THREE ESTATES CUPAR Scottish Charity No- SC048967 Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2026
THREE ESTATES CUPAR SCOThISH CHARITY NO. SC048967 Tru5tees' Report For the year ended 31 March 2026 The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report tO8ether with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026. Reference and Administrative Infomiatlon Charlty name Three Estates Cupar Charlty no SC048967 Address 59 Bonny8ate CUPAR Fife KYIS 4BY Current Trustees Charles William Pagan MBE Alison Strachan Moira Henderson MBE Guthrie Hutton Margaret Robertson Chair & Secretary Treasurer Independent examiner Sheena Gibson FCCA James Hair Group Limited 59 Bonny8ate CUPAR Fife KY15 4BY 11
THREE ESTATES CUPAR SCOThISH CHARITY NO. SC048967 Strurture. Governance and Managernent Constltutlon TEC Is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organi5ation la SCIOI. It was registered on 17 January 2019. It5 constitution provides for both Trustees and Members. The present five Trustees who signed the Declarations of Suitability prior to registratlon were deemed to be the first Trustees and first Members. Meantime, they are the only Members. Appointment of Trustees Trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting. There must be a minimum of five and a maximurn of eleven Trustees. The five Trustees were re-elected at the 2025 AGM. Charltable purposes TEC'S aims are to advance educatlon, community development. culture and understanding of heritage as well as provldlng recreational activities to improve the condltions of life of the residents of, and vlsltors to, the town of Cupar, Fife {a5 defined by the boundaries of the area served by Cupar Community Council). the area of the Scottish Parllamentary constituency of North East Fife, and Scotland. Objertives. Activitles and Asplratlons TEC'S princlpal means of delivering its charitable purposes are promot•n8 and celebrating the history and heritage of Cupar and Its surrounding area., A major focus is Scotland's earliest surviving play, Ane Satyre of the Thrie Estaitis. written by Sir David Lindsay of The Mount, Cupar. and 8iven its first performance on Cuparfs Castle Hill, on 7th June, 1552. TEUS Name, Three Estates Cupar, is a recognition of the play, and its importance to Cupar. The Trustees commissioned and hold a new SCTlPt of the Ane Sotyre, shortening it from a performance time of over six hours tojust over two. The Trustees consider thls an Important addition to Cuparfs heritage. A copy of the new script was therefore presented to ONFrfe, Fife's Library service, at an event hosted by them on 23rd October 2025. An electronic copy has been provided also. It has not yet been possible to deliver a full performance of the new script of the Play, but extracts have been read at events in the area, and tt is planned that elements of it will be read again in September 2026, with performance elements in June 2027, to coincide with the 475th anniversary ofthe first performance. {2}
THREE ESTATES CUPAR SCOThISH CHARITY NO. SC048967 Objectlves, Artivltles and Asplratlons (contlnued) Early in 2025, The new 'Oxford Handbook of Scottish Theatre, edited by Professor Greg Walker and Emeritus Professor Randall Stevenson, was published. It contains a chapter dedicated to Lindsay and his play, Ane Sotyre of the Thrie Estaitis, Scotland's oldest surviving play, and there are references to both throughout the Handbook. Cupar had been chosen by Sir David, who lived nearby at The Mount, forthe first full performance of the play. Lead editor of the Handbook, Professor Greg Walker, and Coveditor. Professor Randall Stevenson, both spoke of the importance of Sir David Lindsay to the content of their new book. and of the significant contribution made by Sir David and thus Cupar to Scottish culture and theatre as the Middle Ages came to a close. It was a time of change and uncertainty. and Sir David used his play to press for reform to all of Scotland's Nobility, Church, and Merchant Class, all in an attempt to state the case of Scotland's poor. He is classed as one of Europe's earliest humanitarians. The Professors, words encouraged the Trustees to pursue their stated aspirations for the benefit of Cupar and its community. TECS aspirations remain promoting and encouraging activities celebrating the history and heritage of Cupar and tts surroundin8 area including theatrical and poetry performances in Old Scots. Professor Walker then presented to the Royal Burgh of Cupar, through the Chalr of Cupar Communlty Councll. a copy of The Oxford Handbook of Scottish Theatre, to be held on behalf of the Burgh by the Fsfe Library service. At the request of Cupar Development Trust ICDTI, the TEC Trustees have widened their remit. so that it now covers all aspects of Culture, History, and Heritage. In collaboration with local SCIOS Cupar Heritage and CuparArts, they are developing events and promotions of Yhe Historic Sons and Daughters of Cupar & District" They continue to celebrate the area's Intangible Cultural Herltage (ICHI. especlally in Old Scots. This embraces the work of not only Sir David Lindsay himself, but also his sixteenth century cousin, Robert Lindsay of Pitscottie. Cupar, author of the first history of Scotland in Old Scots, the Historie and Chronicles of Scotland 1436 to 1565, and nineteenth century authors Robert Duncan Milne and Sarah Tytler, and Painter Charles Lees. 13)
