**Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale** Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements Scottish Charity No: SC048680| Year ended 31 December 2025 

_**Supporting congregations to share the Good News of Jesus Christ through working with each other, working for each other and being with each other**_ 





## **Trustees’ Report** 


The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.  The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out therein and comply with the General Assembly Regulations for Presbytery Finance, 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 to the UK and Republic of Ireland_ (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). 

## **Objectives and activities** 

The Church of Scotland is Trinitarian in doctrine, Reformed in tradition and Presbyterian in polity.  It exists to glorify God and to work for the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom throughout the world. As a national Church, it acknowledges a distinctive call and duty to bring the ordinances of religion to the people in every parish of Scotland through a territorial ministry.  It co-operates with other Churches in various ecumenical bodies in Scotland and beyond. 

The aim of the Church is to share in the Ministry of Jesus Christ, through drawing people together in the worship of God and extending His care and love in the community in mission and pastoral work.  It is a condition of membership that a person requires to be admitted on profession of faith and membership of the Church is a prior requirement to participation in the decision-making Courts of the Church.  However, worship is public, open to all regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race or creed, as is the provision of pastoral support and inclusion in Church based community activities.  The Church of Scotland has an open “communion table” accessible to members of any branch of the Christian Church.  Outreach activities organised by its constituent congregations are for all residing within its geographical bounds and not just its formal membership. 

Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale is in historical continuity with the Church of Scotland which was reformed in 1560, whose liberties were ratified in 1592, and for whose security provision was made in the Treaty of Union of 1707. 

The Presbytery is an unincorporated association, established and administered in accordance with the Acts and Regulations of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and its own Standing Orders. 

At 31 December 2025 there were 85 (2024, 114) congregations and parishes across 77 (2024, 92) pastoral charges – covering town centres, suburbs and villages, and stretching from Airth to Upper Clyde, Avendale Old and Drumclog to Blackmount – within the Presbytery. 

**1** 




## **Trustees’ Report** 


## The objective of the Presbytery is: 

_**Supporting congregations to share the Good News of Jesus Christ through working with each other, working for each other and being with each other.**_ 

- We work with each other by providing resources, knowledge and training, based on learning and receiving from each other and also being accountable to each other. 

- We work for each other by doing the things Presbytery can do in order to free up congregations to do what they are energised to do. 

- Being with each other means knowing each other, listening to each other, learning from each other and supporting each other collaboratively. 

We encourage and support congregations to provide: 

- opportunities for worship, fellowship, the teaching of the Christian faith, the enriching of community life, ensuring that the views of the local Church are heard on matters of wider concern; 

- pastoral care, advice and support to people in each parish. 

Presbytery is responsible for the oversight of the ministers, kirk sessions and congregations in its area, and commissions local ministers and elders who attend the annual General Assembly of The Church of Scotland. 

The responsibilities of Presbytery include setting parish boundaries, determining how many congregations there may be within its bounds, the allocation of ministerial posts and other parish staffing among them and dealing with services for ministers coming to or departing from its bounds.  It has supervisory responsibilities for congregations, ministers and students who are in training for the ministry.  As a Court, supported by its committees, it deals with a wide range of issues including education, social work, church property, finance, inter-church relations and the Church's mission within its bounds.  Presbytery is the court of appeal for all matters which are dealt with by kirk sessions, as well as having the power to review decisions made at congregational meetings. 

## **Achievements and performance Governance and leadership** 

The Rev. Fiona Crawford took up the post as Presbytery Clerk on 17 March 2025, with the interim posts established in the previous year in place until the end of March 2025, which facilitated a smooth handover.  On 3 November 2025, Jenny Wilson, a full-time Administrator, was added to the team, alongside the existing part-time Administrator and, during the year, the Presbytery and its congregations have continued to benefit from the work and support of these and the Mission Officer, Education Training & Development Officer and Buildings Officer. The Team, alongside the Presbytery Treasurer and committees work hard, often quietly in the background, supporting office-bearers in need of advice, help and pastoral support as they conduct their duties. 

**2** 




## **Trustees’ Report** 


## **Achievements and performance (continued)** 

In 2024 new committees and Standing Orders were introduced in response to the recommendations of the Task Group, with the purpose of implementing best-practice governance and increasing participation by Presbyters in the work and decision-making of the Presbytery. Having allowed the existing committee remits and structure to run for a year, the Business Committee, supported by the Presbytery Clerk, reflected on their effectiveness and some revisions were made to improve workflow and support to congregations.  Similarly, the Standing Orders that support the working of Presbytery were also revised.  Following consultation with Presbyters, the number of meetings of Presbytery, other than for specific purposes, remained at six hybrid meetings over the course of the year, but in response to feedback were, from the 2025-26 session, to be held on Saturday mornings in Motherwell: Kirk at the Cross, recognised as being generally a more central location. 

In terms of governance, new policies were adopted, and a strategic-level risk register created.  In the second quarter, the Presbytery was asked to submit core governance documentation to the newly formed national Presbytery Review Committee who responded in due course with positive feedback. 

Significant changes to legislation brought by the 2025 General Assembly have brought the need to proactively support the ongoing sustainability of congregations into greater focus.  In response to this, a new Congregational Health Check will consolidate information we already receive into one data source, allowing the relevant committees to ensure they are working together to identify congregations who may be struggling in a particular area and offer support. 

Rev Derek Gunn served as Presbytery Moderator until September 2025, whereafter Rev Scott Burton became Presbytery Moderator and will serve until September 2026.  Over the course of the year, we have benefitted from their distinctive styles, not least from Mr Gunn’s pastoral approach and from Mr Burton’s focus on prayer and fellowship, including the introduction of prayer stations and a time of prayer before Presbytery meetings and space to discuss set topics in small groups during the meeting. 

## **Preparing for the future** 

Having agreed the Presbytery Mission Plan (PMP) in April 2024, work began on implementing the Plan, which has involved considerable negotiation between the Congregations, supported by Presbytery representatives.  2025 has seen considerable progress, having brought about nine unions, involving 24 congregations and an incorporation of one congregation into a Local Ecumenical Partnership.  Three unions, involving ten congregations have been negotiated and were effected from 1 January 2026, with a further four unions involving eight congregations effected on 1 April 2026.  This process has not been without its pain, sense of loss and struggle as a way forward was sought and these congregations are to be commended for achieving what has been a challenging task. Sadly, three congregations were permitted to dissolve rather than adjust. 

