2026-01-31-accounts

Trustees Annual Report

Comrie Snowdrops Growing Scotland’s First Snowdrop Village

For the period between 21st January 2025 and 31st January 2026

Table of Contents

Page Trustees Annual Report

1		Introduction to Comrie Snowdrops
2		About the Charity
3		Charitable Purposes
4		Purposes into Practice
5-6		Achievements & Performance
7		Observed Outcomes
8		Chairman’s Message
9		Financial Review & Declaration
Appendix	1	Financial Report
1		Statement of Receipts & Payments
2		Statement of Balances
3		Notes to the Accounts
Appendix	2	Independent Examination
1-2		Independent Examiners Report

01

Charity Introduction

Comrie Snowdrops is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), established in January 2025 and based in Comrie, Perthshire. We are creating Scotland’s first freely accessible designated snowdrop village, using largescale community planting to make snowdrops a defining winter feature of the village.

Our ambition is to plant 300,000 snowdrops across Comrie. This figure is inspired by the nearly three kilometres of flood wall that now protects the village. That’s one snowdrop for every centimetre of flood wall.

We want Comrie to become the greatest place in Scotland to see snowdrops growing in the wild, taking its place alongside renowned destinations such as Scone Palace and Cambo Estate, while offering something distinct: a fully accessible, free, village-wide experience integrated into everyday community spaces.

Snowdrops are being planted at carefully chosen public open spaces throughout the village so as to create a series of winter walking trails, each with its own character. Trails will include woodland paths, riverside walks, village gardens, church grounds, memorial spaces, and hillside viewpoints. Collectively, they are intended to encourage gentle outdoor activity, improve wellbeing, and invite people to experience Comrie from new perspectives.

All snowdrop walking trails are designed to lead visitors back into the centre of Comrie, encouraging them to support local shops, cafés, restaurants, and accommodation providers. By giving people a reason to visit during the quieter winter months, we aim to provide a modest but meaningful boost to the local economy.

A key future goal is the creation of an annual week-long Snowdrop Festival, aligned with the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, which takes place between January and March every year. Planned activities include candlelit walks, live folk music, storytelling, children’s activities, talks from snowdrop specialists, arts and crafts workshops, photography competitions, and community events centred around the Storyteller’s Chair.

Environmentally, the project helps protect existing wild snowdrops and enhances biodiversity by planting thousands more throughout the village. In the face of habitat change and climate pressures, this work contributes to safeguarding one of Scotland’s most cherished early-spring flowers for future generations.

02

About The Charity

Charity Name: Comrie Snowdrops SCIO Registered Charity Number: SC053916 Principal Address: 5 Glebe Road, Comrie, Perthshire, PH6 2EW [e-mail] www.comriesnowdrops.org.uk 8

Principal Address: 5 Glebe Road, Comrie, Perthshire, PH6 2EW

Current Trustees

Name

Andrew Ryalls Joyce Carnegie Victoria Watson Rosalind MacGregor Fiona Denholm Norma Addy

Position

Chairman

Date Appointed

• 21st January 2025 21st January 2025 21st January 2025 21st January 2025 21st January 2025 21st January 2025

Former Trustees

Name

Ena Bennie

Position

Trustee

Dates Served

21st January 2025 to 30th March 2025

Type of Governing Document

Comrie Snowdrops SCIO has adopted the SCVO Model SCIO Single Tier Constitution.

Trustee Recruitment & Appointment

Our founding trustees were invited from within the local community, selected for their commitment to village life and the broad range of skills they bring. Each trustee was formally appointed by unanimous vote at the charity’s inaugural meeting. As we grow, any additional trustees will continue to be identified and appointed through the same open, community‑focused approach.

03

Charitable Purposes

Comrie Snowdrops is established to Advance Environmental Protection and Improvement through the careful planting and protection of snowdrops across the village. Our work focuses on improving public open spaces and safeguarding snowdrops that might otherwise be lost to flooding or changes in land use. By rescuing, replanting, and establishing snowdrops in suitable locations, we are helping to enhance biodiversity, protect a much-loved early spring flower, and improve the appearance and ecological value of shared village spaces.

We also support the Advancement of Citizenship and Community Development by encouraging local involvement and volunteering. Community planting days bring people together to work side by side, creating a shared sense of ownership and pride in Comrie’s landscape. Volunteers, supporters, and local organisations have played a central role in shaping and delivering the project, helping to strengthen community connections and foster a positive, collective identity around the idea of Comrie as Scotland’s Snowdrop Village.

