Bute Shinty and Amateur Athletic Club SCIO

SCIO Constitution (two tier)

CONSTITUTION Of 

Bute Shinty and Amateur Athletic Club SCIO 

GENERAL 

Type of organisation 

1          The organisation is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO).

Scottish principal office 

2          The principal office of the organisation will be in Scotland (and must remain in Scotland).

Name 

3          The name of the organisation is Bute Shinty and Amateur Athletic Club SCIO

Purposes

4          The organisation’s purposes are: 4 The organisation’s purposes are: The advancement of public participation in the amateur sport of shinty on the Isle of Bute in furtherance of which it will engage in the following.

4.1development and provision of opportunities to play the game of shinty at all levels (youth, adult and ladies)

4.2 participation in league fixtures and cup competitions across Scotland in club colours of red and white.

4.3 provision of the facilities necessary to the achievement of the above purposes.

4.4 encourage a healthy lifestyle for all ages by allowing access to the facilities by other groups and individuals.

4.5 to promote any other sport or organisation which the members deem worthy of support.

Powers 

5          The organisation has power to do anything which is calculated to further its purposes or is conducive or incidental to doing so.

6          No part of the income or property of the organisation may be paid or transferred (directly or indirectly) to the members – either in the course of the organisation’s existence or on dissolution – except where this is done in direct furtherance of the organisation’s charitable purposes.

Liability of members 

7          The members of the organisation have no liability to pay any sums to help to meet the debts (or other liabilities) of the organisation if it is wound up; accordingly, if the organisation is unable to meet its debts, the members will not be held responsible.

8          The members and charity trustees have certain legal duties under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005; and clause 7 does not exclude (or limit) any personal liabilities they might incur if they are in breach of those duties or in breach of other legal obligations or duties that apply to them personally.

General structure 

9          The structure of the organisation consists of: –

9.1       the MEMBERS – who have the right to attend members’ meetings (including any annual general meeting) and have important powers under the constitution; in particular, the members appoint people to serve on the board and take decisions on changes to the constitution itself;

9.2       the BOARD – who hold regular meetings, and generally control the activities of the organisation; for example, the board is responsible for monitoring and controlling the financial position of the organisation.

10        The people serving on the board are referred to in this constitution as CHARITY TRUSTEES.

MEMBERS 

Qualifications for membership

11       Membership is open to any individual aged 17 or over. The Club shall have equal opportunities for all members regardless of race, religion, gender or ability or age. Junior members under the age of 17 have no voting rights. 

12       Employees of the organisation are not eligible for membership.

Application for membership 

13        Any person who wishes to become a member must sign a written application for membership; the application will then be considered by the board at its next board meeting.

14        The board may, at its discretion, refuse to admit any person to membership.

15       The board must notify each applicant promptly (in writing or by e-mail) of its decision on whether or not to admit them to membership.

16        Membership subscription.

 Members shall require to pay an annual membership subscription; unless or until otherwise determined by the members, the amount of the annual membership subscription shall be £50 for playing members and £20 for non-playing members and £10 for junior members.

16A. The annual membership subscriptions shall be payable on or before1st March in each year.

16B. The members may vary the amount of the annual membership subscription and/or the date on which it falls due in each year, by way of a resolution to that effect passed at an AGM.

16C. If the membership subscription payable by any member remains outstanding more than 8 weeks after the date on which it fell due – and providing they have been given at least one written reminder – the board may, by resolution to that effect, expel them from membership.

16D. A person who ceases (for whatever reason) to be a member shall not be entitled to any refund of the membership subscription.”

Register of members 

17        The board must keep a register of members, setting out

17.1     for each current member:

their full name and address; and

the date on which they were registered as a member of the organisation;

17.2     for each former member – for at least six years from the date on which they ceased to be a member:

their name; and

the date on which they ceased to be a member.

18        The board must ensure that the register of members is updated within 28 days of any change:

18.1     which arises from a resolution of the board or a resolution passed by the members of the organisation; or

18.2     which is notified to the organisation.

19       If a member or charity trustee of the organisation requests a copy of the register of members, the board must ensure that a copy is supplied to them within 28 days, providing the request is reasonable; if the request is made by a member (rather than a charity trustee), the board may provide a copy which has the addresses blanked out.

Withdrawal from membership 

20       Any person who wants to withdraw from membership must give a written notice of withdrawal to the organisation, signed by them; they will cease to be a member as from the time when the notice is received by the organisation.

Transfer of membership 

21        Membership of the organisation may not be transferred by a member.

Expulsion from membership 

22        Any person may be expelled from membership by way of a resolution passed by not less than two thirds of those present and voting at a Board meeting, providing the following procedures have been observed: –

22.1     at least 21 days’ notice of the intention to propose the resolution must be given to the member concerned, specifying the grounds for the proposed expulsion;

22.2 the member concerned will be entitled to be heard on the resolution at the Board meeting at which the resolution is proposed.

22.3     A member may have their membership suspended by a disciplinary committee of the Board comprising of a minimum of 2 of the senior office bearers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer) and where their behaviour is considered to be unreasonable and immediate action is required to safeguard the reputation of the club. Such a suspension will continue until the next scheduled Board meeting when a decision can be taken in accordance with clause 22.1 and 22.2 above.