**3** 




## **Trustees’ Report** 


## **Achievements and performance (continued)** 

These adjustments have a resultant effect upon the number of buildings being actively used for worship and mission.  During 2025, the General Trustees had approved and actioned the disposal of 11 former churches and halls and 14 manses. 

Whilst a significant number of our congregations are still negotiating the changes ahead, many are now turning towards looking at the future.  The Presbytery therefore is at a pivotal point of transition.  The work of the Business Committee at their summer conference was to review the Committee Structure and remits, aligning them with their vision statement of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ by working for each other, working with each other and being with each other, recognising their primary roles were, with differing remits, to support congregations to govern themselves well, move forward in accordance with the PMP, and towards a more actively missional, who are well equipped to serve in their different capacities as the Body of Christ.  Part of the work of the 2025-26 session is to ensure the Committees have a more joined up approach, improving cross-committee communication and focussing not only on what they do but how they do it. 

As we move into 2026 our focus must, without lessening support to those still working their way through adjustment, move more heavily into how we support and equip congregations to be confident in developing what mission looks like in their local context and in the intentional creation of stepping stones to faith.  We are pleased to have secured funding for a Change and Transition Facilitator who will initially work alongside one congregation negotiating changes and another who have recently united to develop a strategic missional direction for the future, building on what they did as separate congregations. 

## **Enabling mission** 

We had anticipated that one way of supporting congregations to develop missionally would be through Local Church Review (LCR).  Having launched the LCR programme, where we would identify ways in which congregations might enhance and expand their individual missional development, the Local Church Review Act was subsequently repealed at the General Assembly and replaced by legislation within the Presbytery Mission Plan to develop Action Plans.  The Mission Action Committee has been working hard on creating new documentation in line with this legislation and hope to have the new programme in place by end of the first half of 2026. 

To support LCR, the Presbytery had approved a significant sum to allow experienced facilitators to help them develop their LCR plans.  As the Action Plans will fulfil largely the same outcome, congregations were still able to access these funds and, to date, six congregations have engaged with a range of facilitators, with the outcomes being expected in early 2026. 

**4** 




## **Trustees’ Report** 


## **Achievements and performance (continued)** 

Grants awarded from the Small Grants Scheme were lower than anticipated, with only four congregations being awarded grant support.  This is believed to be a consequence of the number of adjustments being carried out, leaving congregations without capacity to consider new initiatives until the unions were effected.  Details of the recipients are given in note 6. 

Further, four congregations’ applications for Seeds for Growth, a larger national fund, were supported with ‘Level 1’ funding. 

## **Growing capacity** 

Ten people attended the Leading Worship Course in early 2025, with eight going on to complete the assessment and become authorised Local Worship Leaders under the Presbytery scheme.  This brings the Presbytery to having 135 authorised local worship leaders across 55 congregations. One has gone on to full-time Ministry of Word and Sacrament, two are currently training for Ordained Local Ministry, and two are currently readers in training. 

Thirty individuals from across the Presbytery attended End of Life Skills bereavement training which we partnered with NHS Lanarkshire Spiritual Care team. 

2025 was a successful year for safeguarding training.  We benefit from having six accredited Presbytery safeguarding trainers, and one trainer in training whom we hope will complete training in early 2026 to become another accredited trainer for Forth Valley and Clydesdale.  Mindful of the swift implementation of the Presbytery Mission Plan, the priority for 2025 became Trustee Safeguarding Training courses.   The team delivered 20 training sessions and, in total, 456 trustees were trained in 2025, with 38 individuals completing introductory training and 11 completing advanced training.  We are grateful for the time and dedication our volunteer trainers give to this important work. 

## **Partnership working** 

The Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale enjoys a positive relationship with the other Presbyteries and has enjoyed a range of networking events for Clerks and Officers to get to know one another and share best practice. 

The Very Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, during his year as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, did much to promote church, community and ecumenical partnerships within this Presbytery and we are keen to pursue the avenues he opened up. 

**5** 




## **Trustees’ Report** 


## **Achievements and performance (continued)** 

## **Ministries** 

During the year we saw some changes in ministry, particularly within those ordained and appointed as Assistant Ministers.  Rev Eleanor Hamilton was ordained as an Assistant Minister and subsequently accepted a call to a charge within Clyde Presbytery.  Four other former Assistant Ministers also accepted calls to charges in other Presbyteries, with Rev Jillian Storrie and Rev David McKee, being inducted to charges in the Presbytery of Glasgow, Rev George Sneddon inducted to a charge in North East and Northern Isles Presbytery, and Rev Dawn Westwood being inducted in a charge within the Presbytery of Edinburgh and West Lothian. 

After 23 years of Ministry within the former Lanark Presbytery, where he also served as Presbytery Clerk, and latterly the Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale, as both Minister and Depute Presbytery Clerk, Rev Bryan Kerr translated to a charge within Clyde Presbytery.  A further minister left his charge owing to ill health. 

Rev David Scott was called to Falkirk: Grahamston United, that had also recently incorporated Falkirk: Bainsford into the charge.  Rev Dr Louise McClements and Rev Muriel Pearson were introduced as Interim Ministers to the Wishaw: New Kirk and Newhouse Cluster, respectively. 

Permission to Call was granted to Kirkmuirhill and Larbert Tryst and both are actively seeking a Minister.  We anticipate that in 2026, more congregations will obtain permission to call and we will see greater movement within the Presbytery. 

## **Financial review and investment policy** 

Total income for the year was £369,000 (2024, £313,000).  This included £129,000 (2024, £126,000) core grant from the Assembly Trustees and £135,000 (2024, £135,000) from assessments on congregations.  The dissolution of two congregations resulted in the transfer of £63,000 to the Presbytery for restricted, missional purposes, together with receipt of proceeds (£10,000) from the wind up of the previously independent Hamilton Presbytery Widows Fund. 

