Dear Friends of the Utah Scottish Association,

We are writing to inform you of a serious financial matter affecting the Utah Scottish Association and, regrettably, many of the individuals and businesses who supported and participated in our 2026 Festival. During the course of the 2026 Festival, financial irregularities were discovered involving Association funds. Immediately following the close of the Festival, the Association began an in-depth review of its financial records and accounts. That review revealed a significant misappropriation of funds and has left the Association without sufficient funds to meet all of its current financial obligations.

 

Upon discovery of the apparent misappropriation, the matter was reported to local law enforcement, and there is currently an active investigation. Because this is an active investigation, there are details that the Association cannot responsibly disclose at this time. We ask for your understanding in this regard. Our intention is to be as transparent as possible while ensuring that nothing we communicate publicly interferes with or compromises the investigation. What we can say is that our former treasurer and festival director Mr. Jared Wayne Hunt has been charged with felony theft by deception by the Salt Lake County District Attorney.

We recognize the seriousness of this situation and the financial hardship it may create for our vendors, entertainers, contractors, members, and others who are owed payment. Many of you provided goods, services, time, and talent in good faith and with the expectation that the Utah Scottish Association would honor its commitments. We deeply regret that the Association is presently unable to fulfill those obligations as originally expected. Please understand that we are committed to addressing this situation responsibly and transparently. We will make every reasonable effort to repay the legitimate debts owed by the Association. As we complete our financial review and determine the full extent of the Association's financial position, we will work to establish a fair and responsible process for repayment.

We also ask for patience while this process continues. A thorough accounting is necessary so that we can identify all outstanding obligations, determine the resources available to the Association, and develop a realistic plan for repayment. We do not want to make promises regarding specific payment dates or amounts until we are confident that those commitments can be honored.

The Utah Scottish Association has long depended upon the trust, generosity, participation, and support of its members, vendors, performers, volunteers, sponsors, and the broader Scottish community. We understand that this situation has damaged that trust. Rebuilding it will require more than words; it will require transparency, accountability, appropriate financial safeguards, and responsible action.

We intend to provide additional information to affected parties as it becomes available and as we are permitted to do so while the investigation remains active. Those who are owed money by the Association will not be forgotten, and repayment of our legitimate obligations will remain a priority as we work through this difficult financial situation.

To our vendors and entertainment participants in particular, we recognize that these unpaid obligations affect your businesses and livelihoods. We sincerely regret the position in which this has placed you and appreciate the patience and professionalism many of you have already shown.

Thank you for your understanding and continued patience as the Utah Scottish Association works with law enforcement, determines the full extent of the financial loss, addresses its outstanding obligations, and implements safeguards intended to prevent a situation like this from occurring again.

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Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Utah Scottish Association