS engaged with local communty members, and with the help Anana Burgess (MSP), convened a local forum to discuss concerns and potential ways to raise community perspedives of the issue. seeking to ensure the Incident was fully investigated, clean up activities were conducled as is required, and efft)rts were made to avoid such incidenls in the future. F￿vre 9 Cgntclinfflent boofn deployed (Iround Fiunarylish furrn lullowjng o pollution incident. 05 seen Irorn the Morvern shore. Together, these activities have helped CAOLAS deepen its roots in the community while strengthening ties wrth regional research and conservation networks. Networkin CAOLAS continues to play an active role in local and nalional marine conservation nelworks. We remain a committed mernber of the Coastal Communities Network (CCN), attending regular meetings and training opportunities facilitaled by Fauna & Flora International (FFI>. Our Communrty Marine Officer also represenls CAOLAS in the Our Seas coalition. contributing to weekly meetings and shared advocacy goals around marine protection and sustainable fisheries. In 2024, CAOLAS hosled the Our Seas Coastal Testimonies Exhibrtion in Lochaline, providing a space for community members to engage wrth powerful stories of coastal connection and marine change. We also supported the exhibition's presence at the Scottish Parliament in January 2025, helping amplify the Vol￿ of coaslal communrties at a national level. Figure 10 PDrrroi15 ond quore5 from rhe Our Seos Coosiol fesfJmonie5 e*hibifiDn. disployed in the Community Cofe in Locholine. Contributing to CAOLAS, knowledge of Lochaline. and the development of partnerships and relationships with local aclors, the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS) in nearby Oban conducted a detailed survey of parts of the loch. The goal was to ground-truth the realities of oyster release sites in Scottish lochs. testing specifically for rugosity. Side-scan. photogrammetry, arKI bathymetry data was gathered. providing varied layers of detail of the terrain. wellbeing and potential for restoration of the sites. The team were able to review and consider results in collaboration wrth SAMS, and infonns how CAOLAS, activities interact with the loch and surfa￿, particularly as part of the oyster project. We maintain strong working relationships with other NGOS, conservation groups, and local stakeholders, including Seawilding, Ardtomish Estate, Open Seas, MOWI, MACCOLL. and the Morvern Communrty Development Company. These partnerships are essential to the collaboratNe nature of CAOLAS'S work and help to advance our shared environmental goals. CAOLAS also continues to contribute lo the Argyll Hope Spot network. participating in meetings and contributing updates to the Hope Spot newsletter. This helps mainlain momentum and collaboration around the protection of the Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura Marine Prolected Area (MPA) and related designations. FIg￿re 11 D15corded ,'Jshing rope ond plosfic debris gothered duiing CAOLAS.led beoch tleons in 2024-25. highlighting the ongoing impoct of morine litter ond the importonce of community siewordship The Morvern Baseline Pro The Morvern Baseline Project was completed in 2024 and funded by the Highlands and Islands Environment Foundation (HIEF). The final report was published in December and highlights fv4e coastal srtes surveyed across Morvern: Ardness, Fiunary, Rhemore. Port Mèr, and Rubh, an Duin Bhain. 