## **Motherwell FC Heritage Trust Annual Report & financial statements**
_**for the period from**_ **24th October 2024** _**to**_ **31st October 2025**
_**A Year of Foundation, Progress & Growing Momentum**_
**Scottish Registered Charity SC053724 Registered Office: Fir Park Stadium, Motherwell ML1 2QN**
## Contents
3. Legal and Administrative Information 4. Chairman’s Statement 6. Vision, Mission, Key Aims, Strategic Objectives 7. Structure, Governance & Management 8. Year in Review 9. Heritage Projects & Delivery 14, Collections & Cataloguing 15. Events & Public Engagement 16. Fundraising & Support 18. Digital Presence & Engagement 19. Statement of Financial Activities 20. Balance Sheet 21. Notes to the Financial Statements 22. Independent Examiner Report 24. Looking Ahead: Momentum Beyond Year One 27. Acknowledgements
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## Legal and Administrative Information
**Motherwell Football Club Heritage Trust** is a charity registered in Scotland. Legal Status: Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) Number:SC053724 Registered Office: Fir Park Stadium, Motherwell ML1 2QN Date of Registration: 23rd October 2024
Website: mfcheritagetrust.com Email: admin@mfcheritagetrust.com
## **Trustees**
The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees who oversee strategic direction, governance, finance and operations. For the period ended 31st October 2025, the following persons served on the Board
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Trustee Role Appointed End
Brian McCafferty Chair 23-10-2024
Nick Mackie Trustee - Operations 23-10-2024
Stuart Graham Trustee - Club Historian 23-10-2024
Kevin Tweedlie Trustee - Digital 30-10-2024 18-11-2025
Andrew Steven Secretary 11-11-2024
Graeme St John Treasurer 11-11-2024
Charles Bennett Trustee 19-01-2025 22-05-2025
Derek Williams Trustee - Former Players 14-01-2026
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## **Independent Examiner**
Victoria Walsh CA Abercorn School House, Newton, Broxburn EH52 6PZ
## **Bankers**
Unity Trust Bank PO Box 1793 Planetary Road, Willenhall WV1 9DG
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## Chairman’s Statement
Reflecting on Our First Year: Building Foundations for Heritage and Legacy
The Motherwell Football Club Heritage Trust was formally established as a registered charity in October 2024. Its purpose is to preserve, celebrate and share the heritage of Motherwell Football Club while using that heritage to educate, inspire and engage supporters, local communities and future generations.
The Trust builds upon the efforts of many individuals and groups who, over a number of years, recognised the importance of safeguarding the Club’s history. Through collaboration between supporters, heritage advocates and key stakeholders, a shared vision emerged: to create a lasting legacy that honours Motherwell Football Club’s past while helping to shape its future.
This report focuses primarily on the Trust’s activities during its first full year of operation, from October 2024 to October 2025, while also highlighting significant progress achieved since that period.
Our first year has been one of achievement, growth and strong foundations. We successfully delivered Phase One of our development plan and established the structures, partnerships and momentum required to support the Trust’s long-term ambitions.
“our work complements and supports the Club’s future direction”
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While progress was sometimes influenced by wider developments within the stadium environment and the need to align our plans with those of the Football Club, we have adopted a measured and strategic approach that ensures our work complements and supports the Club’s future direction.
The achievements outlined throughout this report demonstrate what can be accomplished through collaboration, commitment and a shared passion for preserving our Club’s remarkable story. They also provide confidence that the Trust is well placed to continue its development in the years ahead.
I would like to record my sincere thanks to my fellow Trustees for their dedication, expertise and countless hours of voluntary effort. I am equally grateful to the supporters, volunteers, donors and partners whose enthusiasm and generosity have helped turn our vision into reality.
Phase One of our development programme focused primarily, though not exclusively, on enhancing heritage provision within and around the Phil O’Donnell Stand. Looking ahead, Phase Two will concentrate on transforming the concourse area of the Davie Cooper Stand, enabling us to showcase even more of the Club’s history, achievements and people.
