\n East Lothian Council is looking for someone to help oversee the Dr Bruce Fund, which was established under the provision in the will of Charles Key Bruce, dated December 19, 1826.\n<\/p>\n
\n He studied in Musselburgh before making his fortune in east India. When he died, he bequeathed \u00a32,000 to a permanent fund from which the interest was to be used to give poor relief to people in the town.\n<\/p>\n
\n His estate was placed in the management of the High Court of Chancery. In 1832, an arrangement was made where two magistrates of Musselburgh, the minister of the parish of Inveresk, and the sheriff of the county of Edinburgh were appointed as a local committee to administer the fund.\n<\/p>\n
\n Following local government reorganisation in 1973, the trust came under the administration of East Lothian District Council and, later, East Lothian Council. Since that time, the elected councillors for Musselburgh have acted in a decision-making capacity for the trust.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u00a0A council spokesperson said: \u201cThe trust seeks to alleviate poverty in the Musselburgh area by providing small grants during more financially pressing times of the year, especially around Christmas time, to nominated local residents.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n As of March 31 last year, the trust had unrestricted funds of \u00a317,182.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u00a0In the 2023\/24 annual audit report of the council, Audit Scotland reported that the council could consider the external appointment of a trustee to the Dr Bruce Fund.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cWe are now seeking to appoint a lay member of the public to the board of trustees,” the council spokesperson said.\n<\/p>\n
\n “The lay member will help oversee the fund\u2019s activities and support effective governance. They will play a key role in ensuring the fund continues to deliver its objectives for Musselburgh residents, working alongside the existing trustees and council employees.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThis is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting local charity work, with a commitment to public service and community values, to play a key role in the activities of the Dr Bruce Fund.\u201d\n<\/p>\n