The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Charity’s funds are frozen
A charity which collected more than £140,000 from Highland League supporters has had its funds frozen as it faces the prospect of a court battle for the cash.
The Wick Academy Development Fund was registered as a charity in March 2002, with the aim of providing “social, leisure and recreation facilities” in the area.
It carried out fundraising activities until 2009, but not a penny of the £143,644 raised has ever been spent.
Watchdogs have now found there appears to be “no realistic prospect of activities being undertaken by the charity trustees in furtherance of the charity’s objects”.
Although not tied to the club, Wick Academy fans donated their money to the cause in the belief the cash would pay for facilities to help train future players.
The WADF’s assets have now been put in the hands of a court-appointed officer.
The mo v e has been welcomed by campaigners who have been calling for the £ 140,000- plus to be spent for the benefit of the local community.
But WADF chairman Jacky Gunn, who also previously served as chairman of the football club, pledged to fight the ruling by the the Office for the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
OSCR launched its inquiry in 2010 following concerns about failure to make use of the funds.
The organisation has now stated: “We have concluded that there is no realistic prospect of activities being undertaken by the charity trustees in furtherance of the charity’s objects.
“The charity is not providing public benefit and is therefore at risk of removal from the Scottish Charity Register.
“Should it be removed from the register, its trustees would remain under an obligation to apply the charity’s assets in accordance with its purposes.
“We have no confidence that the trustees would comply with this requirement.”
OSCR intends applying to the Court of Session to appoint a judicial factor to manage the affairs of the organisation.
It has directed WADF not to part with any funds without consent for six months.
Wick businessman Colin Stewart has been among those calling for WADF to be wound up. He said: “This money is doing no good to anybody just sitting in a bank.”
Mr Gunn yesterday said the charity was set up to provide a new home for the football club and claimed those efforts had continued.
He said: “We want to stay in control of the fund. If it gets taken over, it will get destroyed and money will be squandered on legal fees and administration.”