No wrongdoing found after Mental Health Aberdeen investigated by charity regulator

A charity regulator has deemed there was “no inappropriate financial management” following allegations of inappropriate spending by a mental health organisation in Aberdeen.

Mental Health Aberdeen announced in July 2025 that it was to close with immediate effect.

In a statement posted on social media, the charity it was with “sadness and regret” that services such as counselling, school projects for young people and children, an amputee service and community projects would be shuttered.

It said the decision to close followed “an extensive period of strategic review, external consultation, and careful consideration of all viable options” amid “rising demand” and “the stark reality of being asked to do more with less”.

The statement added: “Despite strategic decisions to invest over the last few years, with the intent of diversifying funding streams from other sources of income away from traditional public funding and fundraising sources, we have not been in a position to realise the long-term benefits of this in the current landscape.”

However the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) said announced it was assessing the charity after concerns were raised by a number of members of the public about the sudden closure.

Following the investigation, OSCR concluded that there was “no inappropriate financial management” at Mental Health Aberdeen, which led to its sudden closure.

An OSCR Spokesperson said: “OSCR’s inquiry into Mental Health Aberdeen (SC012306) concluded in December 2025.

“OSCR is satisfied from the information we received during our inquiry that the actions of the charity trustees were consistent with the general duties required under Scottish charity law, and that there was no inappropriate financial management which led to the charity becoming insolvent.

“As a result, we have closed this inquiry.”