Value of charitable trust bounces back – but volatility remains

THE VALUE of Shetland Charitable Trust (SCT)’s investments has increased by around £40 million since the end of March.

Highlighting the volatile nature of the financial markets, the value had dropped from about £486 million at the start of the year to roughly £437 million at the end of March.

However trustees were told at a SCT meeting this morning (Thursday) that the current value is now £478 million.

Chief executive Ann Black warned however that the “volatility will continue”.

Geopolitical uncertainty contributed to the drop in the first part of 2026, a report to trustees highlighted.

It said: “Ongoing tensions between major global economies, including the United States and China, together with increased trade protectionism and wider geopolitical instability, contributed to market volatility during the period.”

Trustee Susan Gray also highlighted the performance against benchmark by fund managers.

Bailie Gifford was highlighted in particular, with the firm 18.8 per cent below the benchmark return for the 2025/26 financial year.

Chairman Robert Leask said the trust is seeing a “dip”, but said the hope would be that there is overperformance against benchmark in the future.

Since forming in 1976 with oil funds, SCT has spent hundreds of millions in the local community with regular beneficiaries including the recreational and amenity trusts as well as Shetland Arts and care homes.

However the value of investments often dip or increase due to fluctuations in the financial market, with a long-term approach in place.

The trust’s financial plan for 2025 to 2030 assumes a medium-term return on these investments of 7.5 per cent.