Expenditure for the year was £228,000, materially below that for the previous year (£291,000) and the approved plans for the year.  This was a result of the timing of staff appointments and changes in discretionary spend following national policy changes and the progression of local initiatives. The combination of restricted purpose receipts and changes in the spend profile, meant that, after gains on investments, net income for the year was £151,000 (2024, £32,000), credited to our funds. 

Net assets and funds at the year-end were £924,000 (2024, £773,000), of which £270,000 (2024, £188,000) is held for restricted purposes. 

**6** 




## **Trustees’ Report** 


## **Financial review and investment policy (continued)** 

Presbytery is permitted to invest in funds offered by the Church of Scotland Investors Trust.  At 31 December 2025 there were holdings in the Growth, Income and Deposit Funds, depending on the assumed timing of use of the funds and their purpose.  The Growth Fund is invested principally in global equities, but also has allocations to global bonds and alternative investments.  It seeks to provides investors with growth in capital value while distributing an element of income each year. The Income Fund invests in fixed interest bonds both in the UK and globally and seeks to provide investors with a high and sustainable income and to protect the long-term nominal value of capital. The Deposit Fund aims to provide investors with competitive rates of interest while preserving nominal capital values.  Environmental, social and governance considerations form an integral part of the investment management processes for the Funds. 

## **Reserves policy** 

The trustees have considered the requirement to not only maintain a level of free reserves against unexpected events (expressed as around four months’ expenditure, excluding programmes and activities, equating to approximately £50,000), but also against expenditure-based activity plans for a period of four years.  Under current national policies, from 2027 assessments on congregations are likely to be the sole funding source.  In order to mitigate against an undue burden from that time, it is the policy of the trustees to build reserves for application in the latter years.  This should ensure that Presbytery’s activities remain sustainable over the period of the current mission plan. 

## **Risks and uncertainties** 

The continued work of Presbytery, in overseeing and supporting the ministries and mission of the Church of Scotland at a regional level, is undertaken in the context of a proportionate approach to risk management which reflects Presbytery’s objectives and responsibilities, taking action to develop policies, systems and procedures to mitigate risks where possible. 

Presbytery has assessed its risks in terms of strategy, finance, operations and reputation.  The ability to achieve a sustainable future is likely to be impacted by societal changes and demographics of membership, resulting in marginalisation of the denomination in our area and an inability to fulfil core purpose, and an uneven distribution of resources across the Presbytery causing a strain in maintaining the commitment to the Third Article Declaratory.  Changes in congregations, including drops in membership, may result in reduced resources available to the Presbytery in terms of people and finance.  The work of the Presbytery in terms of its objective may be frustrated by an inability in congregations to discern, develop and implement intentional and realistic mission plans.  Presbytery’s mission planning seeks to ensure the strategic deployment of a declining number of ministries, together with encouragement to respond to those changes with renewed missional activity and new members, coupled with a more focused approach to property. 

**7** 




## **Trustees’ Report** 


## **Risks and uncertainties (continued)** 

The Presbytery’s operational arrangements may be impacted by a lack of volunteer engagement through low morale, competing commitments and burnout, ministries overstretch and resistance to change during the current period of rationalisation.  Specific risks relating to data protection, health and safety, safeguarding and financial systems and procedures are managed by ensuring relevant accreditation is current and having robust policies and procedures and training for those working in those areas. 

As the congregations within the bounds are open to all ages, work is undertaken with many young and vulnerable people, and we therefore support congregations in ensuring activities are undertaken within an appropriate safeguarding policy context, including the training of volunteers and external background checks on those having direct contact with the vulnerable. 

## **Structure, governance and management** 

The trustees comprise serving parish ministers inducted by Presbytery and a commissioned elder from each Kirk Session within the bounds, together with a number of retired and other ministers and deacons eligible for membership of Presbytery and a number of balancing elders elected by Presbytery from Kirk Sessions.  Commissioned and balancing elders are appointed annually for the period to end June following, but are eligible for re-appointment. 

The Moderator of Presbytery is elected for a defined period from membership of Presbytery.  The other Office-bearers, who need not be members of Presbytery, comprise the Clerk (together with any interim appointments), Depute Clerk and Treasurer who serve at the pleasure of the Presbytery. 

## **Reference and administrative information** 

The following served as trustees during the year and to the date of this report: 

_**Ministers on parish duties**_ : Rev Robert Allan; Rev Raheel Arif; Rev Ross Blackman; Rev Scott Burton; Rev Bryce Calder; Rev Margaret Currie; Rev Stewart Cutler; Rev Kevin De Beer (to 21 July 2025); Rev Dr Peter Donald; Rev Michael Fucella; Rev Dr Jean Gallacher; Rev Morag Garrett; Rev Drew Gebbie; Rev Alan Gibson; Rev Kay Gilchrist; Rev Sumit Harrison; Rev Joanne Hood; Rev Bryan Kerr (to 19 November 2025); Rev Michael Lyall; Rev Murdo Macdonald; Rev Dr Nikki Macdonald; Rev Lorna MacDougall; Rev Louise Mackay; Rev Kevin MacKenzie; Rev Iain Majcher; Rev Mahboob Masih; Rev Ronald Matandakufa; Rev Dr Alistair May (to 17 May 2026); Rev Dr Ian McDonald; Rev Fiona McKibbin; Rev Alastair McKillop; Rev Alison Meikle; Rev Andrew Moore; Rev Terry Moran; Rev Fiona Nicolson; Rev Dr Elijah Obinna; Very Rev Dr Shaw Paterson; Rev Anne Paton; Rev Derek Pope; Rev Christopher Rankine; Rev Hanna Rankine; Rev Sarah Ross; Rev David Scott (from 20 September 2025); Rev Ecilo Selemani; Rev Calum Stark; Rev James Todd (to 30 April 2025); Rev Kipchumba Too; Rev Debbie Van Welie. 

