Inverness Shed takes top regional honour
Inverness Shed takes top regional honour in Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year Awards 2025
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) – Scotland’s largest member-led men’s health and wellbeing charity –is proud to announce that Inverness Men’s Shed has been selected as the Highlands and Islands Regional Winner in the Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year Awards 2025. In the first year of the awards’ new regional format, Inverness Men’s Shed stood out for its outstanding commitment to community, craftsmanship, and camaraderie.
Located at The Pavilion, Victoria Drive, Inverness, the Shed is open five days a week and boasts an impressive membership with Shedders aged from their 50s to 90s. Their vibrant, inclusive programme offers something for everyone—from woodworking and IT training to discussion groups and health-focused activities.
Murdo Maciver, Chairman of Inverness Men’s Shed, said: “Inverness Men’s Shed started in a rented building in the Crown area in 2014 but soon outgrew those premises due to popular demand. In January 2021, thanks to Highland Council and the Community Asset Transfer scheme, we secured a 99-year lease on the old sports pavilion near Millburn Academy. Despite the extent of refurbishment required and the restrictions of COVID-19, our members rolled up their sleeves and transformed it—re-plumbing, rewiring, installing heating, and creating new access and parking.”
The Shed provides a warm, fully accessible space that supports a diverse range of interests and abilities. Weekly activities include the “Talking and Writing” group on Mondays, the iPad Group on Tuesday afternoons, the Windows Training Group on Wednesdays, and the Friendship Group on Thursdays—often featuring guest speakers. Meanwhile, the Projects Group meets throughout the week to take on everything from crafting playground equipment to building wildlife nest boxes, making the Shed a vibrant hub of creativity and connection.
“Some of our members are physically limited and find value in the gentle pace and warm companionship of our social spaces,” Murdo explains. “Others come for hands-on, challenging projects. But all benefit from positive, social interaction that helps tackle loneliness and social isolation. Our regular email newsletter also keeps everyone informed and connected, even when they are unable to attend.”
The group’s community outreach is equally impressive, with members contributing their skills to support local schools, refurbish council benches, and even assist the National Trust for Scotland with conservation work.
“It is fantastic recognition, for our members’ dedication and community spirit, to win this regional title and be in the running to take the national Shed of the Year award,” Murdo added.
SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder said: “Inverness Men’s Shed is a shining example of what a Men’s Shed can achieve. From reviving an unused space to fostering meaningful relationships within their membership and wider community, they embody the true spirit of the Men’s Shed movement. We are delighted to recognise their efforts as the Highlands and Islands Regional Winner.”
Each of the five regional winners now go forward to the SMSA Board of Trustees who will decide on the top three going forward as finalists and to be voted upon by the SMSA individual members for the prestigious Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year 2025 national title. The announcement will be made later this year at the SMSA’s annual gathering, AGM and awards event on Friday 3rd October 2025 at Perth & Kinross Council Chambers and Civic Hall.
The fourth and fifth placed Sheds receive their regional title in addition to a certificate and £250 towards Shed running costs from the SMSA. The three finalist Sheds will receive their own regional title, targe trophy, certificate and an array of prizes and funds from the SMSA, and awards partners and sponsors to support their Shed.
To learn more about the SMSA, join as an individual member for FREE and find your local Shed, please visit www.scottishmsa.org.uk
