The ACT2 (Aberdeenshire Charities Trust) met on Thursday 25 June 2026 to discuss the reorganisation of the Margaret Whyte Fund. The trustees agreed to instruct the Head of Legal and People to apply to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) for the fund to be reorganised into ACT2 for Ward 3, Fraserburgh and District.

The Margaret Whyte Fund

The trustees considered a report regarding the Margaret Whyte Fund, which was established to provide income for pensioners born and resident in Fraserburgh. Due to difficulties in administration and the fund remaining in abeyance since 2009, a proposal was put forward to register the fund as a charity with OSCR and subsequently reorganise it into ACT2. This would allow the funds to be used more effectively for the relief of those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship, or other disadvantage within Ward 3, Fraserburgh and District.

Councillor Mayer proposed the paper, stating it was a long-held ambition to unlock the fund for the benefit of the people of Fraserburgh and District. She highlighted that the present ACT2 funds for Ward 3 are almost depleted, and this proposal would create a much-needed and sustainable source of support. Councillor Sutherland seconded the proposal, emphasizing that the reorganisation would ensure the fund is used effectively, fairly, and in keeping with the original bequest. Councillor Stephen Smith sought clarification on the financial position mentioned in the report, confirming it referred to the specific fund under discussion and not the wider ACT2.

The trustees agreed to the recommendations, with an amendment to the purposes of ACT2 to include or other disadvantage . This means that following the registration of the Margaret Whyte Fund as a charity, the Head of Legal and People will be instructed to apply to OSCR for its reorganisation into ACT2 for Ward 3, Fraserburgh and District. A further report will then be presented to the Banff and Buchan Area Committee, as trustees of the Margaret Whyte Fund, to formally agree to the charity reorganisation scheme once approved by OSCR. The current revenue balance available for distribution from the Margaret Whyte Fund is £71,402.29, with a capital balance of £996,519.11.

The meeting also confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 20 November 2025. The trustees agreed to adhere to the Public Sector Equality Duty, which requires them to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation; advance equality of opportunity; and foster good relations between those who share protected characteristics and those who do not.