The Clay Studio (Inverness)
Statement of Receipts and Payments - For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Year ended 31/03/2025 Receipts Voluntary Receipts Donations & Grants 3 17,663 8,000 25,663 Receipts from Charitable Activities 4 35,825 0 35,825 Total Receipts 53,488 8,000 61,488 Payments Cost of charitable activities 5 51,056 8,000 59,056 Governance Costs 6 631 0 631 Total Payments 51,687 8,000 59,687 Surplus/(deficit) for the year 1,801 0 1,801 Transfers between funds 7 Surplus/(deficit) for the year 1,801 0 1,801 |
Year ended 31/03/2024 30,795 26,385 |
|---|---|
| 57,180 | |
| 59,618 360 |
|
| 59,978 | |
| -2,798 | |
| -2,798 |
The Notes on pages 3 to 4 form an integral part of the these accounts
The Clay Studio (Inverness)
Statement of Balances - as at 31 March 2025
| Funds Reconciliation Cash at bank and in hand start of year Surplus/(deficit) for the year Transfers in year Cash at bank and in hand 31/3/2023 Bank & Cash Balances Bank current account difference Approved by the trustees on |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Year ended 31/3/2024 2,513 0 2,513 5,311 1,801 0 1,801 -2,798 0 0 0 0 4,314 0 4,314 2,513 4,314 0 4,314 2,513 0 and signed on their behalf by: |
Year ended 31/3/2024 5,311 -2,798 0 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,513 | ||
| 2,513 |
Chair
Treasurer
Notes to the Accounts - for the year ended 31 March 2025
1. Basis of Accounting
These accounts have been prepared on the Receipts & Payments basis in accordance with the Charities & Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
The charity is not registered for VAT. The charity is exempt from Corporation Tax on it’s charitable activities.
2 Nature and purpose of funds
Unrestricted funds are those that may be used at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. The trustees maintain a single unrestricted fund for the day-to-day running of the Organisation. Restricted funds may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for specific purposes.
3 Grants/donations Received
| Youth Highland Summer Shenanigans Summer of Hope - Highland Council Highland Council - Youth Hub Cares Mental Health & Wellbeing Highland Council - other grants Miscellaneous donations The Robertson Trust 4 Receipts from Charitable Activities Classes Pottery parties Key Deposit Youth Club Events Miscellaneous Income Kiln Studio Rent |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Year ended 31/03/2025 0 0 0 16,075 16,075 1,588 1,588 8,000 8,000 17,663 8,000 25,663 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Year ended 31/03/2025 24,026 24,026 6,234 6,234 0 0 934 934 18 18 792 792 57 57 3,765 3,765 35,825 0 35,825 |
Year ended 31/03/2024 3,000 0 9,990 8,543 1,262 8,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 30,795 | ||
| Year ended 31/03/2024 18,604 120 3,686 3,975 |
||
| 26,385 |
5. Cost of Charitable Activities
| Accommodation, rent, food & drink Art/Garden & event Materials Heating, Lighting, IT & telephone Advertising Miscellaneous expenses Repairs & maintenance Sessional Workers Stationery & postage Travel, Training & Meetings Volunteer Expenses/gifts 6 Governance Costs Trustees Expenses Bank Charges Insurance Accountancy/book-keeping (gifts) Legal Fees Professional Fees (Youth Scotland) 7 Transfers between funds At 1/4/2024 Surplus/(deficit) in year Transfers As at 31/3/2025 |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total The Robertson Trust 5,047 3,300 8,347 12840.53 12,841 5635.51 5,636 2195.69 2,196 66 66 180.43 180 24032.48 4,700 28,732 574.45 574 483.2 483 0 51,056 8,000 59,055.52 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Year ended 31/03/2025 0 0 0 21 0 21 0 0 0 310 0 310 0 0 0 300 0 300 631 0 631 Unrestricted Total Restricted Total 2,513 0 2,513 1,801 0 1,801 0 4,314 0 4,314 |
Total 11,218 8,751 3,123 0 1,915 1,445 31,003 1,150 829 184 |
|---|---|---|
| 59,618 | ||
| Year ended 31/03/2024 0 0 0 0 0 360 |
||
| 360 | ||
| Year ended 31/03/2023 5,311 -2,798 0 |
||
| 2,513 |
THE CLAY STUDIO Trustees, Annual V •• Report 2025 Who We Are The Clay Studio charity exists for the advancement of education, the arts, heritage and culture - all in the heart of the vibrant community of Merkinch, which sits in the top 5/. areas of most deprivation in the SIMD. We provide inclusive, accessible ceramic and mixed media opportunities for children, young people and adults, and run a community garden which grows organic fruit and vegetables amongst ornamental flowerbeds. Mosaics, made by groups from the studio, adorn the walls and the outdoor space hosts community events. Our studio is a place where confidence and skills grow through doing, and community happens naturally around shared making. We believe everyone should have access to creativity, regardless of background or circumstance. What We Delivered This Year Two weekly After School Classes for Pl-P7 Weekly Youth Clubs for P5-P7 and Sl-S4 Fortnightly Saturday Kids, Club Two-week Summer Club (Junior & Senior Groups) Two weekly Sunflower Groups (for people aged 25+ with disabilities) Weekly Butterfly Group (for people aged 16-25 with disabilities) I:1 sessions for referred young people, enrolled onto Dynamic Youth Award and Youth Achievement Award pathways Evening Adult Pottery Classes I:1 Sessions in Hand-Building Pottery Parties Affordable Studio Rental for local artists
- Partnerships with CAHMS & other Third-Sector organisations Ongoing maintenance of our open community garden and the hosting of events for other grassroots organisations
The studio remained busy and welcoming throughout the year, with classes and groups offering regular structure, creative challenge and social connection.