THREE ESTATES CUPAR 5COThISH CHARITY NO. SC048967 Objectives. Activltles and Aspirations {contlnued) The TEC Trustee5 continue to work with other organisations in the area, Includlng Cupar Arts, Cupar Heritage & Museum, and Cupar Development Trust. Fife Council, Cupar & District Communitycouncil, The Sunshlne Kftchen. ABCD Cupar Businesses. Association, the Flfe Famlly Hlstory Society and the area's schools. including Kilmaron Speclal School. The Trustees work closely with CuparNow, the successor from 1st April 2025 to Cuparfs Di8ltal Improvement District, and acknowledge the contribution it makes both to the Trustees, aspirations and to the area. Raisin8 funds is a permanent challenge for the Trustees. In the year of report, they continued to make applications, including for presentin8 a new play by John Bett in Old Scots, about Sir David, Davie Lindsoy and the Vogabond King. Sadly, Creative Scotland Open Lottery Fund turned down the application, and the Trustees are now considerin8 possibilities for 2027. The Trustees had put to good use funding previously raised from a private source to pay for a Scoping Study to identify the best location in or around Cupar for an Arts & Culture Hub, incorporatin8 performance spaces. a larger museum, arts and musicworkshops, permanent and temporary exhibition space, and welcomin8communlty spaces. The consultants, report had Identified Watts, Ferguson Square and the County Buildings as the most likely sites. Watts has sold as a hospitality venue, and Ferguson Square 15 the subjert of a Planning application for student accommodation. The County Buildings is subjectof a majorproposal by Cupar Development Trust. which could lead to a Community Asset Transfer. The case for a projert on such a stale with these objectives was confirmed by Cupar Development Trust's consultations fortheir Community Action Plan, theiryouth Charrette, and their Local Place Plan. The Trustees continue to play a full part in promoting the area's heritage in Old Scots, includin8 relevant materials being displayed In the Duncan Institute in the display cases provided by the TEC Trustees. The Trustees regularly consult academic experts about Old Scots, Sir Davld and his play, and Sir David's cousin, Robert, to ensure the quality and validity of their endeavours. In particular, they are supported by experts in Old Scots from the Universities of 5t Andrews. Edinburgh, and Nottingham, who have given online talks, and are advisin8 on future activities. (41
THREE EsfATES CUPAR sCOlSH CHARITY NO. SC048967 Objectives, Artivitles and Aspiratlons (continued) In autumn 2026, the Trustees plan to publish online a series of talks, the first of which will be by Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice Chancellor of St Andrews University. They plan to publish at least six talks, which will then be available in perpetuity as additions to heritage items they have already uploaded, Thanks to support from CuparNow, all previou5 TEC and CDTtalks are available at: https:l/www.youtube.com/playlist?list-PLrfZHFBQz12021VneZ7y8X9xi YfABKVT In line with their acceptance of the wider remlt In culture and heritage, The Trustees support the developing Cupar Sculpture Trail, having assisted in the administration and publicity for the creation and installation of the agricultural horse's head "Geo" at Robert Duncan Milne Court on Carslogie Road, and support Stjames's Church and CuparArts In promoting Milne as one of 'The Historic Sons and Daughters of Cupar & District". Since its creation in 2019, TEC has raised some £20,000 for its charitable purposes. Most of these funds have been Spent in-year, contributing directly to the charitWs objectives, but without creating any assets to be added to the balance sheet. For example, the costs of performances, the scoping study, and the dlsplay cases given to the Duncan Institute were well spent. and have provided valuable legacies, without adding to balance sheet assets at the respective year ends. By contrast, the new script of Ane Sotyre is an asset which the Trustees hold on behalf of Cupar for as lon8 a5 they control the copyright. and it is included in the balance sheet at nominal value as a way of recording it5 existence. Governance The Trustees have kept In close touch both by email, and in-person, to fulfil their governance responsibilities. have adopted appropriate Policies, including Trustee Etiquette & Responsibilities,and policies on Equal Opportunities and Ethical Fundraising. rinancial review All financial information is contained in the statement of Receipts and Payments. TEC has neither staff nor premises. At the year end total reserve5 were £206. There are no restricted re5erve5 as of the year end. {51
