Board of Trustees
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE SMSA
Our Patron - Sir Harry Burns
Sir Harry Burns is a distinguished public health expert and former Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, renowned for his work on health inequalities and wellbeing. As patron of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association, he champions initiatives that support men’s health, social connection, and community engagement.
DONALD REID
Chairman
Donald Reid, Chairman of the Fort William Men’s Shed, became the SMSA Chairman in August 2026. Donald is the SMSA’s first-ever Highlands-based Trustee – ensuring this vital region has a voice at the table.
Donald brings with him a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Sheds in more rural and remote communities, helping the SMSA further strengthen its mission of supporting all Scottish Sheds.
Now based in Corpach, Donald is a passionate advocate for community, connection and volunteering.
A lifelong Glaswegian until moving up north with his wife in 2023 to be closer to family—children (Carrie and Graeme) and two grandchildren. Donald brings decades of leadership and people-focused experience — from running global sales with Moorcroft Pottery to 18 years as secretary of Glasgow Accies Rugby Club. Donald has travelled extensively and retired in 2016.
A founding member of the Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed, he believes deeply in the power of Shed life to foster camaraderie, purpose and support—especially for men seeking meaningful social connection and a desire to help others in the community.
FRANCIS EDWARDS
Secretary
Francis is a member of the newly-formed Sanday Men’s Shed in the Northern Isles of Orkney. He is recently retired after 30 years of palliative care nursing within the NHS and hospice movement. Francis was previously involved, in his early days of nursing, in setting up a ‘Well Men’s Clinic’.
Francis moved to Orkney when he retired to live the dream of island life and joined Sanday Men’s Shed mainly for the fellowship but also to pick up a few DIY skills, which he freely admits to currently having none. He is a recent convert to the Men Shed movement but is full of enthusiasm for its values and mission.
Francis brings a voice from our island communities as well as his wealth of health experience from working in the NHS for three decades.
RONNIE TAPPENDEN
Treasurer
Ronnie Tappenden joined the SMSA Board as a Trustee in August 2026.
Living in Midlothian with his wife, Ronnie is a founding member of Gorebridge Men’s Shed and a former member of Dalkeith Men’s Shed.
He has been actively involved in the Men’s Shed movement for a number of years and is passionate about the positive impact Sheds have on men’s health, wellbeing and community connections.
Originally from Airdrie, Ronnie has lived in Gorebridge for more than 24 years and remains closely involved with his local community. As both a full-time carer and someone living with a disability, he brings valuable lived experience, resilience and understanding to his role as a Trustee.
Ronnie is committed to supporting the growth and development of Men’s Sheds across Scotland and helping ensure they continue to provide welcoming spaces where men can connect, contribute and thrive.
DAVID GARDNER
Trustee and Former Chairman
David became Chairman of the SMSA in 2020 and stepped down in August 2026.
He was the Vice Chair of Garnock Valley Men’s Shed (GVMS) and after many years at the helm, stepped down in late 2023 but remains a trustee at his local Shed. He is very enthusiastic about the Men’s Shed concept and ongoing development.
ARCHIE PEEBLES
Trustee
Archie joined the UK Civil Aviation Authority as an Air Traffic Control Assistant by the Civil Aviation Authority in 1979 and employed to 2001 at Aberdeen Airport, duties included working alongside Air Traffic Controllers, dealing with flight plan and weather information in connection with the movement of aircraft.
He worked at West Drayton and Swanwick Air Traffic Control Centres in Southern England, between 2001 and 2009 as part of the team managing the core ATC computer system.
Archie has served as secretary of Inverurie Community Council since 2010. In 2014 when the steering group for Inverurie & District Men’s Shed was formed, he joined as a member – Archie attends regularly and is the former Chairman.
GUS McLAFFERTY
Trustee
Gus is Chairman of the Men’s Shed Dalry in the West Coast and brings a wealth of experience following a 44-year career with BT, most recently leading service assurance for fibre rollout across the North of the UK.
A lifelong cyclist and former Scotland National Team manager, Gus is deeply embedded in the cycling world and community life.
Gus chairs the Ivy Cycling Club in Glasgow and served as Chairman of the West of Scotland Cycling Association for five years during the late 1990s.
Gus co-founded Men’s Shed Dalry in May 2022 and is proud to now spend his retirement connecting with ‘new mates’ through the Shed, often with cycling as the common thread.
WILSON GEORGE
Trustee
Wilson is the founding member of the Hawick Men’s Shed. He has been a Community Councillor for several years and also a trustee for the Borders Older People’s Forum.
JOIN THE SMSA BOARD
Are you interested in joining SMSA’s Board of Trustees to support and represent Men’s Sheds across Scotland?
The role of the SMSA Board is to develop strategies that ensure the charity is effective, robust and financially capable of supporting its membership and the growing Movement.
The Board meets around five to six times a year. Board members can attend meetings in person or online.
It is desirable that SMSA Board Members:
- be a member of a Scottish Men’s Shed
- become a ‘Shed Ambassador’ to champion the development and growth of Men’s Sheds in their area/region
The SMSA has ambitious growth and development plans afoot. If you feel you could benefit your region and the national Scottish Men’s Shed Movement by being a Trustee on our Board—or know someone in your Shed who fits the bill— please get in touch with us. Contact the SMSA CEO on 07397382533 or email ceo@scottishmsa.org.uk to discuss.