Postie's cash to help local old folk

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.forres-gazette.co.uk/News/Po ... 082013.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?

CASH left by a Forres postie which has been dormant for years could now be used for projects for old folk in the town, following legal efforts by Moray Council.

When he died in 1982, retired Forres postman William Cameron left the bulk of his wealth to residents of the local Auchernack old people’s home where he spent his final years.

But when the council-run home later closed down, the terms of his bequest meant the money could not be used for any other purpose.

Now – following lengthy negotiations – the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator has approved the council’s application to vary the terms of the bequest to enable funds to be disbursed.

Although the value of the bequest has fluctuated due to interest rates and share prices, it currently stands at more than £637,000 in cash and stocks and shares.

Mr Cameron, who was an 89-year-old widower when he died at Leanchoil Hospital in Forres, is believed to have inherited much of his fortune from either a brother or an aunt.

He worked with the Post Office from 1912 until he retired in 1958, apart from serving with the Gordon Highlands in World War One during which he was wounded twice.

The terms of his will read simply: “I leave and bequeath the whole residue of my said means and estate to Auchernack Home, Forres.”

The restrictive wording meant that after the home closed around 12 years ago, the bequest became effectively dormant and no funds could legally be disbursed.

Solicitors at Moray Council, which administers the bequest, looked at how its terms could be varied to allow money to be released and sought counsel opinion on a possible application to the Court of Session.

However, they were advised that such an application would not only be costly but was unlikely to be successful because of the very specific terms of Mr Cameron’s will.

The only other available option was to apply to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator which was established following the introduction of new legislation governing the Scottish charity sector.

Following lengthy discussions, the application for charitable status for what had become known as the Auchernack Trust was made late last year and confirmation has now been received that it has been approved.

The revised terms of the bequest now allows it to be used for the benefit of the elderly community in the Forres area and for the ‘relief of those in need by reason of advanced age.’