Termination

13       Membership of the organisation will terminate on death.

DECISION-MAKING BY THE MEMBERS

Members’ meetings

24        The board must arrange a meeting of members (an annual general meeting or “AGM”) in each calendar year. The AGM must be held by 30^th. November in each year, this meeting may be held by video conference if so agreed by the board.

25        The gap between one AGM and the next must not be longer than 15 months.

26        Notwithstanding clause 24, an AGM does not need to be held during the calendar year in which the organisation is formed; but the first AGM must still be held within 15 months of the date on which the organisation is formed.

27        The business of each AGM must include: –

27.1     a report by the chair on the activities of the organisation;

27.2     consideration of the annual accounts of the organisation;

27.3     the election/re-election of charity trustees, as referred to in clauses 55 to 58.

28       The board may arrange a special members’ meeting at any time.

Power to request the board to arrange a special members’ meeting 

29        The board must arrange a special members’ meeting if they are requested to do so by a notice (which may take the form of two or more documents in the same terms, each signed by one or more members) by 10 members of the organisation at the time, providing:

29.1     the notice states the purposes for which the meeting is to be held; and

29.2     those purposes are not inconsistent with the terms of this constitution, the Charities and Trustee (Investment) Scotland Act 2005 or any other statutory provision.

30       If the board receive a notice under clause 29, the date for the meeting which they arrange in accordance with the notice must not be later than 28 days from the date on which they received the notice.

Notice of members’ meetings 

31        At least 14 clear days’ notice must be given of any AGM or any special members’ meeting. Notification may be by e-mail or letter or if no e-mail address is given by the member. The meeting will also be advertised on the club Facebook page and website.

32        The notice calling a members’ meeting must specify in general terms what business is to be dealt with at the meeting; and

32.1     in the case of a resolution to alter the constitution, must set out the exact terms of the proposed alteration(s); or

32.2     in the case of any other resolution falling within clause 45 (requirement for two-thirds majority) must set out the exact terms of the resolution.

33        The reference to “clear days” in clause 31 shall be taken to mean that, in calculating the period of notice,

33.1     the day after the notices are posted (or sent by e-mail) should be excluded; and

33.2     the day of the meeting itself should also be excluded.

34        Notice of every members’ meeting must be given to all the members of the organisation, and to all the charity trustees; but the accidental omission to give notice to one or more members will not invalidate the proceedings at the meeting.

35        Any notice which requires to be given to a member under this constitution must be: –

35.1     sent by post to the member, at the address last notified by them to the organisation; or 

35.2    sent by e-mail to the member, at the e-mail address last notified by them to the organisation.

Procedure at members’ meetings 

36        No valid decisions can be taken at any members’ meeting unless a quorum is present.

37        The quorum for a members’ meeting is 12 members, present in person or by video conference.

38        If a quorum is not present within 15 minutes after the time at which a members’ meeting was due to start – or if a quorum ceases to be present during a members’ meeting – the meeting cannot proceed; and fresh notices of meeting will require to be sent out, to deal with the business (or remaining business) which was intended to be conducted.

39        The chair of the organisation should act as chairperson of each members’ meeting. In his/her absence the meeting will be chaired by the vice-chair.

40        If neither is present within 15 minutes after the time at which the meeting was due to start (or is not willing to act as chairperson), the

charity trustees present at the meeting must elect (from among themselves) the person who will act as chairperson of that meeting.

Voting at members’ meetings 

41        Every member has one vote, which must be given personally or by video    conference.

42        All decisions at members’ meetings will be made by majority vote – with the exception of the types of resolution listed in clause 43.

43        The following resolutions will be valid only if passed by not less than

two thirds of those voting on the resolution at a members’ meeting (or if passed by way of a written resolution under clause 47):

43.1     a resolution amending the constitution;

43.2     a resolution expelling a person from membership under clause

22;

43.3     a resolution directing the board to take any particular step (or directing the board not to take any particular step);

43.4     a resolution approving the amalgamation of the organisation with another SCIO (or approving the constitution of the new SCIO to be constituted as the successor pursuant to that amalgamation);

43.5     a resolution to the effect that all of the organisation’s property, rights and liabilities should be transferred to another SCIO (or agreeing to the transfer from another SCIO of all of its property, rights and liabilities);

43.6     a resolution for the winding up or dissolution of the organisation.

44        If there is an equal number of votes for and against any resolution, the chairperson of the meeting will be entitled to a second (casting) vote.

45        A resolution put to the vote at a members’ meeting will be decided on a show of hands – unless the chairperson (or at least two other members present at the meeting) ask for a secret ballot.

46       The chairperson will decide how any secret ballot is to be conducted, and they will declare the result of the ballot at the meeting.Written resolutions by members 

47       A resolution agreed to in writing (or by e-mail) by all the members will be as valid as if it had been passed at a members’ meeting; the date

of the resolution will be taken to be the date on which the last member agreed to itb

.Minutes 

48        The board must ensure that proper minutes are kept in relation to all members’ meetings.

49        Minutes of members’ meetings must include the names of those present; and (so far as possible) should be signed by the chairperson of the meeting.