THREE EsfATES CUPAR 5COThISH CHARITY NO. SC048967 Re5eThes policy 5t is not yet appropriate for the Trustees to develop a policy on financial Reserves. Plans for future period The Trustees continue to plan for future activities. and keep in close contact with individuals and organisations likely to contribute to them. They plan further performances of extracts of the Lindsay works, and the new script, as well as short scripts Specially written for School performances. Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: Date: 2&>LL CHARLES WILLIAM PAGAN M8E. CHAIRMAN {6}
THREE ESTATES CUPAR ScOlSH CHARITY NO. SC048967 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT I report on the financlal statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2026 which are set out on pages 8 and 9 and the related notes. Respertlve responsibilities of trustees and exarninèr The charity's trustees are responsible forthe preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment Iscotlandl Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts Iscotlandl Regulations 2( las amended). The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10111 Idl of the 2006 Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the financial statements under Sertion 44(Illc) of the Act and to State where particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examlnerfs statement My examination is carried out in attordance with Regulation 11 of the 2(X)6 Accounts Re8ulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements. Independent Examinerf5 Statement In the course of my examination no matter has come to my attention.. l. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting record5 in accordance with Section 44llllal of the 2)5 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations Have not been met,. or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. Sheena Gibson FCCA James Hair Group Mited 59 Bonnygate CUPAR Fife KY15 48Y 2026
THREE ESTATES CUPAR SCOThISH CHARrrY NO. SC048967 Statement of Receipts and Payments d31M h2 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2026 Total 2025 Note5 Recei Donations received Glft aid reclaimed Bank tharges refunded 92 64 92 64 250 73 Total receipts 156 156 323 Pa ent Cost of charitable activities 342 342 413 Total payment5 342 342 413 Exce55 of (payments over receipts}I receipts over payments for the year 11861 11861 1901 Transfers between funds 192 11921 11921 11861 1901 Total fund5 brought forward 21x1 192 392 482 Total ndS carried forward 206 206 392
THREE ESTATES CUPAR 5COThISH CHARITY NO. SC048967 Statements of Balances As at 31 March 2026 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2026 Total 2025 Notes Opening cash at bank and in hand 2(X) 192 392 572 Excess of (payments over receipts)I receipts over payments for the year Transfer between funds 11861 192 1186) 190) 11921 Closin8 cash at bank and in hand 206 206 sh balance5 Bank deposit account 206 206 392 Assets Ane Satyre Script Display materia15 and library displays The financial statements were approved 2026 and signed on their behalf by: Charles William Pagan MBE, Chairnian 191
THREE ESTATES CUPAR ScOlSH CHARttY NO. SC048967 l. Basis of accounting These account5 have been prepared on the Receipts and Payments basis in accordance with the Charities and Trustee Investment Iscotlandl Act 2CQ5 and the Charities Accounts Iscotlandl Regulations 2CQ6 las amended). 2. Nature and purpose of funds Unrestricted fund5 are those that may be used at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the object5 of the charity. The Trustee5 maintain a single unrestricted fund for day to day running costs. Restrirted funds may onty be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for specific purposes. Funds received in the period were unrestricted. 3. Relation party transactions No remuneration was paid to, nor contracts entered into with. ony of the Trustees or any connected persons during the period. No trustee received expense5 during the period. 4. Cost otcharltable actlvltles Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2026 Total 2025 Internet costs Hire of trumpeter Marketing and advert15ing Bank charges 42 42 42 350 300 300 21 342 342 413 iioi
THREE ESTATES CUPAR ScOlSH CHARITY NO. SC048967 5. Movement of funds Opening Balance Closing Balance Receipts Payments Transfers Restrtrted funds Scoping Study funds 192 11921 Unrestrlcted funds General funds 156 IY12} 192 206 Total Funds 392 156 1342) 206 Original Purpose of previousty restricted funds Funding totslling £12,0(Kl was recelved towards the cost of a scoping study to identify the best location in or around Cupar for an Arts & Culture Hub. The scoping study was widely shared. and the three best choices have been thoroughly reviewed. All three sltes are now subject of discussions outside the remit of the Trustees who consider that the remainlng £192 can therefore be transferred to 8eneral reserves. {iii