Cancer Support Scotland has closed with immediate affect after supporting cancer patients for 40 years.

The charity said that the cost-of-living crisis and falling fundraising income had contributed to the decision.

In a statement posted on its website it said the charity’s trustees, staff and management “had worked tirelessly to find a way forward that would allow the charity to continue to deliver its support to people affected by cancer, but this has not been possible”.

The statement adds: “The need for wellbeing support for those affected by cancer has continued to grow – but sadly a combination of rising costs, challenging operating conditions and a reduction in fundraising income over the last few years left the trustees with no other choice but to close the charity.

“For over 40 years Cancer Support Scotland offered mental health and wellbeing support to people affected by cancer. In that time the charity has made a positive impact on many thousands of lives.

“Even in the most challenging of times, our services have continued and thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters Cancer Support Scotland was able to deliver services up until the day of closure.

“Many thanks to all the staff and volunteers, past and present, who have given their time and effort to improving the lives of people with cancer.

The charity is now looking to appoint a liquidator and is recommending cancer patients call Macmillan Cancer Support.

The charity’s spending has been exceeding its income since 2022.

Its income dropped markedly between 2021 to 2022 from £745,306 to £457,685, according to the Scottish Charity Regulator’s register.

Since that year its spending has outstripped its income. In 2023 its income was £477,553 and it spent £602,904.

Former Scottish Cancer Coalition chair David Ferguson said the charity had “provided valuable practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer, and as part of the Scottish Cancer Coalition did much to influence national cancer strategy”.

I'm so sorry Cancer Support Scotland has closed down. They provided valuable practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer, and as part of the Scottish Cancer Coalition did much to influence national cancer strategy. Thank you and very best wishes to the CSS team. pic.twitter.com/yNihT9Fx0y

— David Ferguson (@MrF472) June 13, 2024

The charity is one of several that have been forced to close citing concerns around the cost-of-living crisis and falling income.

This has included the closure of 75-year-old charity British Youth Council in March due to financial challenges.

Wales based charity The Care Collective closed in the same month citing “long standing financial challenges”.

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