BOARD 

Number of charity trustees 

50        The maximum number of charity trustees is 18; out of that:

50.1     no more than 18 shall all be charity trustees who were elected/appointed under clauses 55 and 56 (or deemed to have been appointed under clause 54); and

50.2     no more than 2 shall be charity trustees who were co-opted under the provisions of clauses 59 and 60.

51       The minimum number of charity trustees is 6.

Eligibility 

52        A person shall not be eligible for election/appointment to the board under clauses 54 to 57 unless they are a member of the organisation; a person appointed to the board under clause 59 need not, however, be a member of the organisation.

53        A person will not be eligible for election or appointment to the board if they are: –

53.1     disqualified from being a charity trustee under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005; or

53.2    an employee of the organisation.

Initial charity trustees 

54       The individuals who signed the charity trustee declaration forms which accompanied the application for incorporation of the organisation shall be deemed to have been appointed by the members as charity trustees with effect from the date of incorporation of the organisation.

Election, retiral, re-election

55        At each AGM, the members may elect any member (unless they are debarred from membership under clause 53 to be a charity trustee.

56        The board may at any time appoint any member (unless they are debarred from membership under clause 53) to be a charity trustee.

57        At each AGM, all of the charity trustees elected/appointed under clauses 55 and 56 (and, in the case of the first AGM, those deemed to have been appointed under clause 54) shall retire from office – but shall then be eligible for re-election under clause 55.

58        A charity trustee retiring at an AGM will be deemed to have been re- elected unless: –

58.1     they advise the board prior to the conclusion of the AGM that they do not wish to be re-appointed as a charity trustee; or

58.2     an election process was held at the AGM and they were not among those elected/re-elected through that process; or

58.3    a resolution for the re-election of that charity trustee was put to the AGM and was not carried.

Appointment/re-appointment of co-opted charity trustees

59        In addition to their powers under clause 56, the board may at any time appoint any non-member of the organisation to be a charity trustee (subject to clause 50, and providing they are not debarred from membership under clause 53) on the basis that they have specialist experience and/or skills which could be of assistance to the board

60       At each AGM, all of the charity trustees appointed under clause 59 shall retire from office – but shall then be eligible for re-appointment under that clause.

Termination of office 

61        A charity trustee will automatically cease to hold office if: –

61.1     they become disqualified from being a charity trustee under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005;

61.2     they become incapable for medical reasons of carrying out their duties as a charity trustee – but only if that has continued (or is expected to continue) for a period of more than six months;

61.3     (in the case of a charity trustee elected/appointed under clauses 54 to 57 they cease to be a member of the organisation;

61.4     they become an employee of the organisation;

61.5     they give the organisation a notice of resignation, signed by them;

61.6     they are absent (without good reason, in the opinion of the board) from more than three consecutive meetings of the board

– but only if the board resolves to remove them from office;

61.7     they are removed from office by resolution of the board on the grounds that they are considered to have committed a material breach of the code of conduct for charity trustees (as referred to in clause 78);

61.8     they are removed from office by resolution of the board on the grounds that they are considered to have been in serious or persistent breach of their duties under section 66(1) or (2) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005; or

61.9     they are removed from office by a resolution of the members passed at a members’ meeting.

62        A resolution under paragraph 61.7, 61.8 or 61.9 shall be valid only if: –

62.1 the charity trustee who is the subject of the resolution is given reasonable prior written notice of the grounds upon which the resolution for their removal is to be proposed;

62.2     the charity trustee concerned is given the opportunity to address the meeting at which the resolution is proposed, prior to the resolution being put to the vote; and

62.3 (in the case of a resolution under paragraph 61.7 or 61.8) at least two thirds (to the nearest round number) of the charity trustees then in office vote in favour of the resolution.

Register of charity trustees

63         The board must keep a register of charity trustees, setting out

63.1     for each current charity trustee: their full name and address;

the date on which they were appointed as a charity trustee; and any office held by them in the organisation;

63.2     for each former charity trustee – for at least 6 years from the date on which they ceased to be a charity trustee:

the name of the charity trustee;

any office held by them in the organisation; and

the date on which they ceased to be a charity trustee.

64        The board must ensure that the register of charity trustees is updated within 28 days of any change:

64.1     which arises from a resolution of the board or a resolution passed by the members of the organisation; or

64.2     which is notified to the organisation.

65       If any person requests a copy of the register of charity trustees, the board must ensure that a copy is supplied to them within 28 days, providing the request is reasonable; if the request is made by a person who is not a charity trustee of the organisation, the board may provide a copy which has the addresses blanked out – if the SCIO is satisfied that including that information is likely to jeopardise the safety or security of any person or premises.

Office-bearers 

66        The members must elect (from among themselves) Chairman, Vice Chairman, Past Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Facilities Convenor, Team Captains and Youth Convenor at each AGM. Team managers will be appointed, normally for a period of two years by the board and will also become trustees. The committee will also appoint a Child Protection Officer, who is not required to be a trustee, but who will report to and advise the trustees as required. It will be permissible for an individual to fulfil more than one of these roles and subject to this up to 6 additional trustees/management board members may be appointed.