**8** 




## **Trustees’ Report** 


## **Reference and administrative information (continued)** 

_**Other Ministers**_ **:** Rev Fiona Anderson; Rev Dr John Carswell; Rev Fiona Crawford (from 17 March 2025); Rev Deborah Chestnutt; Rev Charlene Condeco; Rev James Dewar (from 26 April 2025); Very Rev Sally Foster-Fulton (from 8 February 2025); Rev Lorna Fyfe; Rev Kaye Gardiner (from 26 April 2026); Rev Mhairi Gilchrist; Rev Paul Grant; Rev Eleanor Hamilton (from 3 April to 10 November 2025); Rev Angus Kerr (to 4 November 2025); Rev Jonathan Lyall; Rev Duncan Macpherson (to 26 April 2025); Rev Dr Alistair May (from 18 May 2026); Rev Louise McClements; Rev David McKee (to 6 March 2025); Rev James Murphy; Rev Steven Owens (to 21 January 2025); Rev Muriel Pearson (from 20 October 2025); Rev Andrew Rooney (to 24 June 2025); Rev Andrew Sarle (from 8 September 2025); Rev George Sneddon (to 10 October 2025); Rev Jillian Storrie (to 2 October 2025); Rev Andrew Thomson (from 26 April 2025); Rev David Wandrum; Rev Dawn Westwood (to 26 March 2025); Rev Anne White. 

_**Retired Ministers**_ **:** Rev David Albon; Rev Arthur Barrie; Rev Les Brunger; Rev Sharon Colvin; Rev Stanley Cook; Rev James Cowan; Rev David Currie; Rev David Doyle; Rev Stuart Fulton (from 8 February 2025); Rev Derek Gunn; Rev Helen Jamieson; Rev Robert Jones; Rev Mhorag Macdonald; Rev Sandra Mathers (to 6 April 2025); Rev Norman McKee; Rev Iain Murdoch; Rev Steven Reid (to 25 August 2025); Rev Margaret Rose; Rev Keith Ross; Rev Dr James Salmond; Rev Stewart Smith; Rev John Stevenson; Rev Terry Taylor; Rev John Thomson; Rev James Todd (from 1 May 2025); Rev Elizabeth Waddell; Rev James Zambonini. 

_**Deacons**_ : Lorraine Gilroy DCS; Karen Hamilton DCS (from 20 June 2026); Colin Ogilvie DCS. 

_**Commissioned Elders:**_ David Alexander; Brian Allan; Dorothy Allan (to 29 June 2025); Jane Allan (from 28 May 2026); Tom Anderson; Lesley Auld; Aileen Barrie; Lillian Ballie; Don Barrie (to 28 October 2025); Matthew Baxter (to 29 June 2025); Scott Bennie (to 3 June 2026); Keith Black; Alastair Blackstock; Robert Boag (to 1 December 2025); Ian Brown (to 1 June 2026); Jean Brown (to 1 January 2025); Thomas Brown (to 20 October 2025); Isobel Brownlie; George Carson; Robert Carson (to 29 June 2025); Janice Clelland (from 1 January 2025); Anne Cochrane; Joy Cordona; Christopher Coles (to 6 January 2025); Eddie Colliar; Joseph Dalziel (to 29 June 2025); Derek Craig (from 30 June 2025); Wilma Davidson; Charles Devennie; Ruth Donnelly; Ian Douglas (from 30 June 2025); Gregor Ferguson; David Findlay; David Foye (to 15 September 2025); Joyce Gallagher; Roy Garrett (to 30 April 2026); Colin Gibson (to 1 January 2025); Jean Giggie; Karen Gillon; Jason Glass (to 1 December 2025); Barry Gordon; Stewart Govan (to 22 January 2026); Matthew Gray (to 22 January 2026); Margaret Harley; William Henderson; James Hope (from 1 December 2025); James Hutchison; Roberta Hutton; Ross Hyslop (to 29 June 2025); Marilyn Jack (to 29 June 2025); Robin Jack (from 4 June 2026); Lynette Jardine; Alan Joyce (from 30 June 2025); Dawn Keir; David Kendall (to 2 June 2025); David Kennedy (from 30 June 2025); Wendy Kerr (to 1 April 2026); Tom Kirkland; Andrew Kurilla (to 29 June 2025); Elizabeth Lawson (to 29 June 2025); Helen Lax; Morag Mackay; Iain MacLean; Robin McLean (to 7 December 2025); Neil MacLennan; David Macrae; Andrew Main; Brian Martin; John Martin MBE; Lynne Martin (to 6 January 2026); Graeme Maxwell (to 8 December 2025); Diane McCabe (to 29 June 2025); Janie McDonald; Marion McElroy; Anne McGowan; Edith McIntyre; Malcolm McIntyre; Janet McKay (from 6 January 2026); Munro McKie; Stewart McNeil; William Menzies (to 2 May 2025); Robert Menzies; 

**9** 




## **Trustees’ Report** 


## **Reference and administrative information (continued)** 

_**Commissioned Elders (continued)**_ **:** Bruce Moyes (from 15 September 2025); Gaye Munn (to 29 June 2025); Liz Murphy (to 31 January 2025); Eleanor Neilson; Alan Nicolson (to 29 June 2025); Christine O'Neill (to 1 January 2026); Scott Paget (from 21 July 2025); Fay Parker (to 22 January 2026); Donald Paterson (to 1 January 2025); Morag Patterson (to 30 April 2025); Anne Paul (to 30 April 2026); Douglas Pearson (to 18 May 2026); George Peden; David Pennie; Morag Pitt (to 23 May 2025); Steven Preston; Howard Rennie (to 29 June 2025); Janet Rhodes (to 24 June 2025); Neil Richardson; Brian Richmond; Thomas Rintoul; Sandra Robb; George Robertson; Barry Russell (from 19 May 2026); Colin Russell; Harry Sergeant (to 30 April 2025); Jim Sinclair (to 1 June 2026); James Slater (to 14 April 2025); Martha Snaddon (to 30 April 2025); David Smeall (from 30 June 2025); Amy Steel (to 1 April 2026); Zandra Swan; Craig Tannahill (to 27 May 2026); Anne Thompson (from 30 June 2025); Sheena Walker; David Waters (from 30 June 2025); Jim Watt (to 28 April 2026); Colin Weir (to 1 June 2025); Wilma Wilson; Campbell Young. 

