There are a number of ways in which you can invest in the Trust. Shares can be bought and sold through a stockbroker, share shop or bank, or fund supermarket.

The administration of the Martin Currie FundsCirlce savings plan, ISA and PEP was transferred to Alliance Trust Savings on 27 February 2006. Shareholder queries should now be directed to 01382 201900 for existing investors and 08000 326323 for new investors, or contact@alliancetrusts.com.

What about tax?
If you are a UK investor, holding shares means that you will have two areas of potential tax liability to think about - income tax and capital gains tax. Please note that although the explanation below is based on the current position, tax law can change and such changes may not be foreseeable.

When income is distributed, reinvested or accumulated, income tax at a rate of 10% is deducted from the amount distributed, reinvested or accumulated. If you pay tax at the basic or lower rate, no further tax is payable on the income. But if you pay tax at a higher rate, additional income tax is payable on the income.

You may also be liable to capital gains tax if a gain made on the sale of a holding brings your total capital gains for the tax year over the annual limit - currently £9,200.

Investing in an ISA lets you shelter up to £7,000 per tax year of stockmarket investments from both income and capital gains tax.

Although you can no longer add contributions to a PEP or open a new one, you can still hold previous PEP investments and continue to enjoy tax-free returns.

The above applies only to UK residents for tax purposes. If you are in any doubt about your tax position, you should consult a professional adviser. Tax levels and levels of relief may change and depend on your individual circumstances.