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2024-12-31-accounts

East Neuk Lobster Hatchery Trustees’ Annual Report 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2024

Charity contact information

East Neuk Lobster Hatchery

Scottish Charity Number: SC53024

Website: fifelobsterhatchery.com

Social Media profile name

Facebook – east neuk lobster hatchery

Instagram - enlobsterhatchery

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Charity Trustees

Objectives and Activities

Protecting Lobsters and Our Seas

Our charity was founded to protect, restore, and sustain lobster populations so that local communities, the marine environment, and future generations can continue to thrive. We were created in response to growing pressures on lobster stocks caused by overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change” A key part of our vision is to install a fully functioning lobster hatchery and education centre at a suitable location in Anstruther. By fundraising and spreading the word about our “catch–rear–release” approach, we are working towards creating a lasting facility that will benefit the community, local fishing families, and the wider marine environment.

Inspiring Learning and Education

We aim to spark curiosity and build understanding of lobsters, their life cycle, and the environment they live in. We do this by providing educational resources, running hands-on experiences where people can observe lobsters at different life stages, and working with schools, colleges, and community groups. Our goal is to encourage good stewardship of the marine environment through education.

Celebrating Fishing Heritage

We are proud to share and preserve the fishing traditions of the East Neuk of Fife and the Firth of Forth. By increasing public awareness of the history, culture, and skills of local fishing families, we keep these traditions alive and honour the contribution of fishing communities to our coastal identity.

Involving the Community

The hatchery is a place for everyone. We welcome people of all ages to get involved—whether by volunteering, helping with events, or supporting our fundraising efforts. This community spirit helps strengthen local connections and gives people the chance to play an active role in looking after their environment.

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Supporting Conservation and Sustainability

At the heart of our work is marine conservation. By hatching, rearing, and releasing juvenile lobsters into local waters, we give them a much greater chance of survival. This helps strengthen lobster stocks while encouraging sustainable fishing practices in the East Neuk of Fife and the Firth of Forth. The hatchery also acts as a base for monitoring the health of local fisheries, making it an important hub for marine protection and sustainability.

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Structure, governance and management

Type of organisation

East Neuk Lobster Hatchery is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). SCO53024

Scottish principal office

The principal office of the organisation is in Scotland.

Governance

East Neuk Lobster Hatchery is governed by its constitution.

Trustee recruitment and appointment

During the year, East Neuk Hatchery did not formally recruit any new trustees . However, we actively promoted opportunities for people to join our board through social media and word of mouth within the community.

There are currently five spaces available for new trustees, and we are keen to welcome individuals who are passionate about marine conservation, community engagement, and supporting the heritage of the East Neuk of Fife.

Our recruitment process is open and transparent. Prospective trustees are invited to learn about the charity’s work, meet with current trustees, and discuss how their skills and interests could support the hatchery’s objectives. At present, no external organisations have the right to appoint trustees; all appointments are made directly by the charity

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Achievements and performance

East Neuk Lobster Hatchery (ENLH) Progress and Achievements

The East Neuk Lobster Hatchery (ENLH) has made substantial strides throughout the year, focusing on its mission to "Catch, Rear, Release" while laying the groundwork for future operations. Here are the highlights:

Key Milestones and Developments

Foundation and Governance:

ENLH successfully established itself as a registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), with a constitution and operational bank account.

Anti-Bribery Policy adopted to ensure transparency.

Committee Formation and Planning:

Held its inaugural committee meeting on 18th April 2024, adopting a three-phase approach for development:

Phase 1: Foundation completed with governance in place.

Phase 2: Investigations on potential sites and stakeholder engagement underway. Two potential locations are being explored: the West Pier in Anstruther (preplanning application submitted) and alternative slipway options.

Phase 3: Operational phase for future hatchery construction and implementation.

Public Engagement and Outreach:

Participated in Dreelside Family Day to raise awareness and launched a social media campaign (#catchrearrelease #ENLH).

Finalized the ENLH logo through community input and initiated plans for website development.

Site and Infrastructure Progress

The West Pier in Anstruther is the preferred site, with pre-planning applications submitted to Fife Council. Muir, Walker, and Pride Architects offered support for pre-planning at reduced costs.

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Due to demolition plans, the RNLI shed was ruled out as a potential location, though the slipway remains viable for future use.

Stakeholder engagement continues with Fife Council, local fishermen, and tourism associations to secure broader support.

Fundraising and Financial Status

Fundraising efforts include raffles, grants, and local donations:

£2000 approved from LCPB for website development.

Awaiting outcomes for additional funding from the Neighbourhood Eco Fund (£9.5K), Sea Changers Grant (£2K), and other local initiatives.

Raffle organized with support from local businesses; the draw is scheduled for 14th December.

Current funding shortfall of £3K for website development is targeted to be covered through Community Kist, Sea Changers, and raffle proceeds.

