Each year the Loaningdale Trust awards over £100,000 in grants to local organisations and young people in need within the Clydesdale area. Our funding base was established through the sale some years ago of the Loaningdale House (formerly a so called ‘List D’ School) and was then boosted by the sale of associated land in Biggar which now has been developed for housing.

Who runs Loaningdale Trust?
A small group of local people form a management board of trustees to oversee our activities ensuring that we meet meet our objectives, manage our finances for current and future generations and that we follow relevant rules and regulations governing charities. In practical terms for Loaningdale this involves attending six board meetings a year to decide on grant applications, decide on policies and procedures and manage our finances. Meetings last about 2 hours on average. There is no payment for being a trustee, but reasonable out of pocket expenses can be paid for example for travel to meetings.

We are looking for new trustees!
We have lost several long-standing trustees over the last few years and we’re looking to refresh our board. We want to ensure that our trustees come from all over Clydesdale. At the moment our trustees come from Biggar, Carnwath Law and Douglas Water and we would like have people from other areas. At the moment all our trustees are men over 50 which we know is not ideal. We definitely want to have women trustees and a wider spread of ages represented on our board. We’d particularly welcome younger people and people with disabilities to give us better insights to the needs of the community we serve.

What Skills and Experience Do Trustees Need?
No specific qualification or experience is needed to become a trustee but local knowledge, youth work experience, and previous involvement in community organisations are all helpful. Above all, enthusiasm for young people, and an ability to work as part of a small team of trustees, is key no matter your background.

Why Become a Trustee?
It’s an opportunity to learn about running a charity and its finances – experience that might be useful to some people in their career development or as a practical way of applying skills you may have acquired in a different context for the wider benefit of our local communities. 

How to Apply
We’d love to hear from you if you’re ready to take on a meaningful challenge and work alongside a dedicated team.

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates about the application process. Together, we can create a brighter future for our community. In the meantime, if you would like to find out more about the charity, please send us an email at admin@loaningdale.org.uk.

Recently, a significant turning point for children’s rights in Scotland was seen. The UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024, which enshrines the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scottish law, came into effect. This momentous occasion is the culmination of years of tireless advocacy by children, young people, and their supporters.

At Loaningdale School Company, we’re so passionate about nurturing the next generation through our funding opportunities. But it’s impossible to change things for every single child in Scotland – as hard as we might try. 

These acts of law are extremely important elements in improving outcomes for children, this law in particular should see some big changes and we’re very excited to see the impact that it has.

A Culture of Respect and Understanding

As Cathy McCulloch, Director of the Children’s Parliament, eloquently stated: “What we will have at the heart of all we do with, and for children, is the right for every child to have their human dignity respected and their best interests served.”

The Act paves the way for a Scotland where children are valued, listened to, and empowered to thrive. It signals a shift towards a culture that prioritises love, kindness, and understanding in all interactions with children.

While the Act is a major victory, it’s important to remember that it’s just the beginning. As David Mackay from Children in Scotland emphasised, “I hope that UNCRC incorporation will be an important tool for protecting children and families and tackling the stark inequality we see across Scotland. I also hope it will raise the profile of children’s ‘voices’ and act as a guiding light for other parts of the UK”

The Act must be implemented effectively to ensure that children’s rights are truly respected and upheld. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government agencies, schools, families, and communities.

A Bright Future for Scotland’s Children

The UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 is a beacon of hope for Scotland’s children. It signifies a commitment to creating a society where every child can reach their full potential. As Dr Judith Turbyne, Chief Executive of Children in Scotland, noted, “This is truly a moment to stop, take a deep breath and smile. It has taken a lot of effort and energy from children, young people and adults to make this happen.”

Let us all work together to ensure that this historic moment leads to a brighter future for Scotland’s children.

All children have the right to an education – but how our future generations perform at school can be enormously affected by their home lives and personal circumstances.

One of the most upsetting experiences a young person can have is being taken into care. According to the latest Scottish government figures, 12,206 children in Scotland were ‘looked after’ or in care as of 31 July 2023, with the majority being of school age (between the ages of 5 and 15).

The reasons for a child being taken into care vary enormously but often relate to circumstances such as being at risk of abuse, parental neglect or a change in the family situation, which means the child’s parents can no longer look after them. This could include an illness, a disability, a prison sentence or issues with drugs and alcohol.

Looked after children will often be placed in foster homes, or with a kinship carer. Such upheaval can impact how they behave in school and how they perform on exams and assessments. The latest educational attainment figures for looked after children in Scotland show a difference in outcomes for those children who are looked after and those who aren’t.