_**Balancing Elders**_ : Robert Allan; Irene Anderson; George Barrowman; Margaret Clarkson; Alison Cooke; Laura-Jean Fleming; Alan Grant; Derrick Hannan; Catherine Hayworth; Eric Hislop; Archie Kerr; Sheila Kerr (to 30 April and from 1 June 2025); Gordon Kidd; Lorna Laughland; Denham MacDougall; Mhairi MacLeod; Willie Macsween; Hugh McGregor (to 31 January 2025 and from 26 April 2025); Robin McLean (from 8 December 2025); Ian Monteith-Mathie; Margaret Muir (from 1 August 2025); Scott Paget (to 21 July 2025); Donald Paterson (from 26 April 2025); Morag Patterson (from 1 May 2025); James Reid (to 23 April 2026); Iain Scoular; Campbell Sefton (to 8 May 2025); Harry Sergeant (from 1 May 2025); David Watt; Jim Watt (from 29 April 2026); Andrew Williamson; Walter Williamson MBE (to 31 August 2025). 

## **Principal Office-bearers** 

|Moderator|Rev. Scott Burton (from 1 September 2025)|
|---|---|
||Rev. F. Derek Gunn (to 31 August 2025)|
|Clerk|Rev. Dr John Cowie (Interim to 31 March 2025)|
||Rev. Fiona Crawford (from 17 March 2025)|
|Assistant Clerks|Rev. Robert S T Allan (Interim to 31 March 2025)|
||David J Watt (Interim to 31 March 2025)|
|Treasurer|David J Watt|
|Principal Office|Rex House, 103 Bothwell Road, Hamilton, ML3 0DW|
|Bankers|Virgin Money UK PLC, 177 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7ER|
|Investment Managers|Church of Scotland Investors Trust,121 George Street, Edinburgh. EH2 4YN|



Independent Examiner Fiona Haro CA, Thomson Cooper, 22 Stafford Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7BD 

**10** 




## **Trustees’ Report** 


## **Trustees’ responsibilities** 

The trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

The law applicable to charities in Scotland requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the charity for that period.  In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the method and principles in the applicable Charities SORP; 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

- prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is appropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operational existence. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Regulations (as amended).  They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information of the charity’s website.  Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

Approved by the trustees on 20 June 2026 and signed on their behalf by: 


## **Rev. Fiona Crawford** 

_Clerk_ 

**11** 




## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Forth Valley and Clydesdale Presbytery** 


I report on the accounts of the Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale for the year ended 31 December 2025, which are set out on pages 13 to 25. 

## **Respective responsibilities of Trustees 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 (‘the 2005 Act’) and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) (‘the 2006 Regulations’).  The Charity’s Trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10 (1) (d) of the 2006 Regulations does not apply.  It is my responsibility to examine the Accounts as required under Section 44 (1) (c) of the 2005 Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## **Basis of independent examiner's statement** 

My examination was carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).  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 connection with my examination, no other matter except that referred to in the previous paragraph has come to my attention: 

- (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 

   - (ii) to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations; 

   - have not been met or 

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


## **Fiona Haro BCom CA** 

Thomson Cooper Accountants 22 Stafford Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7BD 

23 June 2026 

**12** 




## **Statement of Financial Activities** 


||**Unrestricted**<br>**£000**|**Restricted**<br>**£000**|**2025**<br>**Total**<br>**£000**|**Unrestricted**<br>**£000**|**Restricted**<br>**£000**|**2024**<br>**Total**<br>**£000**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Income and endowments from:**<br>Donations and legacies (note 1)<br>129<br>73<br>202<br>126<br>17<br>143<br>Charitable activities (note 2)<br>135<br>-<br>135<br>135<br>-<br>135<br>Investments (note 3)<br>19<br>13<br>32<br>23<br>12<br>35<br>**Total income**<br>**283**<br>**86**<br>**369**<br>**284**<br>**29 313**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>**Charitable activities**(note 4)<br>**(222)**<br>**(6) (228)**<br>**(179) (112) (291)**<br>**Net gains on investments**<br>**8**<br>**2**<br>**10**<br>**9**<br>**1**<br>**10**<br>**Net income (expenditure)**<br>**69**<br>**82**<br>**151**<br>**114**<br>**(82)**<br>**32**<br>Transfers between funds<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>**69**<br>**82**<br>**151**<br>**114**<br>**(82)**<br>**32**<br>**Reconciliation of funds:**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>585<br>188<br>773<br>471<br>270<br>741<br>**Total funds carried forward**<br>**654**<br>**270**<br>**924**<br>**585**<br>**188 773**|||||||



The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.  All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. 

**13** 




## **Balance sheet** 


||**Note**||**2025**<br>**£000**|**2024**<br>**£000**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Fixed assets**<br>Tangible assets<br>8<br>2<br>5<br>Investments<br>9<br>159<br>111<br>**161**<br>**116**<br>**Current assets**<br>Debtors<br>10<br>14<br>21<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>769<br>641<br>**Total current assets**<br>**783**<br>**662**<br>Creditors: Due within one year<br>11<br>20<br>5<br>**Net current assets**<br>**763**<br>**657**<br>**Net assets**<br>**924**<br>**773**<br>**The funds of the charity:**<br>Restricted funds<br>14<br>270<br>188<br>Unrestricted funds<br>14<br>654<br>585<br>**924**<br>**773**|||||



The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 20 June 2026 and signed on their behalf by: 


## **Rev. Fiona Crawford** 

_Clerk_ 

## **David J Watt** 


_Treasurer_ 

**14** 




## **Accounting policies** 


The principal accounting policies, which have been applied consistently in the current and preceding year in dealing with items which are considered material to the financial statements, are set out below. 

## **Basis of preparation** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: _Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland_ (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and Presbytery Finance Regulations approved by the General Assembly of The Church of Scotland in 2016. 

Presbytery meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. 

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for certain investment assets which are stated at market value.  The functional and presentational currency of the Presbytery is pounds sterling.  The financial statements are presented in thousands of pounds (£000) unless indicated otherwise. 

