Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about leaving a gift in your Will and how your legacy can make a lasting impact.

What is a legacy gift?

A legacy gift (also known as a bequest) is a donation left to a charity in your Will. It can be a portion of your estate, a specific sum of money, or an item of value. Legacy gifts are an impactful way to support the causes you care about after your lifetime. By leaving a legacy gift to Age Scotland, you’ll be helping older people across Scotland for years to come.

Why should I leave a legacy gift to Age Scotland in my Will? 

Each year, nearly half of our donated income is made possible by the incredible generosity of supporters who leave a gift to Age Scotland in their Will. Legacies are essential in enabling us to plan for the future and ensure we can be there to support older people as they face the challenges of later life, ensuring they receive the care, advice, and friendship they need.

How can I leave a gift to Age Scotland?

• Step 1. Decide who you will name as executors. These are the people who will make sure your wishes are fulfilled.
• Step 2. Calculate the value of your assets and decide what type of gift you would like to leave to Age Scotland.
• Step 3. Choose the people you would like to include in your will. This ensures your family and friends are provided for when you are no longer around.  
• Step 4. Consider leaving a gift to Age Scotland in your Will. Every gift, no matter the size, will help us reach more people who need our support.
• Step 5. Write your Will using a solicitor. Take a look at our Making a Will guide for advice on what you need to consider when writing your Will. There are various ways in which a Will can be created, so it’s important you understand the steps that can be taken. We also have a free Will writing service in partnership with Solicitors For Older People Scotland.
• Step 6. If you would like to tell us about a gift you have left in your Will, please use our online pledge form or email legacies@agescotland.org.uk. You can also speak to our Legacy Lead in person, they would love to hear from you. Call today on 0131 668 8035.

What type of gifts can I leave to Age Scotland in my Will?

There are several types of gifts you can leave in your Will:

• A share of your estate (residuary gift): You can leave a percentage of what remains of your estate after your loved ones have been taken care of.
• A specific sum (pecuniary gift): This is a fixed amount of money.
• A specific item: This could be valuable assets such as property, jewellery, or shares.

Do I need to have a large estate to leave a gift?

Not at all. Every gift, no matter how large or small, makes a difference. Even a modest sum can help improve the lives of older people across Scotland.

Can I choose how my gift is used?

Yes, you can. Some people prefer to leave an unrestricted gift, allowing us to use the funds where the need is greatest. Others choose to support specific areas of our work, such as our Helpline or Friendship Service to more specific projects like About Dementia. We recommend discussing your wishes with us, so we can ensure your legacy aligns with your intentions.

Will my family be taken care of first?

Absolutely. When making your Will, you should always ensure your loved ones are taken care of. Any gift you leave to Age Scotland should come after your personal commitments have been addressed.

Is there any tax benefit to leaving a gift in my Will?

Yes. Gifts left to registered charities like Age Scotland are free from Inheritance Tax. This could reduce the tax payable on your estate, meaning more of your assets can go to the causes and people you care about.

Do I need to tell you if I’ve included Age Scotland in my Will?

We would love to hear from you if you have included a gift to Age Scotland. It helps us plan for the future and allows us to thank you for your kind gesture and ensures we communicate with you appropriately in the future. By keeping in touch with you, you’ll see the positive impact has for older people today and how your legacy may benefit others in the future. However, whether you choose to tell us is entirely up to you, and your decision will remain confidential. You can also opt out of any communications from us if you prefer. If you use our free Will writing service, the solicitor will not share details of any gifts left to us.

If you would like to tell us about a gift you have left in your Will, please use our online pledge form or email legacies@agescotland.org.uk. You can also speak to our Legacy Lead in person, they would love to hear from you. Call 0131 668 8035 to get in touch.

How do I choose an executor?

Everyone needs to choose an executor for their Will. Anyone aged 18 or over can be an executor, even if they benefit from your Will. You can have up to four but usually two, the recommended minimum, is more straightforward and manageable. You’ll want to choose people you trust, who are organised and competent with paperwork. You can appoint a professional, but they will usually charge for the service. Age Scotland cannot act as an executor of your Will.

Can you help me make a Will?

If you’re concerned about the cost of making a Will, we offer a free Will writing service in partnership with Solicitors for Older People Scotland. The service is available to anyone over the age of 50 living in Scotland.

Using the service doesn’t place you under any obligation to remember Age Scotland in your Will but we hope you’ll take a moment to consider the difference you could make to older people and ensuring we can be there when they need us in the future.

I already have a Will; how can I add a gift to Age Scotland to my Will?

If you already have a Will, you can amend it to include a gift to Age Scotland without needing to rewrite the whole document. This is done by adding a codicil—a simple legal document that updates your existing Will. It’s recommended to consult a solicitor to ensure the codicil is properly drafted and witnessed.

What is the correct wording to include a gift to Age Scotland in my Will?

To ensure your gift is legally valid and goes to the right places, it’s important to use the correct wording. Here are some examples:

• For a residuary gift: “I give [all/a share] of the residue of my estate, amounting to [insert percentage]%, to Age Scotland, registered charity number SC010100, of 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR, for its general charitable purposes. I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer of Age Scotland shall be a full and sufficient discharge for my executors.”
• For a pecuniary gift: “I give the sum of £[insert amount] to Age Scotland, registered charity number SC010100, of 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR, for its general charitable purposes. I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer of Age Scotland shall be a full and sufficient discharge for my executors.”
• For a specific item: “I give [description of item] to Age Scotland, registered charity number SC010100, of 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR, for its general charitable purposes. I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer of Age Scotland shall be a full and sufficient discharge for my executors.”

Your solicitor will be able to support you with this and ensure you choose the correct wording.

How do I find out more about leaving a gift in my Will?

You can view or download our Age Scotland legacy brochure here, or contact our Legacy and In Memory Lead, Richenda Thomson on Legacies@agescotland.org.uk who will be happy to answer any of your questions.

I am acting as executor for someone else’s legacy gift, how do I pay you?

If you're acting on behalf of someone who has passed away and has left a gift in their Will, please visit our Information for executors page.