10 Iguie 72 ILeM) ijiiduclirig rocky Sho￿ bth"versily surneys as part ol Ihe Mornem Baseline Projecl. (Right) Subn7erged quadral used dunng CAOLAS s S￿ntsfi¢ mor¥I￿1r￿j to measure hatslat diverwly and infom? polenlial resloralion sites. Key findings included t￿ discovery of seagrass meadows at Rhemore, high biodiversity across sites. and the identification of potential restoration zones for oysters and seagrass. These results have been shared with slakeholders and are contributing to wider policy conversations, including the Scottish Government's Marine Restoration Framework. Fioure 13 Dronelootoge copfured during rhe m￿Yer￿ 8oseline Survey reveoling previousty untlocumented seogross megdows-biodiversity hotSPOts now ￿entifIed10t potentiolprotection ond reslOTUtion. CAOLAS truslees and staff took part in a series of practical marine training sessions in 2024-2025, including Powerboat Level 2. VHF Radio, Marine First Aid. and Sea Survival. These were made possible through funding and support from Fauna & Flora. A Knowledge Exchange Grant from Community Land Scotland supported mutual leaming between CAOLAS and Seawilding, with visrts lo and from Loch Meffort. Future exchange visits are planned lo Restoration Forth, continuing CAOLAS'S commitment to learning from and contributing to Scotland's growing restoration community. FINANCIAL REVIEW The financial position at the end of the period is a total income of £72,682 and a total expenditure of £95,936 resulting in an 'in year. deficrt of £23,254. The charity's reserve policy is to ensure that it holds enough funds to cover at least 6 months unrestricted expenditure. The Trustees therefore do not have any uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concem. Risk Review The Board of Trustees has conducted its own review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. In particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity, and it is satisfied Ihat systems are in place to mitigate those risks. Investment Policy In accordance with the consiitution. the charity has the power to make any invesiment which the trustees see fit. Exemptions from disclosu There are no exemptions from disclosure. Funds held as custodian Tmstee behalf of others CAOLAS does not hold funds as a custodian Trustee behalf of others Statement of Trustee Responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and accepted accountancy practice. Charity Law requires trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), and of incoming resources and application of resources, induding the income and expenditure of the SCIO for that period. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the SCIO and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the relevant legislation. Ttr￿ financial statement contained in this report was independently examined. 12 Thanks The Trustees of CAOLAS would like to thank tfE following funders Iliam Grant Foundation (WGF) Highlands arKI Islands Environmental Fund (HIEF) The Northwick Trust Naturescot (Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund) Arcftomish EstatelNature Restoration Fund Fauna and Flora continue to provide cwcial support and advice to the organisation and Peg Shaw of FFI provides mentoring support for the Communrty Marine Officer. We would also like to thank many members of the community. visrtors and volunteers who continue to support us. The trustees dedare that they have approved the trustees, ￿port above. Signed ￿ behalf of the charity's trustees Statement of Financial Activities Ilncorporating the income and expenditure account) For the Period 1 April 2024 to 31•t March 2025 These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice. The financial statements were independently examined by Voluntary Action Lochaber and approved by the CAOLAS Board. Signed on its behalf by Date.. 81h December 2025 13 Notes to the Financlal Statements: for the Period 1 Aprll 2024 - 31 March 2025 INCOME 1. Charitable Activities for generating funds 2. Charitable Activities - grants Grants were also received from the following: The Northwick Trust - towards the purchase of a t)oat. In partnership with the Ardtomish Estate. a grant was secured for the continuation of the Native Oyster Restoration project including funds to employ two staff. CAOLAS was awarded a grant by The Highland and Island Environment fund for the Community Marine Officer to undertake a Baseline survey of the waters around Morvern. 