Charity Moray Carshare based in Forres to cease operations after more than 16 years
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MEMBERS of a Moray charity have voted to cease operations after more than 16 years of service in the community.
Moray Carshare, headquartered in Forres, has served communities across Moray by providing accessible eco-friendly cars and e-bikes for residents and visitors alike.
It started as a community initiative serving The Park Ecovillage in Findhorn but expanded to include the wider Forres area as well as Kinloss and Speyside.
However, a special members' meeting was held on March 11 to vote on the board of trustees' proposal to wind up the charity due to projected cash flow "deficiencies" and ongoing operating losses.
The proposal was accepted by 98 per cent of the 56 members who voted at the meeting.
Phil Leysley, Moray Carshare manager, said: "It is extremely important to the trustees and management that Moray Carshare be wound up as a solvent SCIO.
"We want to ensure that we have enough cash to settle all debts once we cease operations."
The charity has been hit with "dramatically" increased insurance costs per vehicle at the same time as the cost of living crisis.
That, combined with several other factors, has resulted in a 25 per cent drop in vehicle usage compared to the last financial year.
And a thorough analysis of usage trends, membership numbers and financial projections saw trustees determine that the charity will no longer be financially sustainable beyond September this year.
Jonathan Caddy, Moray Carshare trustee, said: "It was a very difficult decision to propose the wind-up of Moray Carshare knowing how its closure would affect our 260+ members.
"It is with sadness and heavy hearts that the trustees came to this conclusion."
The charity will now apply to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator for approval to be wound up.
The application will be submitted by April 1 and the regulator will make its decision within 49 days.
Amanda Haworth Viklund, Moray Carshare trustee, added: "Moray Carshare, with the help of members, is exploring potential alternative affordable options for its members to access cars and e-bikes once the charity ceases operations."
