The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the trust's memorandum and articles of association, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).
The trust's objects are:
1. to provide or advance the accessibility of recreational, facilities and/ or organising recreational activities, which will be available to members of the community and public at large with the object of improving the conditions of life of the community;
2. the advancement of citizenship or community development, including rural or urban regeneration;
3. to advance the provisions for educational opportunities in the community relating to environment, culture, heritage and/ or history; and
4. to advance environmental protection or improvement including preservation, sustainable development and conservation of the natural environment, the maintenance, improvement or provision of environmental amenities for the community and/ or the preservation of buildings or sites of architectural, historic or other importance to the community.
Farr North Community Development Trust is owned by the Community of Farr North Sutherland. The ancient Parish of Farr includes the current community council areas of 1) Melvich 2) Strathy and Armadale and 3) Bettyhill Strathnaver and Altnaharra. It is an area of approximately 1000 sq km and is home to slightly less than 1000 people.
The Trust was set up in 2021, to enable the Community of Farr to benefit from funds arising from the siting of energy installations, including the Community Benefit Funds and to explore partial Community ownership opportunities, to secure longer-term funding. This report covers the fourth full year of activity. At the AGM in April 2025 the Chair resigned as they were moving away from the area and a new Chair elected at the June Board Meeting. We continued with two part time staff and in November 2025 recruited a part time project officer/driver, for the Transport Project referred to as “Farr Goes”.
TRANSPORT
Lack of access to services and amenities is an issue in all rural communities. It limits the ease with which people can attend medical appointments, take part in community life and see friends. Lack of access amplifies the impact of poverty traps, forcing poorer households to make expensive choices and potentially inhibiting taking up training opportunities or employment.
As reported last year, thanks to The Sutherland Resilience Initiative, we acquired use of an electric car, which arrived towards the end of the accounting period. During this reporting year we recruited a Project Officer, firstly on a temporary 6-month contract which was then extended, funded by SSE Renewables. The service is overseen by a Steering Group of volunteers. Although several volunteers signed up as drivers, working schedules are such that available volunteers are minimal. We have tried different initiatives but found that the project officer is the main driver and therefore with less time than anticipated for development activities. However, due to the conscientious nature of the individual and the support from the Steering Group and one volunteer who does a lot of driving, the service has steadily grown. Experience also showed that the small car provided by the Sutherland Resilience Initiative was difficult for less mobile passengers, so we acquired a second car with funding from The Highland Council Community Regeneration Fund, the Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra Community Council and SSE Renewables. We are currently trying to raise further funds to put the service on a stable base and expand driver hours.
CARE
Last year we reported on a pilot of 10 meetings of a Women’s Health and Wellbeing Group. This group attracted 55 attendees and met its outcomes of increasing participation, increasing confidence and reducing isolation. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in acquiring further funding and haven’t followed up since.
We also previously reported on successfully receiving funding for Farr Eats 3, providing hot meals locally launched in January 2025. Demand has steadily reduced since the first Farr Eats so we don’t plan to apply for further funding, unless there is a step change in circumstances.
APPRENTICESHIPS
Our Apprenticeship programme continued to support an apprenticeship in Horticulture and Green Keeping with Thurso Golf Course.
HOUSING
We explored the use of the Bettyhill Church and Manse for housing opportunities but concluded that the age and structure of the buildings made them unsuitable. A housing needs survey was undertaken with the final report being published at the end of 2025, providing a basis for future work.
STRATEGY
Strategy sessions were held in 2025, facilitated, in part, by Development Trust Association Scotland and attended by some members of the Board and associated Community Councils. Subsequent Board discussions identified a need to be more community led and improving our record on delivering tangible projects. Post this reporting period we have pursued improving in these areas.
MAXIMISE THE BENEFITS ACCRUING FROM LOCAL WIND FARM DEVELOPMENTS
Community Shared Ownership of renewable energy installations, is a long-standing aspiration of the Scottish Government. For the community, it would provide long term funding but such agreements are legally and financially much more complex than the Trust and Community have ever dealt with. For wind in Scotland there are no examples to date whereby a Community has purchased part of a developer led installation. Eden renewables, who are developing the Bettyhill project are keen to involve the Community and recognise the challenges involved and we continue to work with them on what a financial and legal model might look like.
SSE renewables have decided to change their approach for the Strathy South project, since the timing for community participation is inconsistent with their investment time tables. Towards the end of this reporting year we were close to agreeing on a substitute agreement to provide £300k for 5 years with a longer-term plan to explore future part ownership. We consequently did sign an agreement at the end of October 2025.
POST August 2025
Shortly after the end of this reporting period, we have been through a challenging period as the Trust developed into the next level of growth. This is necessary as Community Benefit funds are increasing. We have strengthened our financial management resource by utilising a professionally qualified financial manager on a contracted hours basis. We are exploring how to improve our attention to relevant governance matters, using advice from Voluntary Groups Scotland. We are working closely with the three Community Councils on a development plan, that we anticipate will identify tangible projects for the Trust to take on. We also need to continue to fund raise and ensure stable employment opportunities for staff.