66.1 The members may also elect Honorary Members (Hon. Chieftain, Vice Chieftains or patrons who will not automatically become trustees, but who will also be eligible for election as trustees under 66 above.

67 In addition to the office-bearers required under clause 66, the charity trustees may elect (from among themselves) further office-bearers if they consider that appropriate.

68        All of the office-bearers will cease to hold office at the conclusion of each AGM, but may then be re-elected under clause 66 or 67. With the exception of team managers in the first year of appointment who will continue for two years.

69        A person elected to any office will automatically cease to hold that office: –

69.1     if they cease to be a charity trustee; or

69.2    if they give to the organisation a notice of resignation from that office, signed by them.

Powers of board 

70        Except where this constitution states otherwise, the organisation (and its assets and operations) will be managed by the board; and the board may exercise all the powers of the organisation.

71        A meeting of the board at which a quorum is present may exercise all powers exercisable by the board.

72       The members may, by way of a resolution passed in compliance with clause 43 (requirement for two-thirds majority), direct the board to take any particular step or direct the board not to take any particular step; and the board shall give effect to any such direction accordingly.

Charity trustees – general duties

73        Each of the charity trustees has a duty, in exercising functions as a charity trustee, to act in the interests of the organisation; and, in particular, must: –

73.1     seek, in good faith, to ensure that the organisation acts in a manner which is in accordance with its purposes;

73.2     act with the care and diligence which it is reasonable to expect of a person who is managing the affairs of another person;

73.3     in circumstances giving rise to the possibility of a conflict of interest between the organisation and any other party:

put the interests of the organisation before that of the other party;

where any other duty prevents them from doing so, disclose the conflicting interest to the organisation and refrain from participating in any deliberation or decision of the other charity trustees with regard to the matter in question;

73.4     ensure that the organisation complies with any direction, requirement, notice or duty imposed under or by virtue of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.

74 In addition to the duties outlined in clause 73, all of the charity trustees must take such steps as are reasonably practicable for the purpose of ensuring: –

74.1     that any breach of any of those duties by a charity trustee is corrected by the charity trustee concerned and not repeated; and

74.2     that any trustee who has been in serious and persistent breach of those duties is removed as a trustee.

75        Provided they have declared their interest – and have not voted on the question of whether or not the organisation should enter into the arrangement – a charity trustee will not be debarred from entering into an arrangement with the organisation in which they have a personal interest; and (subject to clause 76 and to the provisions relating to remuneration for services contained in the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005), they may retain any personal benefit which arises from that arrangement.

76        No charity trustee may serve as an employee (full time or part time) of the organisation; and no charity trustee may be given any remuneration by the organisation for carrying out their duties as a charity trustee.

77       The charity trustees may be paid all travelling and other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with carrying out their duties; this may include expenses relating to their attendance at meetings.

Code of conduct for charity trustees 

78        Each of the charity trustees shall comply with the code of conduct (incorporating detailed rules on conflict of interest) prescribed by the board from time to time.

79       The code of conduct referred to in clause 78 shall be supplemental to the provisions relating to the conduct of charity trustees contained in this constitution and the duties imposed on charity trustees under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005; and all relevant provisions of this constitution shall be interpreted and applied in accordance with the provisions of the code of conduct in force from time to time.

DECISION-MAKING BY THE CHARITY TRUSTEES 

Notice of board meetings 

80        Any charity trustee may call a meeting of the board or ask the secretary to call a meeting of the board.

81       At least 7 days’ notice must be given of each board meeting, unless (in the opinion of the person calling the meeting) there is a degree of urgency which makes that inappropriate.

Procedure at board meetings 

82        No valid decisions can be taken at a board meeting unless a quorum is present; the quorum for board meetings is 5 charity trustees, present in person or by video conference.

83        If at any time the number of charity trustees in office falls below the number stated as the quorum in clause 82, the remaining charity trustee(s) will have power to fill the vacancies or call a members’ meeting – but will not be able to take any other valid decisions.

84        The chair of the organisation should act as chairperson of each board meeting or in their absence the vice-chair.

85        If either is not present within 15 minutes after the time at which the meeting was due to start (or is not willing to act as chairperson), the charity trustees present at the meeting must elect (from among themselves) the person who will act as chairperson of that meeting.

86        Every charity trustee has one vote, which must be given personally.

87        All decisions at board meetings will be made by majority vote.

88        If there is an equal number of votes for and against any resolution, the chairperson of the meeting will be entitled to a second (casting) vote.

89    The board may, at its discretion, allow any person to attend and speak at a board meeting notwithstanding that they are not a charity trustee – but on the basis that they must not participate in decision-making.

90        A charity trustee must not vote at a board meeting (or at a meeting of a sub-committee) on any resolution which relates to a matter in which they have a personal interest or duty which conflicts (or may conflict) with the interests of the organisation; they must withdraw from the meeting while an item of that nature is being dealt with.

91        For the purposes of clause 90: –

91.1     an interest held by an individual who is “connected” with the charity trustee under section 68(2) of the Charities and Trustee

Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (husband/wife, partner, child, parent, brother/sister etc) shall be deemed to be held by that charity trustee;

91.2    a charity trustee will be deemed to have a personal interest in relation to a particular matter if a body in relation to which they are an employee, director, member of the management committee, officer or elected representative has an interest in that matter

.Minutes 

92        The board must ensure that proper minutes are kept in relation to all board meetings and meetings of sub-committees.

