Directorate change

ABERFORTH SMALLER COMPANIES TRUST plc


Retirement of Chairman


The Board of Aberforth Smaller Companies Trust plc confirm that, as stated in
the  Chairman's Statement dated 20 January 2005, Mr Bill Hughes retired  from
the  Board  as  Chairman and a Director of the Company on conclusion  of  the
Annual  General  Meeting  held  yesterday, 23 February  2005.  As  previously
intimated, Mr David Shaw has been appointed Chairman.



Contact for enquiries:-

David Holland
Aberforth Partners, Secretaries
0131 220 0733