The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association visited Foggie/Aberchirder & District Men Shed today (24th September 2020) to collect the Scottish ‘Men’s Shed of the Year’ targe trophy ready to handover to 2020 winner, The Inverclyde Shed.

ADMS was delighted to receive their replica trophy (created by David Young Training) to forever recognise them as the inaugural winner of the prestigious title in 2019.

The public has voted and—after 1,579 votes and a very close race—The Inverclyde Shed has been crowned Scottish ‘Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2020 by the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA).

It was neck and neck between the three shortlisted Sheds as the public voted online for their winner from Garnock Valley Men’s Shed, The Inverclyde Shed and Kinross & District Men’s Shed. 

The Inverclyde Shed was announced as the winner—receiving 573 (36%) of the votes—at the SMSA AGM & ’Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2020 on Wednesday 16th September on Zoom.  Garnock Valley Men’s Shed came a close second with 511 votes and Kinross & District Men’s Shed was the second runner-up with 495. 

Chairman of The Inverclyde Shed, Bruce Newlands, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this prestigious award and title.  This shows a huge vote of confidence that there are really good people doing some really great things here in Inverclyde!

“It was encouraging to hear Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed share what they have gained from winning the SMSA award last year and we hope to be just as successful.  We plan to really maximise the potential of this opportunity to further promote ourselves in our local community, and with funders, to expand our offering and attract more men along to our Sheds.

“It must be recognised that, although this is a competition, there is absolutely no rivalry with our fellow Men’s Sheds.  Sheds are all at different stages and sizes and we have only been inspired, encouraged and supported by other Sheds to implement activities and ideas that have worked for them. We invested in a 3D printer after hearing about Kinross & District Men’s Shed creating face visors for frontline workers and launched a carving club after hearing about the success of the modellers’ club offering at Garnock Valley Men’s Shed.  This award showcases the great work being carried out by Sheds across Scotland so we can share knowledge and ideas to improve the health and wellbeing of the men in our communities.”

The Inverclyde Shed was formally constituted in January 2018, offering a safe place for men to make friends, learn new skills and mentor others at its first 700sqft Shed at Captain Street in Greenock.  The charity has grown from strength to strength and now has a board of six from a cohort of 45 active voting members and almost 500 associate members.  The Shed expanded its offering to include a second 700sqft workshop space by mid-2019.   

In March 2019, the Shed successfully secured funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to cover rent for the next five years.  In August 2019, the Shedders took on the management of a community garden space in Gourock and were successful with a Community Asset Transfer – 25-year low cost lease request – for a 4,000sqft industrial unit in Greenock in March 2020. Renovation is targeted to start in May 2021 subject to success with the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. The charity has also recently been able to open a smaller Shed focused on digital fabrication/distance working in Gourock, partly as a response to Covid-19 but also to attract a younger demographic. 

The three finalists each received a cash prize from the SMSA; free or discounted Machine Competency and Woodwork training day from partner, David Young Training; and a year’s free Shed accounts package from Thyme Accountants to support the Shed Treasurer.  The winner also received the esteemed targe trophy and a £100 voucher from partner, Axminster Tools & Machinery.

Last year’s winner, Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed (ADMS), will hand over the esteemed targe trophy at a physically-distanced handover in the near future.  ADMS has been busy in lockdown designing and producing a unique stand for the trophy to be passed on to this year’s winner.  ADMS received a surprise at the online awards event when they were shown a replica of the trophy, created by David Young Training, to display in their Shed to forever recognise them as the Awards’ inaugural winner.

*VOTING CLOSED AT MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2020*

It is time for the public to have their say on who will be crowned this year’s Scottish ‘Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2020.

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has today announced the top three Men’s Sheds shortlisted for this prestigious award that recognises and rewards the contribution and impact Men’s Sheds make to society.

The three Scottish Men’s Sheds shortlisted by SMSA’s Board of Trustees from all the applications received were announced as Garnock Valley Men’s Shed, Inverclyde Shed and Kinross & District Men’s Shed.

Jason Schroeder, SMSA’s Executive Officer, said: “The applications were of an incredibly high standard and it was certainly a difficult decision for our judging panel. The awards not only showcase the Sheds for the fantastic work that they do but also promotes good practice and inspires other men to set up new Men’s Sheds across Scotland where there is a need.

“It has been great to read about all the life-changing activities taking place in the Sheds but this year’s applications have also highlighted the Covid-19 support that Shedders have provided in their communities and also how they stayed connected to each other during these unprecedented times.  The public has a week to vote to crown their winner and truly recognise and reward the impact Sheds have in their localities.”

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the awards event will take place virtually on Zoom this year and will coincide with the Association’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 16th September 2019.

The winner and two runners-up will be announced on the day.  The winner will receive the esteemed targe trophy – designed and collectively created by SMSA and several Sheds – to display at their Shed for a year – on top of a cash prize. 

Other prizes include a free machine competency and woodwork training day from David Young Training (plus runner up discounts with a collective value of over £1,000); accounts packages from Thyme Accountancy (worth over £500) and a gift voucher from Axminster Tools & Machinery.