3. Investments There was no investment income EXPENDITURE 4. Salary and On costs This included the continued employment of one part time member of staff, the Community Marine Officer, and the associated on costs such as National Insurance, Pension, expenses for travel and training and payroll servicesl In February 2024 two more members of staff were recrurted: a full time Project Manager and part time Project Officer for the Native Oyster Restoration project. These posts were funded by the Nature Restoration Fund 5. Professional and Consultancy Fees No extemal professional expertise was engaged during the year 6. Insurance CAOLAS is insured through the Encompass Charty Scheme: this includes public and employer's liabilrty insuran 7. Publicity and Promotion Publicity and Promotion was delivered at rrt) cost using online channels. 8. Material8 and Equipment The Native Oyster project induded the purchase of materials and equipment, live oysters, and the costs of outreach work in the community and local schools 9. Subscriptions CAOLAS has a subscription lor video conferencing including meetings with staff, public talks, Board Meetings. and the AGM 10. Sundries This included postage. accommodation and refreshments for volunteers and meeting venues. Provided by Voluntary Action Lochaber 14 Community kq8Otiatioo of Lochs #nd Soun& SCIO Seottieh Ch*ri¢y Nw*ber SC0479*2 Independent examittee8 report to the tru8ttts on the un*udiitd aecounl* of Coaimunity A•Joci•tiOD of14)ch• and Junds SCIO. l Tew>rt un the accoth)ts of the Cb2tiTh. the Ne2r cnded 31st 2(P_5 are set out 00 the folloByng wages. R¢spcctiV¢ f¢8POQ8ibi]itiC8 of tru8tte and independeni txamincr "ll]E Ch￿Iry's.1IusttCS are responsd)le for the pwtson of the accounT¢ in accor&ntr with the tem)s ofthe Chgtitits and Tnjstee [ni,est￿ent Iscudand,, Aa 200) and the Chariti& .4ccounr*15codand) ReguLations 21Xkn. 'I'he chatsn. tnJ.%rees Co￿$￿der that the au&t iequitement of Rtgd2uon 10(1) (d) of the 2(KKJ Accuunts RcgLdat￿fft d&￿. nui 4)E￿Tr. It is iospunsthlliry tt) cxamine the ccouiits tequtted undeI Sec￿￿ t1411) Ic) 0£ the Act and TV *14t¢ w"hEthtr pllrticu]Ar have crJrne to rn). ottentiLSn. Basi8 of independent cxamince6 staiemeiit fy ex2min2ti0n is carried out in 2ccord2nce with Repykntion I l of the Clwittes Accounts (Scvtlw(VJ Re￿￿3tilm$ 21K￿. An cxamithatiL)n include$ 2 revieu, of the accounnnE rec￿dS kcpt by the ch2n"o" and a c1)nW￿l1vn o( thL xciuunEs PKCbLntL.d with ihusc recordb. It also includes t(>n4ideratinn nf an}. unu$ual fferns OT disclowres in the aetounts, and seeks cxplgnjttons from the tru5feeq cnncrm7ng such maners. The procedurcs undertaken do not pro%ryde all the thidence ihar would ￿ required in In audii, Ind ciin*eguent]y I do nol ¢xpr¢ss af) Opini￿ ￿ the iiew giyen b) th¢ ¥couftts. Independent exarninees $tatemetst In tht Cou￿e olm). exafflirntio￿ no tP4tter hgs come to ms" attenlloii .hJ'ch gtves me re¥ongble cause to beb"eNt that if2 an) MA￿￿11] respert the tryui￿￿. ' t() keep accounting recunls in accorda￿t ￿lih 5ettion 4411) (a) of the 2rTric¢¢ 4.758 4.￿8 Slary Costs / Other Peryomd CrAts Ma(crials & E9uipment RehJnd ofovetpayn￿ for IAPtrp 9,181 17.879 9.181 17,179 6,828 7.762 ary Ccéts / Other Pusonncl Cc6ts Insur￿(£ A¢kni"n Expau Pubbcity & PtoffKJf• Room H￿¢ Adveiii5mR Subxriptions 7J57 7,857 98 4YJ 75 157 2J5 156 12J Indepenthnt E%*mmatsL TOMI P*ymffits 10.975 95.936 48.W8 Suolus/lDeGts4 for the ye*t Eefote Trkniftrs benbten 4.521 .77SI (4.2W) C23354) 11282 surp￿1{Dtr￿I1) lor tht y 975 12 16 Comrnuniry A••o¢i*tion of and Soundi SCIO Receipts •nd P•ymenty Accoun For the y¢•r ended 31•tMar¢h 2025 S¢oni•h Ch•rity Nurn￿r SC047982 Yt•r io Yevto Y¢xr Y¢4r ¢0 Tot*1 Ststt¥neDt 0(￿￿￿re•. a• at 31st March 2025 Openi￿ e*•h at bank and ID h*Dd 31.97S 33J98 21.015 Add Inment Highl•nds & 151ary15 En¥Yonment Foynd•tityn- Mo¥ern Baseline PTOit¢i Willklffl Grant Foundatlon. CAOLAS Costs Sunart Community Council- InterpretatK¥n Boaols Willtaffl Grani F¢)undation- Adnwfftistr¥ior Po Scottish Community AMiance- %nowled8e fxch4n8e Fauna & Flora International- TTrinin8 Costs Nature RestoratK¥n Fund - stsfl C05ts 10 UnrE5trlrted Funds At 1st Aprfl 1024 1.323 1.323 Al Jlst M•rth 102S 10.044 10,044 Inc¢>ffll (kbiiolr4 110.5751 10,575 Trnnsfe Urtre5tricted Funds 15.097 15.Q37 4,2CQ 19