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Partnerships and Support

ENLH has engaged key stakeholders, including Fife Architects, Jake Norton of Lobster Aquatic, and the Firth of Forth Lobster Hatchery, to draw on their expertise for design, planning, and operational guidance.

Collaborations with larger businesses and potential offshore wind farm sponsors are being explored to secure additional financial and logistical support.

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Financial review at a glance

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2024 deposit - withdawals for
3000 East Neuk Lobster Hatchery
2526
2500
2000
£
500
1000
500 300
0
deposits withdrawals
----- End of picture text -----

Statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

Charity Reserves Policy Statement

1. Purpose of the Policy

This policy outlines the charity’s approach to holding and managing financial reserves. It ensures that the charity maintains a prudent level of reserves to safeguard its operations, support strategic objectives, and respond to unforeseen financial challenges.

2. Definition of Reserves

Reserves are defined as the portion of unrestricted funds that are freely available to spend on any of the charity’s purposes. This excludes restricted funds, designated funds, and tangible fixed assets.

3. Policy Objectives

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4. Target Level of Reserves

The charity aims to maintain unrestricted reserves equivalent to [e.g., 3–6 months] of core operating costs. This level is reviewed annually and adjusted based on:

5. Monitoring and Review

The reserves level is monitored quarterly by the Finance Committee and reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees. Any significant deviation from the target level will prompt a review of operational plans and financial strategy.

6. Use of Reserves

Reserves may be drawn upon in the following circumstances:

Any use of reserves must be authorised by the Board of Trustees and documented with a clear rationale and recovery plan.

7. Transparency

This policy is available on request & included in the annual report. The charity is committed to transparency in its financial management and stewardship of public and donor funds.

Details of any deficit

None

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Donated facilities and services

Muir, Walker, and Pride Architects have generously offered to submit a preapplication to Fife Council at no cost, in support of the proposed development at the West Pier in Anstruther, this site was identified as the preferred location for our lobster hatchery

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Next Steps and Goals

Finalize funding for website development and launch in early 2025.

Progress planning applications and feasibility studies for the West Pier site.

Expand stakeholder engagement, particularly with local councils, tourism associations, and fishermen, to build strong community support.

Continue public outreach through events and social media to raise awareness and funds.

Through structured planning, effective stakeholder collaboration, and ongoing fundraising, ENLH is well-positioned to achieve its vision of a sustainable and impactful lobster hatchery for the East Neuk community

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Declaration

Signed on behalf of the charity trustees:

Print name

Designation

Date

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CHAIRMAN
29 [th] September 2025
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APPENDIX 2

530243

East Neuk Lobster Hatchery

Section B Statement of balances Section B Statement of balances
Categories
Signed by one or two trustees
on behalf of all the trustees
B1 Cash funds
B2 Investments
B3 Other assets
B5 Contingent liabilities
B4 Liabilities		 Details Unrestricted
funds
to nearest £
-		 Restricted funds
to nearest £		 Expendable
endowment
funds
to nearest £		 Permanent
endowment
funds
to nearest £		 Total current
period
to nearest £		 Total last period
to nearest £
Cash and bank balances at start of year -
Surplus / (deficit) shown on receipts and
payments account		 -
-
-
Cash and bank balances at end of year
(Agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
Details		 2,226 - - - 2,226 -
- 2,226 -
-
Fund to which
-
asset belongs		 - 2,226 -
Market valuation
to nearest £		 Last year
to nearest £
Details Fund to which asset belongs Total
Cost (if available)
to nearest £		 -
-
Current value (if
available)
to nearest £		 Last year
to nearest £
Details Total
Fund to which l		 -
-
-
iability relates Amount due
to nearest £		 Last year
to nearest £
Details Fund to which l Total
iability relates		 - -
Amount due
(estimate)
to nearest £		 Last year
to nearest £
Signature* Print Name Total -
-
Date of
approval
28/09/2025

ENLH 2024 Accounts / Statement of balances

1

December 2007

Independent examiner’s report on the accounts

Independent examiner’s report on the accounts Independent examiner’s report on the accounts Independent examiner’s report on the accounts Independent examiner’s report on the accounts Independent examiner’s report on the accounts Independent examiner’s report on the accounts Independent examiner’s report on the accounts
Report to the
trustees/members of
Registered charity
number
On the accounts of the
charity for the period
Set out on pages
Respective
responsibilities of
trustees and examiner
Basis of independent
examiner’s statement
Independent examiner’s
statement
Signed:
Name:
Relevant professional
qualification(s) or body
Address:**		 Charity name
East Neuk Lobster Hatchery
SC530243
Period start date Period end date
Day Month Year Day Month Year

01		 January 2024 to
31		 December 2024
(remember to include the page
numbers of additional sheets)
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.
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.
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention
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.

Disclosure section Only ts)mplete if the examiner needs to highli￿t material problems. Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose