In January we contracted with Foundation Scotland to provide our Secretariat. This has proved to be a very successful working relationship and ensures continuity of service. We have been very fortunate that Carol has been able to provide us with sterling service, often above and beyond the call of duty and the board are very grateful for her wise counsel and efficient handling of our affairs. I personally, find her proactive help and advice and unstinting support invaluable.

The Board also commissioned Foundation Scotland to undergo a complete fund review, the results of which were published on our website, As a result of this, we carried out a Community consultation which produced 67 responses, none of which disagreed with the proposals suggested. The board hopes to begin work on Governance and Strategy in January with the main priorities being to widen the move to a democratically elected board, and we will be working closely with Foundation Scotland and others who have expertise in this field to facilitate this as soon as is practicably possible.

The Freepost address has been made more available and is now being used for grant applications, by the Community Newsletter and the SNCC.
Some of you may have noticed that the Fund logo has been updated to reflect a more modern approach. An interim Large Community Project Funding Strategy was adopted.

The Board continue to support the Community Newsletter, SCATA, Care in Strathnairn, Funding of Halls for community groups, Fearnag Growers, the Music Initiative, Local schools and the Vintage Tractor Rally.
Board Members have attended various meetings such as meeting with SSE regarding reporting requirements. SSE Community Funds Networking event, Meeting with members of Farr Hall committee to discuss the way ahead, and Data Protection Training.

Thanks must go firstly to the Developers who provide our funding.
To Scott MacDonald who has been a hard working and wise vice chair.
To Paul Robinson who worked tirelessly during his time as a board director and whose efforts and counsel are sorely missed. Paul resigned in August as he and the family have temporarily relocated to Holland. To Mike Fitzgerald who did a lot of work to close down one of our Current Accounts.
To all the board members who give of their time and talents.

It has been a challenging and sometimes difficult year and the meetings have sometimes been long and weary, but they are always conducted with good grace and courtesy and there is a continuing sense of purpose and unity amongst us.
I would like, personally and on behalf of the board to thank Mr James Murray, chair of the SNCC for his support throughout a somewhat difficult time. He has been willing to liaise with us on more than one occasion and has always been fair and frank in his dealings with us.
The Board Welcomes Nick Boyle who joined us in July and has proved a valuable member and looks forward to working with him and Trevor Slade who joins us tonight.
We look forward to a busy time ahead when we hope to oversee some radical changes to the boards Governance and develop new Strategies to take us into the future.

I am sorry I cannot be with you tonight. My thanks go to Scott for stepping in.