Motherwell Football Club has a proud and distinctive story. We are privileged to be its custodians, and I look forward to working with all those connected to the Trust as we continue to preserve, promote and share that story for generations to come.
**Brian McCafferty Chairman 28th July 2026**
“The Trust is well placed to continue its development in the years ahead.”
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## Vision
Through the promotion of heritage and education, create a museum and bring the history of Motherwell Football Club to life through engaging, spaces, storytelling, collections and experiences that connect supporters, visitor and future generations with the Club’s enduring identity
## Mission
To provide the best experiences for our supporters by celebrating the club’s rich heritage and history throughout the Stadium.
## Key Aims
We aim to:
- preserve, protect and promote the heritage of Motherwell Football Club by developing and cataloguing digital and physical collection of memorabilia and records;
- bring the history of Motherwell Football Club to life through creative storytelling and events;
- involve the community in heritage through exhibitions, education and volunteering opportunities
## Strategic Objectives
The Trust seeks to:
- Develop heritage spaces throughout Fir Park Stadium
- Create and maintain a Virtual Museum
- Catalogue and preserve memorabilia and archive materials
- Deliver educational programmes
- Build long-term organisational sustainability
“.....to bring the history of Motherwell Football Club to life”
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## Structure, Governance & Management
The charity is constituted as a Trust and governed by its Constitution. Trustees are appointed in accordance with the governing document.
## **Objectives and Activities**
The charity’s objects are:
- (i) the advancement of heritage
- (ii) the advancement of education
Details of activities undertaken in line with the Trust’s objectives are noted in the Heritage Projects and Delivery section of this report.
## **Financial Review**
The Trust was established on 23rd October 2024.
These are the first financial statements of the Trust and cover the period from 23rd October 2024 to 31st October 2025. Accordingly, no comparative figures are presented.
In the period to 31st October 2025 the total income generated by the Trust was £11,691.
Total expenditure for the period was £6,502.
Net income for the period was £5,189.
## **Principal Funding**
The funding for the Trust is principally derived from donations and associated Gift Aid.
## **Reserves Policy**
Reserves at 31st October 2025 were £5,189, all of which were unrestricted. The Trustees aim to hold appropriate levels of reserves to fund normal expenditure for 6 months.
## **Future Plans**
These are noted in the section of this report, Looking Ahead: Momentum Beyiond Year One
## **Approved by the Trustees on 28th July 2026**
## **Graeme St John Treasurer**
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## Year in Review October 2024 – October 2025
## **Building the Foundations**
The Trust’s first year focused on establishing a sustainable platform for future delivery.
## This included:
- Formal governance and charity registration
- Development of operational policies
- Service Level Agreement with Motherwell Football Club
- Financial and banking arrangements
- Digital infrastructure planning
- Stakeholder engagement
## **Strategic Development**
Throughout the year, Trustees worked to define a clear long-term vision.
Priority areas included:
- Virtual Museum development
- Heritage integration within Fir Park Stadium
- Fundraising and sponsorship
- Volunteer engagement
- Education and storytelling
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## Heritage Projects & Delivery
## **Virtual Museum**
The Trust progressed development of its Virtual Museum platform.
## **Achievements**
- Website developed and launched
- News and Blog sections
- Content published relating to 6 eras in the club’s history plus the tours of Spain(1927) and South America (1928).
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## **Stadium Heritage Enhancements**
During the reporting period, the Trust began work to infuse heritage-related content throughout Fir Park Stadium.
## **Activity Delivered**
- Centenary Lounge display cabinets revamped
- Phil O’Donnell Stand entrance, wall panels and display
- cabinet transformed
- Davie Cooper Stand concept development
- Mrs Baillie’s Bar (fanzone) early club history story boards
- Advising on John Hunter Stand street art
## **Centenary Lounge Display Cabinets**
Before
After
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**Mrs Baillie’s Bar & examples of story boards**
**John Hunter Stand street art**
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Phil O'Donnell Stand Entrance
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Before
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After
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**Davie Cooper Stand Concourse Concepts**
Current
Concept
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## Collections & Cataloguing
The Trust continued to secure, catalogue and preserve heritage memorabilia.