The figures show that while there is overall upwards trend, with looked after children performing better year-on-year, there has been a decline in the last year. Other findings show that:

• Looked after pupils are less likely to achieve the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) levels most relevant to their age
• Looked after pupils lag behind other pupils in numeracy and writing skills
• Attendance levels for looked after children has fallen in the last year, with more unauthorised absences than previous years
• Looked after pupils are being excluded from school more often than in previous years
• More looked after pupils are going on to achieve SCQF levels 3, 4 or 5 or better than in previous years
• Children in care who are looked after outside of the family home (for example in a foster home) have better attainment levels than looked after children who remain in the family home
• The impact on educational attainment is most keenly felt by looked after children in their first year of care
• The impact of being in care is less pronounced on educational attainment for children taken into care before starting secondary school

We exist to help children in our local area access the opportunities they deserve to thrive, both inside and outside of the classroom. We know that in lower-income communities, that’s more of a challenge, and often, there simply aren’t the resources required to help our young people embrace educational experiences.

We hope to help change that with grants and funding for a wide range of projects, schemes and charities working to make a positive difference in the lives of local children while improving educational outcomes.

The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has announced a series of legislation changes to charity law which will impact all registered charities (including Loaningdale School Company). We wanted to take a moment to outline what these changes are and what you can expect from us as we adhere to the updated legal requirements.

Who has brought in these changes?

Members of Parliament met in February to pass a series of changes into law. These changes were intended to update the old  Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 – and are contained within the Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Act 2023.

The new measures will be rolled out in three stages. The first stage took place in April, the second in October and the third is scheduled for summer 2025.

What changes have been made?

From summer 2025, the accounts of every charity in Scotland will become publicly available via the Scottish Charity Register. This will be published by the OSCR with the overall aim of increasing transparency. It should make it easier for members of the general public to see how their donations are being used.

The OSCR says the changes will benefit everyone. It explains: “By publishing accounts, charities can demonstrate their financial stewardship, transparency, and effectiveness. Donors, funders, and the wider public will have easy access to financial information, allowing them to make informed decisions about supporting specific charities.”

Now, it’s important to note here that all charities are already required to submit their annual accounts to the OSCR. However, some of the information submitted is currently redacted before the accounts are published publicly. This will no longer be the case, and all information, including personal information, will become publicly available.  

It’s expected that the accounts will remain visible for around five years on the Register.

As ever, it’s the responsibility of the trustees and the charity board to ensure the accuracy of the information provided to the OSCR.

One of the other changes made to the Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Act 2023 was to award increased powers of investigation to OSCR. This means it can direct charities to take certain actions if it feels changes are needed. It can also appoint interim trustees and investigate former trustees, and wound up charities.

Our take on the changes

We’re very much in favour of this move here at Loaningdale. That’s because the more transparent charities can be in showing where funds are used, the more comfortable people will feel about continuing to support the causes that matter most to them.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with the OSCR and welcome any questions you might have about what these changes mean for you.

The final meeting of the Loaningdale trustees for 2024 took place on 28 November. Once again it was a busy meeting with a total of 15 grant applications received from organisations looking for funding to support their work with young people living in Clydesdale.

The purposes for which grants were requested were varied and included support for a local community event, the purchase of outdoor learning equipment for young children and the purchase of equipment for several youth sport and fitness organisations.

Loaningdale awarded over £20,000 in grants to support these worthy causes.

Looking back over the year, the charity allocated more than £132,000 to individuals and numerous organisations that are focused on supporting and encouraging youth development in Clydesdale.

“We are honoured to support these wonderful organisations and individuals,” said Angus Knox, the Chairman of Loaningdale School Company. “Each grant represents an investment in the future of our young people, and we are always thrilled to see the difference our grants make”.

The trustees will be taking a well-deserved break now but will be meeting on 24th January 2025 to discuss and agree on another round of grant funding, so make sure you get your grant applications submitted by 10th January 2025.

All that remains is for the trustees of Loaningdale to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a joyful 2025

The Loaningdale School Company trustees love to hear how their grants are changing young people’s lives in Clydesdale. As you’ll see below, Corn Exchange Young Performers recently shared how their grant, awarded in December 2023, enabled 20 youngsters to put on a new play in Biggar and on the main stage at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock.

The trustees are thrilled to see the strides Young Performers have been making in Biggar and beyond. Their dedication to youth theatre is a great fit for charity’s mission, and the commitment of everyone involved is clearly reflected in what they have achieved.

Keep up the tremendous efforts, and we look forward to seeing more incredible results in the future!