Incoming resources in the period totalled £164,851. Resources expended in the period totalled £111,482.
The charity's funds at the balance sheet date totalled £148,870 of which £130,412 was held for restricted purposes, as further set out in the notes to the financial statements.
The trust is committed to maintaining a level of reserves that is prudent to meet its ongoing liabilities and to protect the long-term future of its activities and assets. The trust's reserves policy seeks to balance these priorities by holding a level of reserves sufficient to ensure the availability of sufficient working funds in hand. The trust is committed to securing increased funding for operational activities.
The trust is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. It is registered as a charity with the Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator.
Governance
Farr North is an ambitious organisation and with that ambition comes a requirement to manage the organisation properly, in line with best practice and with maximum accountability and transparency. We are delighted to have successfully updated our Articles of Association to bring us into line with the latest guidance relating to Community Right to Buy legislation and we took the opportunity to change our articles to enable community councils to appoint Directors to our Board. In this way we hope to broaden the democratic control of our activity and unify the main drivers of Community Development across Farr.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
At our fifth AGM to be held in June 2026, there is a requirement for 1/3 of our elected Directors to step down, although they will be eligible for re-election. We currently have SIX Directors, including FIVE elected directors. The constitution provides for up to NINE elected directors, and a further three coopted or appointed directors up to a maximum of TWELVE Directors in total.
To be effective the Trust needs representation from all sectors of our community and we would like to see a more diverse Board membership. With funds from renewable energy installations being increasingly available it is incumbent upon the Board of Trustees to invest these wisely and deliver valued benefits to the communities, both for short, medium and longer term. It is an important and challenging role. If members know of someone who could help us in this please encourage them to contact a member of the Board and find out more.
On a final note, as of 30th April 2026, after over 5 years working as Trust manager Simon Lee is leaving Farr North Community Development Trust. Simon oversaw the creation of the Trust and guided it through its early years. Having just secured a funding arrangement with SSE Renewables both Simon and the Board feel that the time is right for him to step aside as the Trust enters a new phase with the resources to make a difference in our communities.
The board of directors administers the charity. The board meets regularly to discuss the various projects.
None of the directors has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the directors are members of the company and agree to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report on the financial statements of the trust for the year ended 31 August 2025, which are set out on pages 6 to 16.
The trust’s trustees, who are also the directors of Farr North Community Development Trust for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investments (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The 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 financial statements 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 Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking 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 financial statements.
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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 financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations;
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Farr North Community Development Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Scotland. The registered office is Naver Teleservice Centre, Bettyhill, Thurso, KW14 7SS.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the trust's articles of association, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The trust has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the trust. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Donations, legacies and other forms of voluntary income are recognised as incoming resources in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when receivable, except insofar as they are incapable of financial measurement. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts.
Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the SOFA in the year in which they are receivable. Grants relating to future accounting periods are deferred.
Expenditure is included in resources expended on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.
Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of fundraising events.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred in the delivery of the charity's activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory
requirements of the charity.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the trust reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The trust has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the trust's balance sheet when the trust becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the trust’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the trust is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
In the application of the trust’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Grants receivable
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
Other debtors include grants receivable totalling £Nil (2024: £37,961).
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
The salaries and core running costs fund represents funding to cover these costs. These costs were supported by Highland Council Community Regeneration Fund and SSE Strathy North Community Funds.
The Bettyhill Wind Farm shared ownership and Kirkton Wind Farm shared ownership funds represent funding for professional advice in connection with potential participation in these projects. These costs are supported by Local Energy Scotland CARES grants.
The apprenticeship funds represents funding to operate a local apprenticeship scheme. Funding has been awarded from the SSE Strathy North Joint Community Benefit Fund over a 5 year period but as the award is a performance -based grant, the charity is recognising the income in stages over the term of the arrangement.
The Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund is a Scottish Government Fund managed by Highland Third Sector Interface to promote health and wellbeing including the provision of classes to the community.
The Farr Eats delivery fund is to provide a hot meal delivery service at subsidised costs to those in need. These costs are being supported by funding from the SSE Strathy North Joint Community Benefit Fund.
The driving qualifications fund is to provide support to individuals seeking driving qualifications and is funded from the SSE Strathy North Joint Community Benefit Fund.
The electric vehicle fund represents a capital grant fund to acquire a four-wheel drive electric vehicle as part of the Farr Goes community transport service to help reduce social isolation. This was supported by SSE Renewables Highland Sustainability Development Fund, Highland Council Community Regeneration Fund and North & West Sutherland Trust.
Funds were secured from SSE Strathy North Joint Community Benefit Fund and North & West Sutherland Trust to support the delivery of a community transport initiative.
The housing needs assessment fund was grant funded by SSE Strathy North Community Fund and its purpose is to provide and carry out a housing needs assessment.
The Bettyhill Church fund has been established to acquire the Church, and was initially funded with a donation. The fund is expected to receive grant funding from SSE Strathy North Community Fund with match funding.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year.