93        The minutes to be kept under clause 92 must include the names of those present; and (so far as possible) should be signed by the chairperson of the meeting.

ADMINISTRATION 

Delegation to sub-committees 

94 The board may delegate any of their powers to sub-committees; a sub-committee must include at least one charity trustee, but other members of a sub-committee need not be charity trustees.

95 The board may also delegate to the chair of the organisation (or the holder of any other post) such of their powers as they may consider appropriate.

96        When delegating powers under clause 94 or 95, the board must set out appropriate conditions (which must include an obligation to report regularly to the board).

97        Any delegation of powers under clause 94 or 95 may be revoked or altered by the board at any time.

98 The rules of procedure for each sub-committee, and the provisions relating to membership of each sub-committee, shall be set by the board.Operation of accounts

99        Subject to clause 100, the signatures of two out of four signatories appointed by the board will be required in relation to all operations (other than the lodging of funds) on the bank and building society accounts held by the organisation; at least one out of the two signatures must be the signature of a charity trustee.

100     Where the organisation uses electronic facilities for the operation of any bank or building society account, the authorisations required for operations on that account must be consistent with the approach reflected in clause 99.

Accounting records and annual accounts 

101      The board must ensure that proper accounting records are kept, in accordance with all applicable statutory requirements.

102     The board must prepare annual accounts, complying with all relevant statutory requirements; if an audit is required under any statutory provisions (or if the board consider that an audit would be appropriate for some other reason), the board should ensure that an audit of the accounts is carried out by a qualified auditor

MISCELLANEOUS 

Winding-up 

103      If the organisation is to be wound up or dissolved, the winding-up or dissolution process will be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.

104     Any surplus assets available to the organisation immediately preceding it’s winding up or dissolution must be used for purposes which are the same as – or which closely resemble – the purposes of the organisation as set out in this constitution.

Alterations to the constitution 

105       This constitution may (subject to clause 106) be altered by resolution of the members passed at a members’ meeting (subject to achieving the two thirds majority referred to in clause 43) or by way of a written resolution of the members.

106      The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 prohibits taking certain steps (e.g., change of name, an alteration to the purposes, amalgamation, winding-up) without the consent of the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

Interpretation 

107      References in this constitution to the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 should be taken to include: –

107.1 any statutory provision which adds to, modifies or replaces that Act; and

107.2 any statutory instrument issued in pursuance of that Act or in pursuance of any statutory provision falling under paragraph

107.1 above.

108      In this constitution: –

108.1 “charity” means a body which is either a “Scottish charity” within the meaning of section 13 of the Charities and Trustee

Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 or a “charity” within the meaning of section 1 of the Charities Act 2011, providing (in either case) that its objects are limited to charitable purposes;

108.2 “charitable purpose” means a charitable purpose under section 7 of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 which is also regarded as a charitable purpose in relation to the

Annual General Meeting

Held in the clubhouse at 7-00pm on 25th. November 2022

Present: – Barry Martin, Jimmy Duncan, David Herriot, Alan Liddell, James Craig, Ryan Craig, Scott Harvey, Rory McDonald, John McIntyre, Craig Fisher, Julie Robertson, Marie Wilson, Iain McDonald, Stewart Stirling Jnr, Regan Craig and John Wilson

Apologies: – John MacCallum, Duncan Cowan, Craig Harrower, Tom McMillan, Franco Devlin, David Kilpatrick, Kevin Queen, Heather Ferguson, Peter Atkins and Stewart Stirling.

Barry began the meeting by welcoming everyone to our AGM thanking them for their attendance, did express his disappointment with the number of members absent.

Minutes of 2019 AGM.

Barry asked all to read the Minutes of the AGM held on 26^th.November 2021, there being no objections approval was proposed by John McIntyre and seconded by James Craig.

Proposed changes to Constitution

There had been no changes proposed.

Chairman’s Report.

Barry was happy that Covid was not such a factor on our season and that we were almost back to normality. We did have a slow start due to the weather, however when we did get going both our senior teams started well. We had very good numbers at training and it was especially pleasing to see so many young players being selected for our teams. Our First Team were only beaten to the league title at the end by Col Glen who were very worthy winners of South Division 1.

Our young second team won the South Second Division title and proved the playing side future of our club looks assured for years to come. It was also pleasing to see the representation for our club at all age groups in the South of Scotland squads, this shows the improvement in our youth structure and reflects the hard work put in by all our coaches. We do however need more coaches to help at this level.

The clubhouse had been improved by the construction of new changing facilities, new heating boilers had been installed, new metal external doors had been purchased and were awaiting fitting and new pvc windows had been priced and would be ordered shortly.

We have seen an increase in the number of functions being held in the clubhouse bringing in much needed income.

