Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts For the year ended 31 March 2025
Scottish Charity Number: SC053626
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
Contents
| Legal and Administrative Information | 3 |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ Annual Report | 4 |
| Financial Review | 5 |
| Activities | 7 |
| Achievements and Performance | 8 |
| Future Plans | 10 |
| Statement of Receipts and Payments | 11 |
| Statement of Balances | 12 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 14 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 15 |
2
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
Legal and Administrative Information
Board Member Trustees
As recorded with OSCR upon formation:
----- Start of picture text -----
●
●
●
●
----- End of picture text -----
All of the above were Trustees during the year under review. were Trustees at the date the report was signed.
Administration and Festival Team for the Reporting Period
| ● , co-founder and festival director ● , guest liaison and assistant producer ● , marketing and communications manager ● , digital and social creator ● , Eco Fair coordinators ● , schools programme coordinator Charity Number SC053626 Principal Address Montrose Pictures 78 Murray Street Montrose, Angus DD10 8JY Website https://www.landxsea.org Bank Bank of Scotland P.O. Box 100 BX2 1LB Independent Examiner |
|---|
3
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Introduction
The Trustees present their annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025. The legal and administrative information given on page 3 forms part of this report.
Objectives and Charitable Purposes
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator in September 2024.
The charity’s purposes, as set out in its Constitution, are to:
-
a. To advance environmental protection or improvement by promoting understanding and awareness of environmental issues, including climate change and the protection of the Earth's ecosystems, through educational film screenings and related events.
-
b. To advance education by providing opportunities for the public to learn about global and local environmental challenges and solutions through the medium of film, workshops, and discussions.
-
c. To advance the arts, heritage, culture, or science by curating and presenting a series of films that engage audiences with cultural and environmental narratives, thereby contributing to public dialogue on sustainable living.
-
d. To provide recreational facilities, or organise recreational activities, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities or activities are primarily intende d, specifically through film festivals and associated community programmes that encourage public participation and environmental awareness.
4
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
Financial Review and Reserves Policy
Financial Review
The charity began its year with the startup sum of £2,820 in the bank, to which receipts of £38,771 were added, making £41,591 available. Payments of £35,795 were made within the financial year, leaving £5,796 to carry forward.
The charity’s financial statements for the period reflect its first months of operation as a registered charity. Income during the period was primarily derived from public funding and festival-related activity, supporting delivery of the September 2024 festival and organisational development.
Due to the seasonal nature of festival activity, some income and expenditure relating to the 2024 festival fell across financial periods. These timing differences have been appropriately accounted for.
Reserves policy
As a newly registered charity, Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO is in the early stages of building financial reserves. The Trustees recognise the importance of maintaining appropriate unrestricted reserves to support cashflow, manage risk, and ensure organisational resilience. At this stage of organisational development, the Trustees’ priority has been to deliver charitable activities successfully while establishing robust governance and financial systems. The reserves position will be reviewed regularly, and a formal reserves policy will be developed once the charity has completed two annual operating cycles.
Risk Management
The Trustees have identified the principal risks facing the charity as those associated with operating at an early stage of development, including reliance on grant funding and limited staffing capacity. These risks are reviewed regularly and are mitigated through careful financial management and phased growth.
5
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
Statement of Trustees Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with regulations made under the Charities Act. 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 also responsible for the contents of the Trustees' report, and the responsibility of the independent examiner in relation to the Trustees' report is limited to examining the report and ensuring that, on the face of the report, there are no inconsistencies with the figures disclosed in the financial statements.
This report was approved by a meeting of Trustees on 16 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
----- Start of picture text -----
… .
----- End of picture text -----
Trustee
6
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
Trustees Report on Activities
Background and Development of the Charity
LandxSea originated as a community-led pilot project in 2023, when the first Montrose
LandxSea Film Festival was delivered in partnership with Montrose Playhouse Project SCIO. The pilot festival demonstrated clear public benefit, strong audience engagement, and demand for environmental and independent cinema within Montrose, Angus, and the surrounding regions.
Following the success of the 2023 pilot year, the organisation took steps to formalise its structure and governance in order to support sustainable growth, strengthen accountability, and enable it to receive public funding. This led to the establishment of Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO and its registration as a charity in September 2024, enabling support from funders including Screen Scotland (part of Creative Scotland), BFI Film Audience Network, Film Hub Scotland, and the National Lottery.
Summary of Main Activities During the Reporting Period
During the period September 2024 to March 2025, the charity’s main activities included:
-
delivery of the second annual Montrose LandxSea Film Festival, held from 13–15 September 2024 at the Montrose Playhouse.
-
delivery of special programmes and community events throughout the year, linked to the festival.
-
presentation of curated environmental and independent film screenings, including filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, and facilitated conversations.
-
delivery of schools and youth engagement activity.
-
provision of free and subsidised access through a Community Ticket Fund.
-
development of partnerships with local, regional, national, and international arts and environmental organisations.