Back In The Day and Old Times

Thanks to a grant from Loaningdale School Company, forty young people from Clydesdale performed to packed audiences this spring.

Half of the group performed Back In The Day by Yasmeen Khan, a time-travelling adventure about four friends and their teacher who are transported to the 1980s. This fun, light-hearted piece, partly set on roller-skates, examines the impact of peer pressure and social media on young peoples’ mental health.

Back In the Day was a huge hit, with the young cast performing to a sold-out audience in Biggar before taking the show to the main stage at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock as part of the National Theatre’s acclaimed Connections Festival. One young actor said “Performing the play in Biggar was amazing, but then we got to do it again on one of the biggest stages in Scotland. It was incredible to stand up there with my friends – we cheered each other on and it was really good.”

The second play, Old Times by Molly Taylor, is a dark and complex piece exploring friendship, guilt and how society treats young people who are caught up in the justice system. The cast and crew of twenty-one young people worked hard to bring this challenging show to life. Audience members flocked to see the play and were struck by its pace, professionalism and rich story[1]telling, with one commenting “I’m so glad this theatre group is available for our youngsters. This experience will influence their whole future.”

These two projects enabled a diverse group of young people to develop skills in drama, dance, music, design, lighting and sound, supported by industry professionals with decades of experience in the creative industries. Anthony Bowers, Project Leader at Corn Exchange Young Performers, said “The effect on our young actors’ confidence, communication skills and sense of themselves as artists is huge. Watching them grow and thrive through these projects is a privilege and we’re grateful to Loaningdale School Company for their generous support in making it happen.”

Play is more than just fun and games for children; it’s essential for their physical, social, and emotional development.

In fact, research shows that children who engage in active play experience a range of benefits, including:

• Stronger muscles and bones
• Enhanced social skills, such as cooperation and conflict resolution
• Better emotional regulation and creativity
• Sharper cognitive function

However, a growing concern is the decline in active play among children. Studies across Europe reveal that many children, especially those living in areas of deprivation, are not meeting recommended physical activity guidelines. This trend can have serious consequences for their long-term health and well-being.

Building a Brighter Future Through Active Play

At Loaningdale School Company, we recognise the importance of active play and are committed to supporting any opportunity that encourages this.

We provide grants to individuals and organisations that share our vision, giving the next generation the best possible chances of unlocking their potential.

For example, we provided a grant to Carluke United, a youth football club located in Clydesdale, which allowed them to purchase new sports equipment for the children who attend the club.

How Do We Fix This Problem?

There is a lot we can all do to address the problems around low levels of activity during childhood. This is in the best interest of the child, as active play can improve their mental and physical health.

We believe that creating a culture of active play should be encouraged within the home and school. This starts by working together with parents and caregivers:

• Provide Resources: Offer resources and information about the benefits of active play and how to create a play-rich environment at home. This could include hosting workshops, sharing online resources, or creating a lending library of active play equipment.
• Encourage Active Family Time: Promote the importance of spending active time together as a family. This could involve going for walks, playing games in the park, or simply incorporating movement into everyday activities.

Inspiring a Change Together

By working together, we can ensure all children have the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of active play.

Loaningdale School Company is committed to playing its part in creating a brighter future for our children, one filled with laughter, exploration, and healthy development.

To find out more about our grants and the organisations we have helped so far, take a look at our ‘What we Fund‘ page or Apply For A Grant today.

The scheduled meeting of Trustees took place on 26 September, where ten new grant applications that had been submitted by organisations and individuals were discussed. Of these, the Trustees agreed to provide financial awards to eight applicants.  Two applications were unsuccessful and a third was deferred to allow additional information to be sought from the applicant.

Why are some grant applications unsuccessful, you may ask. Several factors can contribute to this outcome, and understanding these can help applicants refine their approach in the future. 

The following are some of the main reasons why we, the Loaningdale Trust, do not approve grant awards.

1. Failure to Align with Charity’s Mission

We have a specific mission:  “to support young people (up to 25 years old) who live in the Clydesdale area of South Lanarkshire by providing grants that will improve their lives, with the priority of benefitting those most in need”.   Applications that fail to align with this mission are often rejected. Applicants must ensure their project resonates with our core values and objectives, and a lack of understanding of the charity’s mission can lead to a mismatch, reducing the chances of success.  

For example, we can only provide grants, which benefit children and young people who live in the Clydesdale area of South Lanarkshire.  The Trust is unable to provide grants that do not meet this basic criteria.