In addition, Comrie Snowdrops contributes to the Advancement of Arts, Heritage, Culture or Science by preserving and celebrating the village’s natural heritage. Snowdrops have long been part of Comrie’s riverside landscape, and our work helps ensure they remain a visible and valued feature for future generations. Seasonal snowdrop displays, accessible winter walking routes, and links to local landmarks encourage people to engage with Comrie’s landscape, history, and traditions, while also supporting wider appreciation of the natural environment and how it can be cared for and enjoyed.

04

Into Practice Purpose

During the year, Comrie Snowdrops focused on turning its charitable purposes into practical action across the village. The main emphasis was on protecting and establishing snowdrops in suitable public spaces, while involving the local community and creating shared places for people to enjoy during the winter months.

To Advance Environmental Protection and Improvement , we carried out large-scale planting of snowdrops in carefully selected locations, including public gardens, church grounds, and along established walking routes. Particular attention was given to relocating snowdrops from areas at risk of flooding, helping to safeguard them for the future while improving the appearance and biodiversity of open spaces that are freely accessible to the public. We also monitored how planted snowdrops performed in different settings, allowing learning from both strong and more challenging sites to inform responsible environmental practice.

In support of the Advancement of Citizenship and Community Development , we organised community planting days that brought together volunteers of different ages and backgrounds. These activities encouraged local people to take an active role in caring for shared spaces and helped build a sense of collective pride in the village. Volunteers were involved not only in planting but also in shaping how and where snowdrops were established, reinforcing the idea that this is a community-led project rather than a top-down initiative.

We also worked towards the Advancement of Arts, Heritage, Culture or Science by celebrating snowdrops as part of Comrie’s natural and cultural heritage. Planting was designed to highlight familiar landmarks and create seasonal interest along walking routes, encouraging residents and visitors to experience the village in new ways during the quieter winter period. By linking snowdrops with local stories, places, and traditions, we help foster wider appreciation of Comrie’s landscape and its longstanding relationship with the natural environment.

05

Achievements & Performance

This year saw us establish Comrie Snowdrops as a registered Scottish charity, secure our first major grant from The National Lottery, and begin the longterm work of transforming public spaces through new planting.

Our year began with a rescue effort. With the support of Balfour Beatty and Perth & Kinross Council, we were able to safely access areas affected by the flood defence works and lift snowdrops that would otherwise have been lost. Around 5,000 snowdrops were carefully lifted and relocated to the War Memorial Garden, where they are now protected for future generations.

Our first coffee morning in February 2025 gave us a valuable opportunity to introduce the project to the wider community. The generous donations we received enabled us to purchase a further 5,000 snowdrops from Scone Palace, one of Scotland’s most well-known snowdrop gardens. We were also gifted around 5,000 bulbs by local residents who shared snowdrops from their own gardens. We are very grateful to the many volunteers who gave their time to help with planting at the War Memorial Garden and along the Lednock Millennium Footpath.

In July 2025, our stall at the Comrie Fortnight festival allowed us to reach an even larger audience. Support for the project came from far beyond the village, raising enough funds to purchase a further 4,100 snowdrops, which were planted in October in the grounds of the White Church and along the Lednock Millennium Footpath.

The snowdrops planted at the White Church included a small number of different varieties, thanks to a donation of 350 bulbs from Comrie in Colour. While most of the snowdrops we plant are Galanthus nivalis, introducing some variety helps us build a heritage collection which will add interest to our displays.

06 Achievements & Performance Lf 71054 ee 091 /% Alongside this practical work, we have focused on building a charity that is transparent, well-governed, and rooted in community values. During the year we developed clear policies, established Gift Aid, strengthened our financial planning, and engaged openly with residents through events and everyday conversations. The support we have received has shown that this project belongs to the whole village. We have received 45 snowdrop plot sponsorships, with names of those who sponsored a plot recorded in the Comrie Snowdrops Legacy Book, so that future generations can look back and see who supported the project.

By the end of our first year our trustees and volunteers had given more than 250 hours of voluntary service to the community.

We also achieved a significant increase in public awareness and engagement during the year. This included regional and national media coverage, with features in The Courier, reports on the BBC News website, and broadcast coverage on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Reporting Scotland. In addition, we contributed a regular monthly article to the Crieff and Comrie Quair, helping to keep local residents informed and involved as the project developed.

All activities were delivered entirely by volunteers, keeping costs low and maximising the impact of funds raised.