-
establishment and strengthening of governance, financial, and administrative systems following charity registration.
7
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
Achievements and Performance
Festival Delivery and Public Benefit
The 2024 Montrose LandxSea Film Festival (13-15 September 2024) built on the success of the 2023 pilot year, expanding both the scale and reach of the programme. The festival showcased 25 films from 12 countries over three days, including 3 World Premieres, 5 UK Premieres, and 7 Scottish Premieres. The programme combined Scottish and international documentary and independent films focused on environmental, social, and cultural themes.
The festival welcomed 30 filmmakers and guest speakers from across the UK and internationally and attracted over 1,650 attendees, representing a 26% increase on 2023, with screenings operating at an average of 84% capacity. More than one-third of events were offered free of charge, engaging over 600 participants through community-facing activities such as talks, workshops, and outdoor events.
Audience feedback gathered through post-festival surveys indicated strong engagement and positive outcomes, reinforcing the Trustees’ view that the charity is delivering clear public benefit through its activities. 88% of respondents rating films as “excellent” or “very good”, and 98% stating they would recommend LandxSea to others.
The charity continued to prioritise accessibility and inclusion, with a significant proportion of events offered free of charge and additional support provided through the Community Ticket Fund. Particular emphasis was placed on engaging young people, students, and audiences who may face economic or geographic barriers to cultural participation.
Programme Highlights
Key programme elements during the 2024 festival included:
-
Opening Night: The Scottish Premiere of Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story , featuring an on-stage Q&A with the film’s protagonists, Billy and Susan Mail. The event sold out two screenings and the Q&A was simultaneously live-streamed into the second auditorium.
-
Closing Night: The Scottish Premiere of The Eagle with the Sunlit Eye , followed by an audience discussion with filmmaker Ted Simpson.
-
Expansive film programme: Including Scottish premieres of acclaimed international films such as The Battle for Laikipia , Notes from Sheepland , and Chasing Time .
-
Green Connections: Each screening was hosted and contextualised, with many events linking audiences to practical action through community partners.
8
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
-
Coastal Erosion Summit: A public forum bringing together environmental experts, MPs, local stakeholders, and residents to address the future of Montrose’s coastline.
-
Eco Fair and Beach Dook: Community-led events that connected environmental issues to place-based action and participation.
-
Schools Programme: The charity’s first dedicated schools programme, engaging pupils from six local primary and secondary schools.
The festival also introduced new initiatives, including the North Light Award, a juried £500 prize celebrating Scottish environmental storytelling, and Scotland’s Smallest Cinema, a one-seat pop-up cinema that increased accessibility and engagement.
Partnerships and Sector Contribution
The charity worked closely with Montrose Playhouse Project SCIO as its principal venue and delivery partner. It also partnered with more than 25 local, regional, and national organisations, including Angus Climate Hub and Scottish Wildlife Trust–Montrose Basin Visitor Centre.
These partnerships played a central role in ensuring the festival connected global environmental stories with local context and practical action. Community partners contributed expertise, facilitated discussions, and offered audiences opportunities to engage with environmental initiatives beyond the cinema.
LandxSea also contributed to wider sector learning through commissioned writing and knowledge-sharing activity supported by Film Hub Scotland, sharing insights into environmental film exhibition, rural audience development, and sustainable festival practice.
Supporting Filmmakers and Creative Practice
Since launching in 2023 to the end of the reporting period, LandxSea has supported 58 filmmakers by showcasing their work, facilitating audience engagement, and creating opportunities for dialogue with environmental organisations and the public.
At the 2024 festival, the charity supported emerging and established filmmakers through premieres, Q&A sessions, and awards, including the introduction of the Audience Award and the North Light Award. Feedback from participating filmmakers indicated that the festival provided meaningful opportunities for connection with audiences and increased visibility for environmental storytelling.
9
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
Youth Engagement and Education
Youth engagement was a key focus during the reporting period. The charity provided over 160 complimentary tickets to under-18s and hosted 115 pupils from six local schools through its inaugural Schools Programme. Screenings were accompanied by Q&A sessions with filmmakers and local environmental experts, supporting learning and discussion.
Family audiences were also engaged through accessible programming, including a Kids’ Club screening of Song of the Sea , designed to introduce younger audiences to environmental storytelling through animation.
Environmental Sustainability
The charity is committed to reducing its environmental impact and embedding sustainability across festival operations. Measures during the reporting period included prioritising reusable and recyclable materials, local sourcing, plant-based catering options, and encouraging low-carbon travel.
In 2024, 39% of visiting filmmakers and guest speakers travelled by train, and no UK mainland guests travelled by plane. International guests participated virtually where possible. Total guest travel emissions were estimated at 2,758 kg CO₂e, equivalent to approximately three months of the average UK resident’s carbon footprint.
Audience travel surveys indicated that 37% of attendees travelled by walking or cycling, and 23% used public transport, primarily trains.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the charity’s priorities include:
-
consolidating the annual festival while developing year-round activity.
-
expanding schools, youth, and community engagement programmes.
-
continuing to improve access, inclusion, and environmental sustainability practices.
-
completing Trustee recruitment and strengthening Board capacity.
10
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
Statement of Receipts and Payments
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| 2025 | |
|---|---|
| RECEIPTS | £ |
| Donations | 2,577 |
| Donations, from festival 2023 | 2,820 |
| Grant: Screen Scotland - Creative Scotland | 20,000 |
| Grant: Film Hub Scotland, via Glasgow Film Theatre | 7,500 |
| Grant: Culture for Climate Scotland | 500 |
| Other community grants | 3,000 |
| Earned income: | |
| Sponsorships | 4,500 |
| Film submissions | 544 |
| Eco Fair stalls | 150 |
| Total receipts | 41,591 |
| PAYMENTS | £ |
| Charitable activities | |
| Programme | 24,267 |
| Marketing | 11,174 |
| Administration expenses | 354 |
| Details:per note to the accounts, page 13 | 35,795 |
| Governance costs | |
| Independent examination | - |
| Totalpayments | 35,795 |
| Excess of receipts over expenditure | 5,796 |
| Unrestricted Funds: | |
| Balance of General Fund brought forward | - |
| Balance of General Fund carried forward | 5,796 |
11
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
STATEMENT OF BALANCES
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| £ | |
|---|---|
| Bank of Scotland | 5,796 |
| Total funds | 5,796 |
| Other assets: | £ |
| Microphone equipment | 1,430 |
| Liabilities: | £ |
| Grant received in advance for 2025 film festival | 5,000 |
| Independent examination fee | 250 |
| 5,250 |
This financial statement was approved by a meeting of Trustees on 16 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
----- Start of picture text -----
… …….
----- End of picture text -----
Trustee
12
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
Notes to the Accounts
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Payments categories | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | |||
| Administrative expenses | |||
| Bank charges | 30.50 | ||
| Web-site | 323.88 | ||
| 354.38 | |||
| Marketing | |||
| Freelance assistance | 9,465.57 | ||
| Printing | 535.65 | ||
| Website | 535.54 | ||
| Photography | 324.00 | ||
| Advertising | 313.26 | ||
| 11,174.02 | |||
| Programme | |||
| Freelance director fees | 9,000.00 | ||
| Freelance seasonal contractor | 3,000.00 | ||
| Guest accommodation | 2,885.00 | ||
| Guest travel | 2,176.27 | ||
| Microphones and small equipment | 1,430.72 | ||
| Film licensingfees | 1,013.73 | ||
| Staff accommodation | 956.61 | ||
| Catering | 952.29 | ||
| Eco Fair - road closure | 693.46 | ||
| Festival awards | 549.53 | ||
| Staff travel | 441.06 | ||
| Event supplies | 275.83 | ||
| Van hire and fuel | 265.73 | ||
| Staff catering | 236.62 | ||
| Conferences and subscriptions | 158.45 | ||
| Postage and signage | 118.42 | ||
| Website,Cloud and Google | 112.91 | ||
| 24,266.63 | |||
| 35,795.03 |
13
Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO
Notes to the Accounts
For the year ended 31 March 2025
1. Basis on which accounts have been prepared
From date of formation, 5th September 2024, the accounts have been prepared on the receipts and payments basis.
The charity is dependent on donations, service benefits in kind, and sponsorship funding for its charitable activities.
2. Taxation
As a registered charity, the society is exempt from income and corporation tax to the extent that its income and gains are applicable to charitable purposes only. Value Added Tax is not recoverable by the society and is therefore included in any relevant costs.
If upon winding up or dissolution of the charity there remain any assets, after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, the assets represented by the accumulated fund shall be transferred to some other charitable body or bodies having objects similar to those of the charity.
3. Remuneration of Trustees
The Trustees manage the festival in an honorary capacity, with neither fee nor round-sum general expense allowances.
4. Endowment Funds
The charity had no endowment funds in the year ended 31 March 2025.
14
Montrose Landxsea Film Festiwal SCIO Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the Montrose Landxsea Film Festival SCIO I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 sl March 2025 vthich are sel out on pages 11 to 14, indusive of notes. Respectlve responsibilitles of tmstees and examlner The charity's Iruslees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wlh the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity_trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10 {1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibilty to examine the accounts as required under section 44 (1) c of the Act and to stste vthether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examinerfs statement My examination is carried out in accordance vthh Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a rewew 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 opinion on the view given in the accounts. Independent Examinerfs Statement 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, Ihe requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance V¥ryth Section 44 (1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and to prepare accounts vthich accord with the accounting records and comply 15
Montrose Landxsea Film Festival sao with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, Ihave not been met, or 2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be dra in order to enable a proper undeistanding of the accounts lo be reached. December 2025 16