The Church of Scotland Trust

The Trust receives legacies and other gifts made to the Church where no more specific destination has been identified. These funds are managed and invested to support the Church's work over the long term.

How the Trust supports the Church

Income generated from the Trust's investments is distributed each year to support the Church's work in accordance with the purposes of the Trust and the decisions of its trustees.

The Trust also acts as trustee for a range of funds and assets held for the benefit of the Church.

Why the Trust matters

Church property and trust arrangements can be complex, particularly where they relate to overseas properties, historic trusts or assets held for specific purposes.

By acting as trustee, the Trust helps ensure that these assets are managed in accordance with the relevant legal responsibilities and the purposes for which they were established.

Some third-party trusts support particular areas of Church life, including the work of committees, congregations and other Church bodies. The Trust helps ensure that these responsibilities continue to be managed appropriately.

Governance

The Trust is governed by a board of trustees comprising:

• The Moderator of the General Assembly
• The Convener of the Assembly Trustees
• The Lord Advocate
• The Solicitor General for Scotland
• The Procurator to the General Assembly
• The Chair of the Law Committee
• The General Treasurer
• Two additional trustees appointed by the General Assembly

The General Assembly appoints members of the Trust following nomination by the Trust.

The Trust regularly undertakes a skills audit to help ensure its membership includes the experience and expertise needed to fulfil its responsibilities.

The General Treasurer is the ex officio Treasurer of the Trust. Madelaine Sproule, a solicitor in the Law Department, is the Trust's Secretary and Clerk.

Contact for more information

For further information, please email Madelaine Sproule or contact the Church Offices in Edinburgh.