19,450 5,000 45 250 Hours Snowdrops Snowdrops Snowdrop Voluntary Planted Rescued Plot Sponsors Service

07

Observed Outcomes

In January 2026, we were able to observe the first full flowering season from snowdrops planted throughout 2025. This has provided valuable evidence about which locations across the village offer the best conditions for successful establishment and long-term growth. Overall, the results have been encouraging and confirm that our approach to site selection and planting practice is sound.

==> picture [36 x 398] intentionally omitted <==

In several locations, snowdrops have established particularly well. Bulbs relocated from the riverside and planted in the War Memorial Garden have thrived, showing strong growth and healthy flowering. Their spacing and positioning mean they are well placed to develop naturally into larger drifts over time. Similarly, planting along sections of the Lednock Millennium Footpath, particularly around McGregors Meadow and the adjacent wetlands, has been notably successful, creating visible and attractive displays that enhance the winter walking route.

Snowdrops planted in the grounds of the White Church were slower to emerge, particularly those planted as dormant bulbs, but have since begun to come through. This suggests the site is suitable, while also highlighting the importance of careful positioning to balance successful growth with the appearance and maintenance of wellused public spaces.

In contrast, planting in areas with dense ground cover, such as sections dominated by Great Wood-Rush, showed lower visibility and impact despite bulbs surviving. This has helped us better understand the limits of certain habitats for achieving strong visual displays.

==> picture [35 x 398] intentionally omitted <==

Taken together, these outcomes have strengthened our confidence in our evidence-led approach. We consider the first year’s results to be a clear success, not only in terms of the number of plants that have established, but in the learning gained about how snowdrops interact with different landscapes across the village. This learning will guide future work, with planting expanded in areas that have demonstrated successful growing conditions, and carefully extended into new locations where conditions are considered suitable.

08 Chairman’s Message It’s been an extraordinary first year for Comrie Snowdrops, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved in such a short space of time. What began as a response to saving snowdrops from along the banks of the River Earn has grown into something much bigger. Snowdrops have been a feature along the river banks in Comrie for many years, but with the increasing threat of flooding, their natural habitat was at risk of being lost. Our small rescue mission has now grown into an ambitious project to turn Comrie into Scotland’s first freely accessible designated Snowdrop Village. It’s been incredible to see so many people coming along to our fundraising events to support us. And the support hasn’t just come from within Comrie. We’ve received words of encouragement from across the UK and as far away as Germany. As we look ahead, our ambitions remain both practical and hopeful. We will continue to build on the success of this first year, expanding planting in areas that have already proved successful and exploring new opportunities as they arise. We also look forward to working with partners to restore snowdrops along the riverbank once the flood defence works are complete, and to growing volunteer involvement as we take further steps toward our long-term goal of creating Scotland’s first freely accessible Snowdrop Village. None of this would be possible without the hard work of our trustees, volunteers, and the generosity of our donors. I thank you all for your support during our first year. Andrew Andrew Ryalls Chairman a

09

Financial Review

Policy on Reserves

We aim to hold modest unrestricted reserves to ensure we can meet our ongoing commitments and manage unexpected costs. As a volunteer-led organisation with low overheads, our reserves requirement is limited, and during the year funds have been directed primarily towards delivering community planting projects. We review the level of reserves regularly to ensure it remains appropriate for our size, activities, and stage of development.

Details of any Deficit

There was no deficit in this financial year.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank The National Lottery Community Fund for their support, made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature:

Andrew Ryalls

Full Name: Andrew Ryalls Position: Chairman Date: 27th March 2026

Financial Report 2026

Comrie Snowdrops Growing Scotland’s First Snowdrop Village

Financial Report for the period between 21st January 2025 and 31st January 2026

Statement of Receipts & Payments

01

Statement of Balances

Signature:

Andrew Ryalls

Full Name: Andrew Ryalls Position: Chairman Date: 27th March 2026

02

Notes to the Accounts

03

Independent Examiner’s

Report 2026

Comrie Snowdrops Growing Scotland’s First Snowdrop Village

Independent Examiner’s Report for the period between 21st January 2025 and 31st January 2026

Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees of Comrie Snowdrops SCIO, registered charity number SC053916, on the accounts of the charity for the period 21/01/2025 to 31/01/2026 Set out on pages 1 to 3 of Appendix 1

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 Regulations 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 view given by the accounts.

01

Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees of Comrie Snowdrops SCIO, registered charity number SC053916, on the accounts of the charity for the period 21/01/2025 to 31/01/2026 Set out on pages 1 to 3 of Appendix 1

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, 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: 16/03/2026

Name: Colin Crawford ACMA

Address: 53 Turretbank Drive, Crieff, PH7 4LW

Relevant professional qualification: Associate member of the Chartered Management Accountants

02