Barry concluded by thanking a number of members for their work on behalf of the club over the past year, Duncan Cowan who is continually seen working on the clubhouse and the grassed areas of the Meadows, Alan for all his work most of which is unseen by us, David for keeping our finances up to date and in good order, Julie for all her work on the functions and looking after the bar and our lottery, the team managers for all their time taking training, picking teams and on match days, it was good to see Iain McDonald back and assisting with this work, all the committee members, the ladies who helped with match day hospitality and last but not least our sponsors Ross Accountants, Bute Foods and the Bike Shed for their financial help to our club, to Howat`s Housekeeping Services for washing the strips and to Nicola Speirs for her physio services on training nights.

Secretary’s Report – Alan Liddell

We once again are one of the local causes for the Co-Op local community fund which should bring in much needed money for our club, please ask family and friends to support our club. Thanks to Jaqueline Stirling making an initial approach to the Sheese Factory we were able to obtain a grant of £3000 which we used to purchase senior and junior sticks and helmets, shinty balls and training equipment form Tanera and Shinty World. We have received a cheque for £1250 from Bute Highland Dance Festival who have dissolved their organisation and distributed their funds to local groups. It looks likely that the Camanachd Association will pass a resolution at their AGM making it compulsory for all senior players to wear helmets for the 2023 season although the face mask protection may not be required. Training to restart on Thursday 12^th. January at the school campus.

The night in clubhouse to celebrate the 50^th. Anniversary of our Sutherland Cup win was a great success and enjoyed by all.

Treasurers Report – David Herriot

Financial assist due to the Covid situation saw our Income to be around £64k, however in the period to June 2022 this fell to approx.  £28k. This was due to it becoming more difficult to obtain income from outside sources, also the Argyll and Bute Council contract for supplying changing facilities has ended and we will now have to charge other clubs for use of this. On the plus side we are once again one of the local causes on the Co-Op Local Community Fund and this will help to fill the gap. Expenditure this year was around £60k mainly due to work on the clubhouse and will hopefully return to around £45k for the coming year.

David then asked for the  adoption of the accounts and trustees report, this was proposed by Alan Liddell and seconded by Jimmy Duncan.

David then emphasised the importance of donations from those who pay income tax making full use of gift aid, this can be applied to most donations as well as match day collections and makes a big difference to the amounts received.

Lottery Report – Julie Robertson.

Julie stated that the lottery was picking up again after it had been closed due to covid and the failure of the online version we had tried. Julie was investigating a more cost effective online version as used by Kyles Athletic and this should improve income, Julie also asked for more support from club members and their families in buying tickets.  Opening Balance £7,046, closing at 30^th. June 2022, £7115.

Many thanks once again to Muriel McCarry for all her work in collecting and banking the takings, Muriel goes out in all weathers and does a tremendous job for our club.

Youth Report –    James Craig

James thanked Ryan and Julie for their help on training nights and reported we had approx. 30 youngsters attending these sessions. We may struggle at under 14 level a several are moving up and we also need more members at all age levels.

James then asked the question regarding fielding an under 17 team next season, we have a few moving up to this age group and if we do not play them at this level or our second team, we may lose them. This to be discussed further at committee meetings.

Ladies Report – Marie Wilson

Marie reported that they intended to start again from scratch and were looking for players now.

Club Chaplain Report

This first year as the club’s first Chaplin has been a time of learning names (and nick-names!), learning about the game, the club and getting a sense of how I can be useful. as Chaplain, I am here to support the teams and the wider club community with things they may be struggling with, be it mental health challenges, difficult life situations or just being someone to listen.

The nature of my role is such that I hope to be completely unnecessary, and yet I want to build relationships such that folk feel free to come to me if something does come up. so, though I do often feel like a spare part I am glad that some have felt able to get in touch. I am available and on the WhatsApp group so don`t feel you have to wait for training to restart.

I would like to thank you all, especially Alan, for your welcome into club life, I have enjoyed being part of it and look forward to next season.

On a personal note, my wife and I hope to be adopting a little boy in the new year, you will probably see him with me at some point in the coming year but for the first couple of months we will be settling into family life together and so I will not be out and about till a few weeks before the season starts in March.

Office Bearers for 2023

Honorary Chieftain                  Sophia Bute

Honorary Vice Chieftains      John McMillan, Dugald Walker, Duncan Cowan, Jimmy Duncan,

Billy Crawford and Bobby Middleton.

Chairman                                 Barry Martin

Vice Chairman                        Jimmy Duncan

Secretary                                  Alan Liddell (this will be his last year).

Treasurer                                  David Herriot

1^st. Team Manager                   James Craig.

1^st. Team Fixtures Secretary    James Craig

2^nd. Team Manager                  Stewart Stirling

2^nd. Team Fixtures Secretary John McIntyre

1^st. Team Captain                      Craig Fisher

1^st. Team Vice Captain             tba

2^nd. Team Captain                     Rory McDonald

2^nd. Team Vice Captain           tba

Club Team Fitness and Training Coach To be appointed.

Child Protection Officer           Julie Robertson

Youth Convenor                        James Craig

Bute Ladies manager                Heather Ferguson

Ladies Team Captain                 tba

Ladies Team Vice Captain         tba

Additional Committee              Duncan Cowan, Peter Atkins, Craig Harrower John McIntyre, Marie

Wilson and Ryan Craig,

Social Committee                      Decided by main committee.