2. Incomplete Applications and Lack of Clarity

This is another common issue. Missing documents and requested information, vague descriptions, or incomplete budgets are concerns for Trustees when assessing a grant. We expect applicants to provide all necessary information to allow us to make informed decisions. 

Also, the absence of a clear purpose of the grant and lack of detail when listing expected expenses, can cause an application to be rejected, or at the very least, delayed until the information becomes available to allow a decision to be made. Charities need to trust that their funds will be used efficiently and effectively. An unclear budget or one that lacks detailed justifications for expenses can raise concerns about financial management and project feasibility.

We often look to fund projects with a defined positive impact for the young people in Clydesdale. If the application does not clearly state what the project aims to achieve and how success will be measured, it’s unlikely to stand out.

Understanding why grant applications fail is crucial for future success. Applicants should aim to present clear, realistic, and well-aligned proposals with complete information and strong evidence of need, which can improve their chances of securing valuable funding.

The next meeting of the Loaningdale Trust is on 28 November 2024 and all grant applications for this meeting should be submitted by 14 November 2024.

At Loaningdale School Company, we believe that every child and young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Through our grant programmes, we support organisations that are working to provide educational, social, and recreational opportunities for young people. Our goal is to help these organisations make a lasting impact on the lives of the next generation.

Here are a few examples of how our grants have made a difference:

Forest Friends: Nurturing a Love of Nature

Forest Friends is a local organisation dedicated to providing young people with opportunities to learn about and appreciate the natural world.

With our support, Forest Friends has been able to offer a year-long programme in forestry and outdoor learning to students at Carluke High School.

This programme has equipped students with valuable skills and knowledge while fostering a deep connection to their local environment.

Carluke United: Supporting Young Athletes

Carluke United is a youth football club that provides opportunities for children to participate in sports and develop important life skills. 

Thanks to our grant, Carluke United was able to purchase new tracksuits for their “2010” team, ensuring that these young athletes have the proper equipment to succeed.

Coalburn Brass Band Family: Promoting Music Education

The Coalburn Brass Band Family is a local music organisation that offers a variety of programmes for young people. Our grant has enabled the band to continue sending its younger members on a valuable summer course, where they can learn from experienced musicians and connect with other young people who share their passion for music.  This support helps to sustain the band for the long term, which in turn, retains within the community, a valuable resource where young people can develop their musical potential. 

Barn Buddies: Providing Therapeutic Riding

Barn Buddies is an organisation that provides equine-assisted learning programmes for school children. 

Our grant has helped Barn Buddies purchase essential equipment, allowing them to expand their services and reach even more children who can benefit from their therapeutic programmes.

The importance of giving back to the younger generation

Over the years, we are so proud of all the local organisations we have been able to help. By investing in the potential of young people, we are helping to build a brighter future for our community. 

Through our case studies, it’s clear to see that our grants have helped organisations to deliver vital programmes and services that promote education, health, and well-being.

We’re excited to start working with more organisations in the future and, together, we can create a world where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Contact us to see how we can support your organisation.

Here at Loaningdale School Company, we have just one mission: to give every young person and child in Clydesdale the chance to reach their full potential, no matter their circumstances.

We believe that by providing grants to individuals and organisations that share our vision, we can create a brighter future for the next generation. We have helped many children, but we strive to help many more – and to do this, we need your help.

Here are four simple ways you can help us spread the word and make a difference in the lives of countless young people.

1. Share on Social Media

A quick and easy way to boost awareness of Loaningdale School Company is by sharing our posts on your social media channels. Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, your network could include someone who knows a young person in need of our support. A single share could lead to life-changing opportunities for a deserving individual.

2. Engage with Our Content

Sharing is not the only way to improve social media reach! Liking, commenting on, and sharing our posts are simple actions that increase the visibility of our content. Think of all the times a post made its way to your feed because a friend liked or commented on it. The more engagement our posts receive, the more likely they are to be seen by a wider audience. Take a moment to interact with our updates: it’s an easy way to show your support and help us grow.

3. Tell Local Community Services About Us

If you volunteer at or are connected with a local community service, let them know about Loaningdale School Company. These organisations often work closely with young people who could benefit from our grants. By sharing our website or contact information, you could help us reach those who need us the most.

4. Speak About Us at Events

If you have the opportunity to speak at local events or meetings, mention Loaningdale School Company and the work we do! While it may not seem so in the age of social media, personal recommendations and word-of-mouth endorsements are still incredibly important – and your voice could inspire others to support our cause!

Together, we can expand our reach and make a profound difference in the lives of young people everywhere. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a greater impact. Thank you for helping us grow and fulfil our mission to empower the next generation.