Frequently Asked Questions about our Charity

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Melvich Village Hall Association (MVHA) was an unincorporated charity (Charity number SC029590) that was registered on 8th November 1999. The Melvich Village Hall required significant investment, remedial repairs and upgrades in order for it to meet modern standards and the needs of the community. 

In order to reduce significant financial liability risks to the trustees of MVHA (as a result of MVHA not being able to enter into contracts) it was decided to incorporate the charity and transfer MVHA assets/liabilities over to a new incorporated charity. 

A resolution was passed at a special general meeting of the MVHA on 11th January 2021 that approved this course of action.  Melvich Community SCIO became a registered charity on 29th April 2021 (Charity number SC050942) and therefore governed by OSCR . The new incorporated charity, Melvich Community SCIO, are committed to the mission of providing/improving community assets in line with the charity's object.

The organisation’s purposes, or charitable object, are: "To provide, or assist in the provision of, facilities for the recreation or other leisure-time occupation, in the interest of social welfare in an effort to improve the conditions of life of the inhabitants of the district of Bighouse, Melvich, Portskerra, Golval and Kirkton, all in the Parish of Farr."

Melvich Community SCIO, as a registered charity, has a constitution which forms our governing document and sets the rules under which we operate. A copy of Melvich Community SCIO's constitution is available here.

Prior to the formation of Melvich Community SCIO, the charity operated as Melvich Village Hall Association. A copy of Melvich Village Hall Association's constitutions are available here for reference.

SCIO is an acronym for Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. SCIO is a legal form unique to Scottish charities. As Melvich Community SCIO is a SCIO, it means that we can enter into contracts, employ staff, incur debts, own property, sue and be sued. 

Melvich Community SCIO is a new registered charity so has no published accounts yet. Our financial year end for the first accounting period is 31st March 2022.

The assets and liabilities of Melvich Village Hall Association (MVHA) are being transferred into Melvich Community SCIO during our first accounting period. As such, after 31st March 2022, a single set of combined accounts will be published covering both charities for the period. 

Published accounts for Melvich Community SCIO will be available from our website after our first accounting period has been completed.

For MVHA's more recent published accounts, please click here. 

Melvich Community SCIO hold the title deeds for the old Melvich Village Hall and its associated land. This forms part of the footprint of the area that we wish to redevelop with our new community hub project. An electronic copy of all title deeds held by Melvich Community SCIO can be viewed here.

Our constitution (paragraphs 11 and 12) gives full information on who can be a member. In general, membership is open to any individual aged 18 or over who is interested in furthering the work of the organisation and who are resident in the districts of Bighouse, Melvich, Portskerra, Golval, Kirton, all in the Parish of Farr, or anyone residing in the wider community who can show commitment and support for our community and is duly elected by the organisation. 

To become a member, simply download our membership form and follow the instructions on the form. Any queries then please get in touch with us.

There are various ways that you can make a donation to Melvich Community SCIO. Please see the "Donations" page of our website for information.