Our Year in Pictures
Roald Dahl & Stories Exhibition
Youth Club and Gallus Café
I
Awards
Third Sector Partnerships
Youth Group February Half Term working with Àban
Grant Street Garden
I
Butterfly Group
Sunflower Groups
Seniors Summer Club Highlights From the Year
One of our most joyful moments was our exhibition themed “Roald Dahl & Stories”, where children and young people proudly displayed thier ceramic creations. For many, this was their first experience of seeing their work publicly presented - a powerful moment of pride and achievement.
Our Youth Club also successfully took part in a local participatory budgeting process, securing funding to establish a Youth Café and strengthen youth provision. This was a significant milestone, demonstrating increased confidence, ownership and leadership among local young people.
Summer Club combined art with outdoor activities such as paddleboarding, strawberry picking and go-karting - broadening horizons and creating memorable shared experiences.
Across all programmes, we saw growth in confidence, creative skills, teamwork and self-belief.
The Difference We Make
The Clay Studio provides more than pottery classes - we offer:
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a safe, structured space in an area of high deprivation
-
crative opportunities for children and young people who may otherwise be denied access
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inclusive provosion for adults and young people with Additional Support Needs Accredited progression routes for young people
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A welcoming environment that reduces isolation and builds friendships
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A community garden that extends our impact beyond the studio walls, where knowledge of growing and harvesting is shared - and fresh, nutritious food is enjoyed
Creativity offers young people a constructive outlet, a sense of achievment and a place where their ideas matter. For many families, the studio is not just an activity - it is a consistent, trusted presence in their week.
Financial Review
The accounts for the year ended 31[st] March 2025 have been prepared on a Receipts & Payments basis.
Income
Total income for the year was £61,488
This included:
£25,663 in grants and donations
£35,825 from charitable activities including classes, pottery parties and studio rental
We were grateful to receive £8000 in restricted funding from The Robertson Trust, which was fully utilised during the year in line with funding conditions.
Expenditure
Total expenditure for the year was £59,687
The majority of this (£59,056) directly supported charitable activities. Key costs included:
-
Sessional workers: £28,732 Materials and supplies: £12,841
-
Rent, food and related accomodation costs: £8,347 Utilities: £5,636
Governance costs were modest at £631 and included professional fees and bank charges.
Surplus and Year-End Position
The charity recorded a surplus of £1801 , a welcome improvement on the previous year.
At 31[st] March 2025, we held £4,314 in unestricted funds.
Reserves
The trustees recognise the importance of maintaining suffient reserves to ensure continuity of provision.
At present, reserves represent less than one month of operating expenditure. While the charity remains stable and solvent, bulding a stronger reserve base is a priority for the coming year. The trustees intend to formalise a reserves policy and work towards greater financial resilience.
Financial Sustainability and Risk
As a small charity operating from a rented premises, we face ongoing financial pressures, particularly in the areas of wages, rent and utilities.
The primary risk we face is the need to secure continued public funding. While we generate earned income through classes, parties and studio rental, continued grant funding is essential to sustain accessible and inclusive provision throughout and beyond 2026. Trustees remain proactive in seeking diverse income streams.
Volunteers and Donated Services
Trustees serve on a voluntary basis and receive no renumeration.
The charity has a bank of volunteers who have supported various youth work activities.
Tha accounts include donated bookkeeping services valued at £310.
Independent Examination
The accounts were independently examined by Margaret Littlejohn, Accountant and former member of ICAS. No matters were raised requiring disclosure.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2025-26, our focus remains on:
Sustaining inclusive creative provision
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Strengthening youth leadershp opportunities Growing financial resilience
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continuing to provide a safe, welcoming and inspiring place for our community
The Clay Studio is small but impactful. Every class delivered, every exhibition held, every young person supported contributes to a stronger, more creative community.. Contact Us For further information, please reach out to us at claystudioinverness@outlo0corn THE CLAY STUDIO Address: Phone: 01463 719712 Website: www.theclaystudio.scot Trustee Signature: A. Gladwin
APPENDIX 3
’ V2 Independent examiner s report on the accounts
Report to the Charity name trustees/members of
| Report to the trustees/members of |
Independent examiners report on the accounts Charity name |
|---|---|
| Registered charity | SC |
| number | |
| On the accounts of the | Period start date Period end date |
| charity for the period | Day Month Year Day Month Year |
| to | |
| Set out on pages | (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) |
| 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) 2005 Act and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity trustees |
| consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations | |
| does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section | |
| 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. | |
| Basis of independent examiner’s statement |
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. 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 viewgiven bythe accounts. | |
| Independent examiner’s | In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention [other than that |
| statement | disclosed on the attached page*] |
| 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the |
|
| requirements: | |
| • to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and |
|
| Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and | |
| • to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with |
|
| Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations | |
| have not been met, or | |
| 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper | |
| understanding of the accounts to be reached. | |
| Signed: | Date: |
| Name: | |
| Relevant professional | |
| qualification(s) or body | |
| (if any): | |
| Address: |
*Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. If the words do apply, set out those matters which have come to your attention on the following page.
APPENDIX 3 Disclosure section Only complete rf the examiner needs to highlight material problems. Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose