A Scottish conservation charity has reported that its staff numbers fell by more than a fifth last year as an investigation into the organisation continues.
In its latest accounts, the John Muir Trust, which looks after the summit of Ben Nevis in the Highlands, reported a total expenditure of £3.2m for the financial year ending 31 December 2025, a £183,000 decrease on the previous year’s total of £3.3m.
It said the spending reduction was principally driven by “lower salary and pension costs, reflecting later-than-planned appointments, the decision not to replace the director of operations, and the timing of organisational restructuring”.
The accounts show that the average number of employees during the year declined from 57 in 2024 to 44 in 2025 while money spent on salaries and wages fell by 12% year-on-year to £1.64m.
Total income for 2025 was recorded at £3.96m, a similar amount to the year before, with a reduction in legacy and donation income offset by growth in other areas.
Legacy income was £2.01m (2024: £2.12), while donations and charitable trust income totalled £626,000, a 22% decrease on the previous year.
However, the charity’s membership income increased to £345,000, a £15,000 increase on 2024’s total, while grant income was £155,000, an increase of £19,000.
OSCR began engaging with the charity in 2024 after it faced public criticism about its operations from a former staff member.
One of its founders, Denis Mollison, announced his departure in June this year after being found in breach of its trustee code of conduct, followed by the departure of its policy lead, Thomas Widrow, in July, after he reported losing confidence in the charity’s leadership.
A spokesperson for OSCR said its inquiry is ongoing.