Facilities Convenors                  James Craig and Duncan Cowan

Playing Field Convenors           Duncan Cowan, Ted McDonald, James McMillan

Club Chaplain                            Peter Atkins

Membership Fees

After much discussion the membership fees for 2023 were set at £100 for adult playing members and match officials, Fees of £20 for junior members and £30 for adult social members were also agreed and passed.  Senior team players will be able to pay their fees in full or £10 on each match day.

Sponsorship

First Team Strip sponsor Jim Ross Accountants

Second Team Strip sponsor Bute Sheese.

AOCB

Iain McDonald brought up the use of the old tennis courts and suggested it should be grassed over and used for training purposes and that the proposed new storage shed to be used by other organisations should not go ahead.  It was pointed out that the transfer of the grounds in part was conditional on this building going ahead, there was agreement that this would continue and would not impact greatly on our training needs.

Barry concluded the meeting by th

Bute made the long journey to Strontian confident that their 100% league record would remain intact against an Ardnamurchan side who have struggled all season to come to terms with life in South Division 1.

The journey was not without its problems as when the team arrived at the Corran ferry terminal they were told that due to technical problems the boat was not running, this then required a long land journey round Loch Linnhe arriving at the ground only a few minutes before the scheduled start time.

It was the home team who started the game strongest as the Bute players suffered from the lack of a proper warm up before the game, Ardnamurchan however were unable to seriously trouble the away defence..

Bute soon found their form and the Ardnamurchan defence struggled under the constant pressure, Josh Cowan began the rout scoring after 13 minutes and then the floodgates opended up. Before the half time whistle Iain Mcdonald and Ryan Craig both had fournd the back of the net three times with Rory McDonald adding two more leaving Bute 9 nil ahead.

The second period offered no respite for the home team as the Bute forwards found the killer scoring touch they had promised all season, goals came at regular intervals as Bute added 7 more strikes to their tally through Ryan Craig and Rory McDonald with two each, Iain McDonald and Josh Cowan with one and an unforunate own goal by the home teams Peter Grace.

It was a day when the Bute forwards excelled, almost every shot was on target and they were ruthless in their approach to the game. It was a hard lesson for the home team to take, however they will not often come up against a team in such good form.

Manager James Craig was once again delighted with his teams performance and with only four games to go Bute are two points clear at the top with a game in hand.

Next up is a home game at the Meadows against Kyles seconds.

The journey home for Bute was not as smooth as the match, the nuts on a rear wheel of the mini bus started making concerning noises and they were fortunate to get as far as the Colintraive ferry before they sheared off leaving it undrivable.

Saturday 17th. July 2023

South Division 2

Bute 3 Inveraray 1

Saturday 17^th July 2023

South Division 1

Aberdour 2 Bute 7

Bute travelled to play Aberdour at Silversands looking to keep their 100% league record intact knowing a win would be good enough to top the table by 1 point over GMA.

Bute started the match in the same manner they have approached all league games this season by going on the attack from the first whistle.

The Bute forwards were showing great movement pulling the Aberdour defence continually out of position as they were constantly supplied with a succession of accurate passes from midfield. This pressure paid off after only 8 minutes when Josh Cowan continued his recent goal scoring streak by finishing off a fine passing move with a shot which left the home goalkeeper floundering.

This lead would only last until the 20^th minute when a mix up in defence allowed Finlay Williamson to equalise with a close in shot.

Bute were immediately back on the attack and were awarded the first of three penalties during the game after 27 mins which was despatched confidently by Josh Cowan to put his team back into the lead, unfortunately he was unable to convert a further penalty later in the match.

Despite constant pressure Bute were unable to add to the scoreline and after 36 minutes disaster struck when another mix up in defence enabled John Martin Phillips the time and space to fire home and draw his team level once again.

The half time interval came with no further scoring and the Bute team were disappointed that despite their dominance they were still on equal terms.

Once again a half time team talk galvanised the Bute team and after only 2 minutes of the second period they went ahead once more when a powerful shy from Franco Devlin found captain Craig Fisher at the back post and he found the back of the net with ease.

This lifted the heads of the Bute team and their confidence once again was restored.

The pressure was telling on the Aberdour defence and after 70 minutes they conceded their third penalty of the game, Scott Harvey stepped up to take it and it sped past the goalkeeper to put his team 4 – 2 ahead.

The strong second half performance by Bute continued, the highlight of which was 3 goals in a 10 minute spell from the 77th to 87th minute by Iain McDonald, enabling his team to record a comfortable victory.

Player of the game for Bute was Franco Devlin whose all-round performance was exemplified by his strong shy hit ins which played havoc with the home team.

Stand in manager Iain McDonald was delighted that, despite some heads going down at half time, the team regained their confidence and raised their game in the second half to record yet another impressive victory.

Next up for Bute is a journey on Saturday 22^nd July to play Glasgow Mid Argyll at Peterson Park, Yoker. GMA are only a point behind and are unbeaten in the league. This will be the toughest league test for Bute this season they will have to be at their very best to take something from this encounter.