## **Progress**
- Match Programmes scanned: approx 900 No.(1948-1970)
- Memorabilia photographed: over 300 items
- Archive images: Purchased Premium Access licence for 200 images from
- Getty Images for use in historical storytelling around the stadium, the virtual
- museum and other publications. Secured rights from the Scottish Football Museum for the Charlie McBain Collection
- Database of memorabilia established - shared with the club for insurance purposes
- 8 Volunteers engaged in cataloguing (excluding.Trustees)
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Volunteers at a Trust ‘Scan-a-Thon’ -
scanning match programnmes
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## **Copa del Rey (1927)**
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## Events & Public Engagement
Throughout the reporting period, the Trust engaged supporters through storytelling, social media, heritage promotion and matchday networking.
## **Activities**
- Co-hosted & promoted the visit of Ancell-era star Pat Delaney
- Facilitated a unique meeting between the descendants of the club’s first
-
- chairman and leading goalscorer, creating a powerful opportunity to tell and preserve important stories.
- Heritage promotion via social media - from regular ‘On This Day’ posts to short video stories from the club’s early history.
**Norman Quirk, grandson of Sgt Maj Thomas Quirk, Motherwell FC’s first Chairman meets Hugh Ferguson, namesake and grandson of the 1920’s club legend.**
**Pat Delaney returns to Fir Park**
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## Fundraising & Support
## **Founding Funders**
The Heritage Trust recognises the efforts of the late Cammy Murray who worked tirelessly to promote the importance of preserving the club’s heritage - and who also ensured, via persistent networking efforts, that the Trust had funds to operate in the early months.The ‘Founding Funders’ provided a total of £7,500,
## **Additional Donors**
The Heritage Trust is deeply grateful to the hundreds of supporters who contributed donations throughout its first year, ranging from £10 to £500. Every penny has been appreciated and played a valuable role in helping establish the Trust, reflecting the strong connection supporters feel towards preserving and celebrating the heritage of Motherwell Football Club.
Special thanks are extended to Greg Anderson, Director of Motherwell F.C. and the The Well Society, whose invaluable support and practical assistance played an important role in revitalising the Centenary Lounge cabinets and developing the heritage themes within Mrs Baillie’s Bar. His contribution helped transform these spaces into engaging heritage environments that celebrate the Club’s story and enrich the supporter experience.
It is the Trust’s intention to install a donor wall in Fir Park to recognise supporters who do not wish to remain anonymous.
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## **Fundraising Activity**
During Year One, the Trust developed multiple fundraising approaches.
These included:
- a JustGiving campaign
- Facebook advertising campaigns
- Website donation appeal
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## Digital Presence & Engagement
The Trust developed a growing digital presence during the reporting period.
## **Website**
mfcheritagetrust.org
## **Social Media**
X / Twitter: steelmenhistory
Facebook: steelmenhistory Motherwell FC Official Historian
Instagram: steelmenhistory
## **Engagement**
Motherwell FC Newsletter - fundraising & events posts The Well Society Newsletter - fundraising & events posts
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**MOTHERWELL FOOTBALL CLUB HERITAGE TRUST Charity No. SC053724**
## Statement of Financial Activities for the period ended 31st October 2025
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£
Income:
Donations and Gift Aid 11,588
Interest on Cash Deposits 103
Total Income 11,691
Expenditure on:
Image Rights 3,441
IT Costs 582
Marketing 157
Storage Costs 210
Design Work & Display Materials 1,960
General Expenses 90
Bank Charges 62
Total Expenditure 6,502
Net Income / (Expenditure) 5,189
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All income and expenditure are derived from continuing activities.
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## **MOTHERWELL FOOTBALL CLUB HERITAGE TRUST Charity No. SC053724**
## Balance Sheet **as at 31st October 2025**
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£
Current Assets:
Cash 6,909
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Accruals and sundry creditors 1,720
Net Current Assets 5,189
Net Assets 5,189
The Funds of the Charity:
Unrestricted Funds 5,189
Total Charity Funds 5,189
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## **Approved by the Trustees on 28th July 2026**
## **Graeme St John**
## **Treasurer**
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**MOTHERWELL FOOTBALL CLUB HERITAGE TRUST Charity No. SC053724**
## Notes to the Financial Statement
## **Accounting Policies**
## **Basis of Preparation**
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102).
