Dufftown 2000, which operates in the Moray town, saw concerns raised earlier this year over governance issues.

Scotland’s charity regulator has confirmed it is investigating a tourism charity over governance issues and concerns about its charitable objectives. 

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) is looking into claims that Dufftown 2000, who operate in Moray, did not ensure all of their activities provide public benefit, in line with its aims. 

The group, who hold tourism and promotional events across the North East, as well as running a whisky museum in the town of Dufftown, also face allegations that the election of its trustees has not always followed the charity’s own rules. 

Those involved with Dufftown 2000 had raised concerns with management at an AGM earlier this year, the Press and Journal claimed.

The charity regulator has now confirmed that is it investigating the charity. 

A spokesman for the regulator told Third Sector: “OSCR is aware of concerns relating to this charity, and our work around these issues is ongoing.”

Dufftown 2000’s accounts for the year ending last January, published with Companies House, show that the charity raised £2,500 last year, down from more than £30,000 in 2020.

The report claims Covid-19 meant that fundraising events raised just £105 in 2020/21, down from £27,400 in 2019/20. 

The accounts also state that Dufftown, which has no paid staff, lost 3,400 hours of volunteer time as a result of restrictions.

Dufftown 2000 were approached for comment.