ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025
When we were tasked with taking over the Machrihanish Seabird Observatory in 2021 when the original warden died, we knew we were taking on a big job.
The buildings were in desperate need of strengthening and repair to make them windtight and watertight after many years of use with little maintenance.
The main part of the building that took the brunt of the weather was breaking down and we had lost some of the wood. We knew that serious action had to be taken, or the storms would take away a much-loved visitors spot. The observatory has been open to the public since 1993, and the local community feel very strongly about it.
This led to us becoming a charity so we could raise the money needed to rebuild and refurbish the old buildings.
As you can see from these photos the walls had holes and bits missing which allowed the wind and rain to blow in causing damp inside. The company we employed to rebuild have taken down the worst section and completely rebuild it with a stronger framework and better materials to enable it to withstand the wind better, then clad this building with treated wood to ensure it would last many more years.
It was then reroofed with a waterproof, hardwearing material that will be better for the building.
The front wall had fared slightly better, but it still needed work. This was reclad and the door removed as it is no longer needed. This gave give us an extra viewing window. We will also reinstate the window blocked off to stop water getting in allowing us to have 2 wheelchair friendly windows for disabled visitors.
Inside we would have to re-panel the inside walls and ceiling and make new weather proof windows that can be opened for viewing. The warden has the skills to do this along with the inside panelling.
This stage of the repairs is ongoing.
We obtained approx. £12,000.00 through crowd fundraising and donations which enabled us to refurbish/rebuild most of the observatory including;
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A new frontage including 2 more windows. Making a total of 7.
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Total rebuild of the collapsing part of the building.
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Re-cladding and waterproofing/painting as required
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Completely change the viewing platform, remove the roof, reclad, add picnic bench.
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Rewiring to include new sockets, led lighting and a new consumer unit. (still to be done)
We will construct a simple kitchen area where we can make teas and coffee’s for visitors and ourselves.
We also have a microwave-combi oven to heat up food for ourselves for long days watching.
We approached a local company “Wee Toon Environmental Services” to do the work as they are used to constructing this type of building. The main work was done over the summer month and changes were made to make the grounds more accessible for wheelchair visitors.
The rest of the work we will do ourselves, especially the inside work. We also have had offers from volunteers to help us.
Th observatory is an important part of the area and provides a space for locals and visitors alike. We try to make it so nobody feels excluded, it doesn’t matter if you know about birds or if you just want to sit and listen to the sea, it is a safe space for everyone and we feel it is important that it continues.
This is where we are at so far with our renovations, 2025 will be the year we work on the inside refurbishment of the new structures. It will need to be insulated and panelled throughout and the kitchen refitted. Windows need to be made and new flooring fitted. It is an ongoing project but we are pleased with it so far.
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MACHRIHANISH SEABIRD AND WILDLIFE OBSERVATORY
SCOTTISH CHARITY NUMBER - SC02524554
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR YEAR ENDED 30TH APRIL 2025
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|---|---|---|---|---|
|£|£|
|INCOME|
|Donations|3,951.41|
|Donation from|Loch Lomond|Distillery|Group|1,000.00|
|Donation|from Wind Farm|5,000.00|
|Donation|fro Co- op|500.00|
|Refunds|59.50|
|Bank Interest|1.39|
|Cash Back from Bank|1.46|
|GROSS INCOME|10,513.76|
|EXPENDITURE|
|Observatory|Materials & Work|11,129.40|
|Leaflets|24.84|
|Seeds|7.27|
|Repairs & Renewals|79.69|
|Web|59.95|
|Raffle|Tickets|30.98|
|Rent|250.00|
|11,582.13|
|NET LOSS FOR THE YEAR|(1,068.37)|
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MACHRIHANISH SEABIRD AND WILDLIFE OBSERVATORY
SCOTTISH CHARITY NUMBER - S8C02524554
STATEMENT OF BALANCES FOR YEAR ENDED 30TH APRIL 2025
| £ | £ | |
|---|---|---|
| Petty CashBalance at30.4.24 | 1.98 | |
| Bank Balance at 30.4.24 | 4598.95 | |
| Net Loss for Year | (1,068.37) | |
| Balance at 30.4.25 | 3,532.56 | |
| Balance perBank at 30.4.25 | 3,511.46 | |
| Balance perPetty Cash at 30.4.25 | 21.10 | |
| 3,532.56 |
LOCHGILPHEAD, 27TH JANUARY, 2026
The foregoing Statement of Balances has been prepared from the records Bank and Petty Cash details supplied.