## **Key accounting estimates and areas of judgement** 

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to make estimates and assumptions which affect the reported income, expenditure, assets and liabilities.  Use of available information and application of judgement are inherent in the formation of estimates, together with past experience and expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results could differ from each estimate.  The trustees are satisfied that the accounting policies are appropriate and applied consistently.  The only key source of estimation is in the determination of the useful lives of tangible fixed assets. 

## **Going concern** 

Presbytery has significant accumulated reserves relative to its anticipated expenditure plans, together with access to a national core grant for support of its activities to 2026 and the ability to raise dues from congregations.  A forecast of income and expenditure has been prepared through to 31 December 2028, and dues for 2026 have been assessed on congregations.  This covers the going concern assessment period of 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements.  The trustees have therefore concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that Presbytery has access to adequate resources for the going concern period, being 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements and continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing this report and financial statements. 

**15** 




## **Accounting policies** 


## **Fund accounting** 

Funds are classified as either restricted funds or unrestricted funds, defined as follows.  Restricted funds are funds subject to specific requirements as to their use which may be declared by the donor or with their authority or created through legal processes, but still within the wider objects of the charity.  Unrestricted funds are expendable at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity.  If parts of the unrestricted funds are earmarked at the discretion of the trustees for a particular purpose, they are designated as a separate fund.  This designation has an administrative purpose only and does not legally restrict the trustees’ discretion to apply the fund. 

## **Incoming recognition** 

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. 

Third party grants and donations are recognised within the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and performance related conditions have been met.  Income received in advance of performance related conditions is deferred on the balance sheet and released to the statement of financial activities in line with such conditions being met. 

## **Donated services and facilities** 

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control of the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably.  In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102), the general volunteer time of Presbytery members is not recognised.  On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised as expenditure in the period of receipt. 

## **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 by the bank or the deposit holder. 

## **Taxation** 

The Presbytery is recognised as a charity for the purposes of applicable taxation legislation and is therefore not subject to taxation on its charitable activities.  It is not registered for VAT and expenditure therefore includes irrecoverable input VAT. 

**16** 




## **Accounting policies** 


## **Expenditure recognition** 

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred.  Expenditure includes any input VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.  Expenditure on charitable activities comprises both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.  All costs are allocated between expenditure categories of the statement of financial activities on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource.  Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly; others are apportioned on an appropriate basis.  Support costs relating to governance and administration, property, information technology and communication are all allocated to charitable activities based on either direct expenditure incurred in supporting congregations and their ministries or an estimated proportion of salary costs. 

## **Operating leases** 

Operating lease rentals payable are charged to the statement of financial activities in equal annual amounts over the lease term. 

## **Tangible fixed assets** 

Tangible fixed assets having a value to the charity greater than one year, other than those acquired for specific purposes, are capitalised.  Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis to write off the cost or initial value, less residual value, of tangible fixed assets over the estimated useful lives: office fixtures and equipment – five years. 

## **Investments** 

Fixed asset investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date.  Unrealised gains and losses represent the difference between the market value at the beginning and end of the financial year, or if purchased in the year, the difference between cost and market value at the end of the year.  Realised gains and losses represent the difference between the proceeds on disposal and the market value at the start of the year or cost if purchased in the year. 

## **Cash and cash equivalents** 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances in hand and notice deposits held with the Church of Scotland Investors Trust. 

## **Pensions** 

The Presbytery participates in a defined contribution pension plan, the assets of which are held separately by an insurance company under contract, and for which the charge to the statement of financial activities represents the contributions payable to the plan in respect of the accounting period. 

**17** 



**Notes to the financial statements** 



||**Unrestricted**<br>**£000**|**Restricted**<br>**£000**|**2025**<br>**Total**<br>**£000**|**Unrestricted**<br>**£000**|**Restricted**<br>**£000**|**2024**<br>**Total**<br>**£000**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**1. Donations and legacies**<br>National core grant<br>129<br>-<br>129<br>126<br>-<br>126<br>Congregation dissolution<br>-<br>63<br>63<br>-<br>17<br>17<br>Hamilton Presbytery Widows Fund<br>-<br>10<br>10<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**129**<br>**73**<br>**202**<br>**126**<br>**17**<br>**143**<br>**2. Income from charitable activities**<br>Assessments on congregations<br>135<br>-<br>135<br>135<br>-<br>135<br>**135**<br>**-**<br>**135**<br>**135**<br>**-**<br>**135**<br>**3. Investment income**<br>Dividends<br>2<br>-<br>2<br>2<br>-<br>2<br>Deposit and bank interest<br>17<br>13<br>30<br>21<br>12<br>33<br>**19**<br>**13**<br>**32**<br>**23**<br>**12**<br>**35**<br>**4. Expenditure on charitable activities**<br>**_Presbytery and Presbytery Office:_**<br>Remuneration and expenses<br>93<br>-<br>93<br>81<br>-<br>81<br>Rent, service charges and insurances<br>25<br>-<br>25<br>24<br>-<br>24<br>Other running costs<br>11<br>-<br>11<br>28<br>-<br>28<br>Fixtures and equipment depreciation<br>4<br>-<br>4<br>3<br>-<br>3<br>**_Programmes and activities_**:<br>Remuneration and expenses<br>75<br>-<br>75<br>-<br>72<br>72<br>Chaplaincy<br>5<br>-<br>5<br>-<br>8<br>8<br>Mission planning and change support<br>6<br>-<br>6<br>39<br>-<br>39<br>Mission support<br>-<br>6<br>6<br>4<br>32<br>36<br>Ministry and congregation development<br>2<br>2<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>Other<br>1<br>-<br>1<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**222**<br>**6**<br>**228**<br>**179**<br>**112**<br>**291**|||||||



**18** 



**Notes to the financial statements** 



## **4. Expenditure on charitable activities** (continued) 

Expenditure has been allocated as follows: 

||**Direct**<br>**costs**<br>**£000**|**Support**<br>**costs**<br>**£000**|**2025**<br>**Total**<br>**£000**|**Direct**<br>**costs**<br>**£000**|**Support**<br>**costs**<br>**£000**|**2024**<br>**Total**<br>**£000**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Presbytery and Presbytery Office<br>27<br>106<br>133<br>27<br>109<br>136<br>Programmes and activities<br>95<br>-<br>95<br>155<br>-<br>155<br>**122**<br>**106**<br>**228**<br>**182**<br>**109**<br>**291**|||||||



The activities underlying the costs above and described in the Trustees’ Report.  Where necessary, costs have allocated between activity categories on the basis of time spent.  This can be inconsistent between years. 

Expenditure includes £2,750 payable to Thomson Cooper in respect of independent examination services (2024, audit £5,400). 

## **5. Staff numbers and costs** 

|**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**2024**<br>**£000**<br>Salaries and wages<br>146<br>162<br>Social security<br>4<br>7<br>Pension and death in service contributions<br>18<br>21<br>**168**<br>**190**|**2025**<br>**£000**|**2024**<br>**£000**|
|---|---|---|



No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000 (2024, none). 

Staff costs in 2024 include Presbytery’s share (half) of the costs of the Buildings Officer, employed by the General Trustees.  Other costs relate to the Presbytery’s employees. 

During 2025, the Clerk (including interim and assistant appointments) served as key management personnel.  The total remuneration (salary, benefits, employer pension and death in service contributions, and employer national insurance contributions) for the key management personnel for 2025 was £61,000 (2024, £59,000). 

**19** 



**Notes to the financial statements** 



## **5. Staff numbers and costs** (continued) 

The average number of employees during the year, calculated on the basis of headcount, was: 

||**2025**<br>**£000**|**2024**<br>**£000**|
|---|---|---|
|Presbytery Office<br>6<br>5<br>Mission support<br>2<br>2<br>Chaplaincy<br>1<br>1<br>Property support<br>-<br>1<br>Cleaning<br>1<br>1<br>**10**<br>**10**|||



Presbytery participates in the Church of Scotland Central Services Committee pension scheme provided by Legal and General, which has an employer contribution rate of 14%.  The scheme is a defined contribution schemes, with assets held independently.  Employees are also able to enroll in an arrangement which provides death in service benefits which has an employer contribution rate of 2%.  The pension charge for the year, representing employer contributions due, was £18,000 (2024, £21,000).  Contributions of £nil (2024, £nil) were outstanding at the year end. 

## **6. Trustee remuneration and related party transactions** 

All trustees were members and trustees of congregations contributing to the work of Presbytery through assessed dues totalling £135,000 (2024, £135,000).  No donations were received from trustees in an individual capacity (2024, none). 

Reimbursement of expenses totalling £8,874 (2024, £6,573) was made during 2025 to 23 (2024, 18) trustees. 

During the year, three mission grants were paid under the Presbytery’s small grants scheme to St Mary’s Parish Church, Motherwell (£1,000), Overtown Parish Church (£1,000) and South Parish Church, Hamilton (£700), and from the Bargeddie Organ Fund to Cairnlea Parish Church, Airdrie (£2,000). 

Accommodation hire and hospitality payments were made as follows: £1,552 (2024, £4,075) to Motherwell: Kirk at the Cross, £100 to Larbert Cross Church, £340 to Kirkton Church, Carluke, £65 (2024, £304) to Trinity Church, Falkirk, £150 (2024, none) to Westpark Church, Denny, £34 (2024, none) to Moncreiff Church, East Kilbride, and £265 (2024, none) to St Paul’s Church, Forth. Payments totalling £990 (2024, £3,122) were made to Greyfriars Parish Church, Lanark for printing services. 

**20** 




## **Notes to the financial statements** 


## **6. Trustee remuneration and related party transactions** (continued) 

The Rev. Fiona Crawford received remuneration as Presbytery Clerk from 17 March 2025 of £42,950, together with employer pension and death in service contributions of £5,191 and expenses of £825. 

The Rev. Dr John Cowie received remuneration as Interim Presbytery Clerk of £7,687 (2024 £4,228), together with expenses of £807 (2024, £270).  The appointment was non-pensionable. 

The Rev. Robert Allan received remuneration as Interim Assistant Presbytery Clerk of £1,919. (2024, £2,448), together with expenses of £17 (2024, £81).  The appointment was nonpensionable. 

David Watt received remuneration as Interim Assistant Presbytery Clerk of £2,855 (2024, £4,179), together with expenses of £nil (2024, £145).  The appointment was non-pensionable. 

Scott Paget received remuneration as Mission Officer of £36,162 (2024, £35,280), together with employer pension and death in service contributions of £5,858 (2024, £5,786), and expenses of £245 (2024, £34). 

Lorna Laughland received remuneration as Education, Training and Development Officer of £25,376 (2024, £24,757), together with employer pension and death in service contributions of £4,234 (2024, £4,060). 

The Rev. Alan Gibson received remuneration as a Presbytery Chaplain of £4,730 (2024, £4,615). 

## **7. Volunteers** 

In common with other components of The Church of Scotland, the Presbytery benefits from the contribution made by volunteers who give of their time and talents willingly for the benefit of the Church.  The areas of Presbytery life which rely on the contribution of volunteers are many and varied and much of the activity would be unable to continue were it not for the commitment shown.  In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102), general volunteer time is not recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities, nor is the value of expenses waived in the course of such contributions. 

**21** 




## **Notes to the financial statements** 


||**2025**<br>**£000**|**2024**<br>**£000**|
|---|---|---|



## **8. Tangible fixed assets** 

**Office fittings and equipment** 

|**Cost**|||
|---|---|---|
|At 1 January|35|35|
|Additions|1|-|
|Disposals|(1)|-|
|At 31 December|**35**|**35**|
|**Accumulated depreciation**|||
|At 1 January|30|27|
|Charge for year|4|3|
|Eliminated on disposals|(1)|-|
|At 31 December|**33**|**30**|
|**Net book value**|||
|At 31 December|**2**|**5**|
|**9. Investments**|||
|At 1 January|111|102|
|Purchase of investments|38|-|
|Unrealised gain|10|9|
|At 31 December|**159**|**111**|
|The following investments are held:|||
|Church of Scotland Investors Trust: Growth Fund units (cost £14,000)|**121**|**111**|
|Church of Scotland Investors Trust: income Fund units (cost £38,000)|**38**|**-**|
|**10. Debtors**|||
|Rent deposit|3|3|
|Grant receivable|11|18|
||**14**|**21**|



**22** 




## **Notes to the financial statements** 


||**2025**<br>**£000**|**2024**<br>**£000**|
|---|---|---|
|**11. Creditors: Due within one year**<br>Accrued expenses and deferred income<br>20<br>5<br>**20**<br>**5**|||



## **12. Financial commitments** 

Operating lease commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases for land and buildings: 

|Within one year|14|14|
|---|---|---|
|Between two and five years|16|30|
||**30**|**44**|



## **13. Analysis of net assets among funds** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**£000**|**Restricted**<br>**£000**|**Total**<br>**£000**|
|---|---|---|
|Tangible fixed assets<br>2<br>-<br>2<br>Investments<br>109<br>50<br>159<br>Current assets<br>563<br>220<br>783<br>Current liabilities<br>(20)<br>-<br>(20)<br>**31 December 2025**<br>**654**<br>**270**<br>**924**<br>Tangible fixed assets<br>5<br>-<br>5<br>Investments<br>101<br>10<br>111<br>Current assets<br>484<br>178<br>662<br>Current liabilities<br>(5)<br>-<br>(5)<br>**31 December 2024**<br>**585**<br>**188**<br>**773**|||



**23** 



**Notes to the financial statements** 



## **14. Movement in funds** 

|**1**<br>**January**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**Income**<br>**£000**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**£000**<br>**Revaluation**<br>**gain/**<br>**(loss)**<br>**£000**<br>**Transfers**<br>**£000**<br>**31**<br>**December**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**_Restricted funds:_**<br>Local Mission<br>135<br>21<br>(3)<br>-<br>-<br>153<br>Young People<br>8<br>-<br>(1)<br>-<br>-<br>7<br>Wm Mowat Memorial<br>13<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>13<br>Bargeddie Organ<br>15<br>1<br>(2)<br>-<br>-<br>14<br>Cleland<br>17<br>1<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>18<br>Carriden<br>-<br>38<br>-<br>2<br>-<br>40<br>Carriden (Welfare)<br>-<br>15<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>15<br>Hamilton Widows<br>-<br>10<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>10<br>**188**<br>**86**<br>**(6)**<br>**2**<br>**-**<br>**270**<br>**_Unrestricted funds:_**<br>General<br>585<br>283<br>(222)<br>8<br>-<br>654<br>**773**<br>**369**<br>**(228)**<br>**10**<br>**-**<br>**924**<br>**1**<br>**January**<br>**2024**<br>**£000**<br>**Income**<br>**£000**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**£000**<br>**Revaluation**<br>**gain/**<br>**(loss)**<br>**£000**<br>**Transfers**<br>**£000**<br>**31**<br>**December**<br>**2024**<br>**£000**<br>**_Restricted funds:_**<br>Local Mission<br>214<br>11<br>(90)<br>-<br>-<br>135<br>Young People<br>8<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>8<br>Wm Mowat Memorial<br>12<br>-<br>-<br>1<br>-<br>13<br>Bargeddie Organ<br>15<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>15<br>Peebles Bequest<br>21<br>1<br>(22)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>Cleland<br>-<br>17<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>17<br>**270**<br>**29**<br>**(112)**<br>**1**<br>**-**<br>**188**<br>**_Unrestricted funds:_**<br>General<br>471<br>284<br>(179)<br>9<br>-<br>585<br>**741**<br>**313**<br>**(291)**<br>**10**<br>**-**<br>**773**|**1**<br>**January**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**|**Income**<br>**£000**|**Expenditure**<br>**£000**|**Revaluation**<br>**gain/**<br>**(loss)**<br>**£000**|**Transfers**<br>**£000**|**31**<br>**December**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|



**24** 




## **Notes to the financial statements** 


## **14. Movement in funds** (continued) 

The **Local Mission Fund** has been established for funds transferred from the Church of Scotland for the purposes of aiding congregational initiatives on local mission projects, either by the congregations themselves or more widely by Presbytery.  It is available to meet qualifying staffing and other approved expenditure, including grants to congregations for eligible purposes. 

The **Young People Fund** was established in 2019 from a distribution from the wind up of a restricted fund held by the Church of Scotland for support of children and young people. 

The **Wm Mowat Memorial Fund** is available for the provision of books to candidates for the ministry. 

The **Bargeddie Organ Fund** was recognised in 2021 on the dissolution of Bargeddie Parish Church and its use for the benefit of the Presbytery.  Its re-organisation having been approved by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator during 2023, the fund is available to support the purchase and maintenance of organs within congregational buildings in the Presbytery area. 

The **Cleland Fund** was established from the net moveable receipts arising on the dissolution of Cleland Parish Church and is to support children’s ministry in the wider Wishaw area. 

The **Carriden Fund** was established from part of the net moveable receipts arising on the dissolution of Carriden Parish Church and the income from the fund is to support youth work in Bo’ness, with preference for the eastern part. 

**The Carriden (Welfare) Fund** was established from part of the net moveable receipts arising on the dissolution of Carriden Parish Church to support food security and welfare in Bo’ness. 

The previously independent **Hamilton Presbytery Widows Fund** was reorganised during 2025 and transferred to the Presbytery for wellbeing support to those in active ministry, retirees and spouses. 

The **Peebles Bequest** was received in 2023 under the terms of the Will of Mrs Jean D M Peebles for the purposes of Larbert: Old Parish Church.  The fund was fully utilised during 2024. 

The Presbytery is also holding a number of restricted purpose funds on behalf of other beneficiaries: **Manse Fabric (Lanark)** , **Bertram / Somerville** and **Carron Church and Manse** . These funds had a market value of £42,000 at 31 December 2025 (2024, £40,000) (historical cost £32,000).  The funds are not available for the work of the Presbytery. 

In addition to these funds, the Church of Scotland General Trustees hold the following funds for the benefit of the former **Presbytery of Falkirk (Camelon Trinity properties)** which had a market value of £53,000 at 31 December 2025 (2024, £49,000) (historical cost £30,000). 

**25**