Scottish Men’s Sheds take top Community Led Regeneration honour at 2025 SURF Awards
Scottish Men’s Sheds take top Community Led Regeneration honour at 2025 SURF Awards
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) – Scotland’s largest men’s health and wellbeing charity – has been announced as the winner in the Community Led Regeneration category at this year’s prestigious SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration. The winners were revealed at a celebratory event at Glasgow’s Voco Grand Central Hotel, attended by over 280 guests this week.
The SURF Awards, now in their 27th year, recognise initiatives across Scotland that address physical, social, and economic challenges in local communities. The awards are delivered annually by SURF in partnership with the Scottish Government and supported by a range of national and regional organisations.
The SMSA was recognised at the event for its role in supporting Scotland’s network of 210 community-led Men’s Sheds. As the national body, the charity empowers men aged 18+ to create safe, welcoming spaces where they can connect, share skills, and build meaningful relationships. This combined model of local action and national support has proven transformative and not only tackles social isolation, loneliness, and boredom, but also promotes personal development, strengthens intergenerational community ties, and provides participants with a sense of purpose and belonging.
Many Scottish Men’s Sheds are also making use of the Community Asset Transfer process and Community Empowerment Act, often taking on empty or run-down buildings and bringing them back to life for community benefit. In doing so, they are also generating significant social and financial returns on the investment. By harnessing the wide range of skills of their members, these community-led projects transform neglected spaces into vibrant hubs that benefit both local people and the wider community across Scotland.
Representatives of the SMSA were personally congratulated on their achievements by Kate Forbes, Scottish Government Deputy First Minister, alongside other category winners including initiatives in creative regeneration, employability, housing, and improving Scotland’s places.
SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition – not just for the SMSA charity but this award is for all Men’s Sheds across Scotland supporting over 12,000 men in their communities. Sheds are more than just spaces to learn or work on projects—they are lifelines that foster connection, skills-sharing, and wellbeing. This award celebrates the commitment of our Shedders, all volunteers, across Scotland and the local communities who make this possible. Together, Scottish Men’s Sheds and the SMSA represent a powerful model of community-led regeneration in Scotland — one that is authentic, inclusive and built to last.”
Emma Scott, Awards and Communications Manager at SURF, said: “The 2025 SURF Award finalists again demonstrate the committed work of regeneration initiatives to showcase what can be achieved when people work collaboratively to make a lasting change within their respective communities.”
Brian MacDonald, Chair of SURF, added: “Over 27 years, the SURF Awards have consistently attracted entrants of the highest quality. SMSA’s work is an inspiring example of community-led regeneration, showing how dedicated partners and volunteers can make a tangible difference.”
Kate Forbes, Scottish Government Deputy First Minister said: “The SURF Awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of communities leading the way in regeneration. The shortlisted projects show how local action can drive meaningful change — socially, economically, and physically — while also embracing sustainability and innovation at their core.
“Regeneration is not just about improving places; it’s about supporting the conditions for resilient communities to thrive in the face of evolving challenges and address local priorities on their own terms. It is right that we celebrate and learn from this year’s shortlisted projects.”
To learn more about the SMSA charity, join as an individual member for FREE and discover your local Shed using the Scottish ‘Find a Shed’ map, which lists over 210 Sheds nationwide, please visit www.scottishmsa.org.uk.