## **Income Recognition**
Income is recognised when the charity is entitled to the income, receipt is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably.
## **Expenditure Recognition**
Liabilities are recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to expenditure.
## **Trustee Remuneration and Expenses**
No trustee received remuneration, or any other benefit from the charity during the year.
No trustee expenses were incurred during the year.
## **Related Party Transactions**
There were no related party transactions.
## **VAT**
The Trust is not registered for VAT and accordingly expenditure includes VAT where appropriate.
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**MOTHERWELL FOOTBALL CLUB HERITAGE TRUST Charity No. SC053724**
## Independent Examiner’s Report
I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31st October 2025.
## **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) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation (10)1 (a) to (c) of the 2006 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 view given by the accounts.
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## **Independent examiner’s 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 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
• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 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.
## **Victoria Walsh CA**
## **Abercorn School House, Newton, Broxburn EH52 6PZ**
Date: **28th July 2026**
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## Looking Ahead: Momentum Beyond Year One
Although outside the formal reporting period, activity following October 2025 demonstrates the pace of development made possible by the Trust’s first-year foundations.
## **Progress Since October 2025 (to end April 2026)**
## **Stadium Tours**
- 75 Gift vouchers sold
- 54 Tours delivered
- Visitor demand established
- Revenue stream emerging
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MOTHERWELL FC
HERITAGE TRUST
SIGNATURE
STADIUM TOUR
Welcomes:
Daniel Jones
GIVE THE GIFT OF
FIR PARK
MEMORIES
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## **Heritage Delivery**
- Phil O’Donnell Stand Staircase heritage panels and 1st Floor cabinet transformed
- Cooper Stand planning progressed
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**Phil O’Donnell Stand Staircase, Glass Panels & Display Cabinet**
## **Heritage Engagement**
- Exhibiting at The Well Society AGM (30/03/26)
- Pop-up exhibit in new fan zone at John Hunter Stand turnstiles (4/04/2026)
- Exhibiting at ‘Live the Dream’ fan game at Fir Park (10/04/26)
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## **Volunteers & Collections**
- Volunteer base expanded
- Barcoding and Cataloguing accelerated
- Skills-based recruitment introduced - focus on IT / Digital, History / Archiving, Admin / Grant Applications
Volunteer total (excluding Trustees): 12
## **Major Donations**
- Donations of £5,000 and £2,000 from two supporters
- Donation of a substantial stock of pre-loved showroom
- display stands for use in a future heritage hub / museum space (value at new: £30,000)
## **Major Projects Delivered**
- 140th Anniversary Gala Dinner - 15th May 2026 155 paying guests
## **Major Projects in Development**
- Book publication – in association with author Steve Young – scheduled Autumn 2026
- National Lottery Heritage Fund discussions – regarding a heritage trail around Motherwell, combining the town’s social-industrial history and intersection with the football club
- Former Players Club partnership – agreed to proceed with drafting a strategic
- alliance – to cooperate in delivering events and involving former players in heritage related activities.
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## Thank You & Acknowledgements
The Trust wishes to thank all supporters, volunteers, donors and partners who contributed during its first year - and the period to the publication of this Annual Report.
Particular thanks to:
- Motherwell Football Club
- MFC Former Players Club
- The Well Society
- Volunteers
- Founding Funders
- Supporters who donated memorabilia and stories
- Sterling Home – donated a sizeable stock of display stands for future use
- Donations to the 140th Anniversary Gala Dinner Prize Draw from:
- Sterling Home, FC Barcelona, Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels,
- The Crown Inn at Biggar, Scottish Football Museum.
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## **Contact Information**
Motherwell Football Club Heritage Trust Fir Park Stadium Motherwell ML1 2QN Website: mfcheritagetrust.org Email: admin@mfcheritagetrust.com