Despite the economic challenges over the past few years, including a significant 30% drop in membership in 2021/22, we are proud to have a strong community of 8,600 members. By staying true to our core aims and focusing on attracting new members, we can ensure a sustainable future for SWI.
The Board of Trustees has worked carefully to avoid increasing the national fee since 2021. However, to ensure that SWI continues to work towards a sustainable future, there will be a modest increase of £5, payable by November 2025. The fee will then become £30 for a year.
As members may have questions, the answers below may helpful.
Q Why is the fee being increased?
A The decision to increase the fee was made by the Board of Trustees in December 2023, as they have the authority in such matters and are responsible for making sure the organisation is financially sustainable.
Q When will it happen?
A The change in fees is effective and payable in 18 months, November 2025.
Q When was the last increase in fees?
A 2021.
Q Is a £5 rise unusual?
A No, fees usually rise with inflation, however the national membership fee has been static since 2021 (and was halved in 2022 due to the Covid pandemic), so it has not kept pace with rising costs.
Q Is Covid to blame?
A Partly, but not entirely. We saw a significant drop in membership numbers of 30% due to the pandemic in 2021/22 and currently have 8,600 members, so this has an affect on income and finances.
Q Aren’t the new groups addressing this decline?
A Again, partly. Last year the SWI saw its first growth in membership since the 1950s, which is a fantastic achievement led by members across Scotland who got behind the membership drive. The are now twenty new groups around the country who are being supported by local Federations. However, these new groups will not provide the growth required to stem the decline as our membership is ageing.
Q What about the money from the sale of Heriot Row?
A The sale of Heriot Row secured £1.6 million. This has been designated for membership growth, business development, and the Visitor Learning Centre.
Q Couldn’t you get money from somewhere else?
A We are currently developing vital new income streams including our ambitious plan to leverage our heritage and legacy by creating a Visitor Learning Centre to generate additional income.