Saturday 8^th July 2023

South Division 1

Bute 7 Ballachulish 0

Bute kept their 100% league run intact and had a comfortable win on Saturday 8^th July against Ballachulish, such was their dominance that Gordon Currie in the home goals did not touch the ball during the entire 90 minutes.

The pitch was in perfect condition and suited the fast-passing game of the home team as they looked to put the disappointing Balliemore Cup defeat by Kilmallie behind them.

Right from the whistle to start the match Bute were on the offensive, the centre line of Craig Fisher, Arran Dunn and Franco Devlin took total control of the midfield pushing forward to supply the attackers with ample supply of good ball as well as adding to the attacking threat.

It only took until the 6^th minute for Bute to take the lead when Robin McAlister finished of a fine forward move with a powerful shot leaving the away keeper helpless.

Bute continued to attack the Ballachulish goals, however a combination of poor finishing and resolute defence kept the score line down until after 26 mins another swift passing movement from the Bute forwards ended with a pin point accurate pass from the left across the goal area was met by Robin McAlister who guided the ball past the keeper to put his team two goals ahead.

The remainder of the opening period continued in the same vein with the away defence under constant pressure and the Bute forwards scorning numerous chances to add to the scoreline.

The veteran Iain McDonald entered the fray at the start of the second half and quickly showed his experience by his control of the forward line, they began to play the ball making full use of the width of the pitch with accurate passing constantly dragging the away defence out of position.

It was Iain who put Bute further ahead after 55 minutes when he took advantage of defensive panic in the Ballachulish goal area making full use of the time and space afforded to him to flick the ball home from close range.

The forward line of Robin McAlister, Josh Cowan, Iain McDonald and Leon McMillan were now running riot and pulling the over worked away defence all over the pitch, their shooting began to be more accurate and it came as no surprise when Leon McMillan rounded off another great personal performance by hitting home a powerful effort after 57 minutes.

The home crowd were shouting for more and Josh Cowan did not disappoint them when he dragged the defence apart and finished with an unstoppable shot after 70 minutes.

The Ballachulish defence were beginning to wilt under the pressure and this showed after 75 minutes when a ball from the right side of the pitch across the area was put past his own keeper by Nathan MacLeod.

The goal of the game came after 78 minutes when the ever-impressive C J McMillan gathered the ball deep in his own half, ran 50 yards leaving several opponents in his wake before giving the ball to Rory McDonald who finished with aplomb from 25 yards to complete the scoring.

Full credit should be given to the Ballachulish defence who despite being under constant pressure for 90 minutes kept trying to the end, not giving up until the final whistle.

This was the type of performance manager James Craig had been looking for, setting his team up nicely for the remainder of the league season starting with an away match against Aberdour on 15^th July.

Balliemore Cup Semi Final

Kilmallie 5 Bute 1

On Saturday 1^st July Bute travelled to neutral Taynuilt to take on National League side Kilmallie in a semi-final of the Balliemore Cup.

Bute faced a strong wind and several torrential rainstorms during a difficult first half for the team.

The opening 15 minutes saw both teams sizing up the opposition with neither side gaining an upper hand. The speed and movement of the Bute forwards was causing problems to the Kilmallie defence who began to use doubtful methods of tackling to subdue the Bute side, this mainly went unpunished by the referee.

Then disaster for Bute, they failed to clear their lines and Calum MacDougal made full use of the time and space he found himself in to fire his team into the lead with a shot that eluded Gordon Currie in the Bute goals.

Then on 27 minutes a further setback for Bute when Ryan Craig was the victim of a very dangerous tackle and had to leave the field with a bad knee injury, he was replaced by the returning Leon McMillan.

Bute then went on the attack and Josh Cowan sent a powerful shot just wide of the right-hand post and Leon McMillan had a strong effort well saved by the Kilmallie keeper.

Then the normally dominant Bute defence fell apart as Kilmallie scored three more goals in the space of 13 minutes, all converted by the ever alert Calum MacDougal leaving Bute four nil down at the break.

The half time talk by James Craig and Iain McDonald combined with having the wind and rain at their backs revitalised the Bute team.

The defence at last got to grips with the Kilmallie forward line, the mid field began to win more of the ball and the team pushed forward.

The strong running and skilful play of forwards Josh Cowan and Leon McMillan, ably backed up by Marcus Planck and Rory McDonald, began to cause problems for the Kilmallie defence. This was rewarded after 61 minutes when Leon McMillan took the ball past two defenders and hit a powerful effort past the helpless keeper.

Bute continued to pressurise the Kilmallie defence with several efforts well saved by the keeper and others narrowly past the post or over the bar, however they were unable to add to their score.

The referee had blown to award a free hit to Bute when Marcus Planck took a knock to his left shoulder, Marcus immediately knew it was serious and left the field of play.

The game then went once more the way of Kilmallie and in the final minute Calum McDougall hit his and his teams fifth goal of the game to complete the scoring.

The Kilmallie team were well worthy of their victory and on the day were the better side, Bute however can take comfort from their second half performance and look forward to the remaining league games as the strive for the Championship of South Division 1 in which they have a 100% record to date.

Bute would like to extend sincere thanks to the doctor accompanying the Kilmallie team for his prompt medical assistance to the injuries suffered by Ryan Craig and Marcus Planck.