Petition: Scottish Men’s Sheds – Call for Men’s Health Support

The SMSA is reaching out to its members and the public to ask them to support its petition which will be sent to the First Minister for Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister for Scotland John Swinney.

This is a call for action for the Scottish Government to reverse their decision to stop core funding of the national association and a proposed start-up and development fund for Scottish Men’s Sheds like our counterparts benefit from in Australia and Ireland. 

Please sign this very important petition – it takes less than a minute – to improve men’s health and wellbeing in Scotland.

PLEASE SIGN & SHARE

We also urge you to please share this petition far and wide with family, friends and fellow supporters of the Men’s Sheds Movement in Scotland through word of mouth, meetings and through your social media accounts.  

Sign the petition

Raise awareness with your MSP

The SMSA also urges Scottish Men’s Sheds to contact their MSP’s and send them a letter or use our template letter to raise awareness of this campaign.

What is the petition all about?

In a post-pandemic world, when reducing social isolation and loneliness and reconnecting with our communities once again is paramount, the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) is making a call for action for the government to continue to financially support the national hub of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement and men’s health and wellbeing.

The SMSA was formed in 2014 to create a new national health movement for men which did not previously exist in Scotland and share their unique Men’s Shed development pathway strategy to new groups. Since 2016, the Association has expanded into: Shed-specific tailored information such as policies and constitutions; mediation support; consultation with a hard-to-reach group; promotion of the work of the sector; discounts from SMSA partners for Sheds to reduce costs; sustainability strategy advice; co-production for the voice of men’s health in a variety of sectors and Cross-Party groups; and a national membership programme for its Shed Members and 3,000+ Individual Members.

The SMSA’s initial start-up funding was received from the Scottish Government in 2016 but unlike the successful developmental statutory support of the Australian and Irish governments for their respective Men’s Shed movements, ours has been reduced over the years and now stopped.

We have been successful in attracting other funders in recent years to cover this shortfall however require statutory funding as the demand for services and support increases immensely. Despite a meeting with Scottish Government where the SMSA Chief Executive, SMSA Chairman and SMSA Patron, Sir Harry Burns (the former Chief Medical Officer for Scotland) appealed for increased support for the charity and the movement, the decision was unfortunately made in February 2022 by three Ministers (proposed new trilateral funding strategy) to rather stop all statutory funding to the SMSA going forward in 2023.

Now is not the time to abandon and disinvest in this successful men’s health movement that is voluntarily engaging with and reaching men and changing and saving lives. These volunteers need our support now more than ever as evidenced by the ever-increasing growth in our membership.  

As we near the 10-year anniversary of the opening of the first Men’s Shed in Scotland, we now celebrate over 200 open and developing Men’s Sheds groups across Scotland (in all 32 local authority areas) reaching and supporting 10,000+ men aged 18 or over. This year, we also welcomed the completion and findings of our four-year partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University’s research (£150,000) – Sheds for Sustainable Development Project.

Our three-year development plans (2023-2026) have taken into account this research and core statutory developmental funding is required if the movement is to not only continue to grow but remain sustainable for its volunteers and their health and wellbeing. We strongly believe that the current number of Men’s Sheds in Scotland (202) has only reached just under half (45%) of what it could be.

We, the undersigned, ask the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Scotland to take action to ensure the SMSA has the core funding required to meet the needs of this thriving men’s health movement in Scotland and to create a start-up and development fund, as per our manifesto, to offer to new and existing Men’s Sheds across the nation.
 

Why is it important?

With an alarming rise in suicide amongst Scottish men – 75% of the people who died by suicide in Scotland last year were male – and with already-stretched resources and reduced funding as demand for our services increases, the SMSA is lobbying for a directional change to ensure the charity is around to support future generations of Shedders and keep the spotlight on men’s health.   
The SMSA pledges to continue making a real difference by empowering thousands of men (our sons, brothers, fathers, uncles and grandfathers) and their communities – over the coming years – to play their part in a system change towards a wellbeing economy.

By trailblazing this male health movement as we have from the beginning, we strive for social change to ultimately secure its future growth and the national statutory investment it rightly deserves.

Kinross and District Men’s Shed’s Chairman David Conner said: “The SMSA has been a wonderful support and a great centre of information and advice. Without the SMSA, it is safe to say, we and some other local Sheds would not exist without their help steering us in the right direction—through the obstacles and bureaucracy that is thrown at you especially when starting something new— and enabling us to become self-sufficient.”
 
#menssheds #menswellbeing #menshealth #menmatter #shedicine #nevermoreneeded

The Scottish Shedder – Edition 30 (October 2022)

The SMSA is delighted to present its October 2022 edition of The Scottish Shedder magazine.

The Scottish Shedder features the latest news, events, DIY projects, personal stories and health matters relevant to Men’s Sheds in Scotland. Read this issue at your leisure using the downloadable pdf or flipbook version (below).

In this edition:

SMSA NEWS: The SMSA needs your support
SMSA Chief Executive Officer Jason Schroeder asks in his Talking Sheds feature (on page 3) for your support. In February 2022, Scottish Ministers made the decision to stop statutory funding to the SMSA. Jason urges all who support the SMSA and the Scottish Men’s Shed Movement to talk to their MSP’s and lobby for a directional change. 

SMSA NEWS: The SMSA hits two major membership milestones
The SMSA is celebrating hitting two major milestones with its individual membership scheme. The national association welcomed its 3,000th member and in the month of August, the SMSA also marked its highest intake of new members with a staggering 76 new individual members joining.

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Forth Valley Men’s Shed
Forth Valley Men’s Shed’s new Chairman Kenny Quinn talks to the SMSA to give an insight into their Shed’s six-year journey. 

A PERSONAL STORY: Richard Packer from Fraserburgh & District Men’s Shed
The SMSA interviews veteran Richard Packer (52) on how joining the Shed—along with his service dog, Ace—and becoming a Trustee has impacted on his life.

SHED AWARDS: It’s time to vote!
Voting has now opened for the public to have their say on who will be crowned ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2022. The 2022 finalists are Inverurie & District Men’s Shed, Lanark Men’s Shed and Men’s Shed Govan.

SHED LIFE: Newton Stewart Men’s Shed secures new Pavillion home
The SMSA chats to Carl Annall, Secretary at Newton Stewart Men’s Shed who received the keys to their new home at The Pavilion on Kirroughtree Avenue in Minnigaff last month. The Shedders are currently busy in painting mode and transforming the facilities to meet the needs of their 46 members.

SHED LIFE: A ‘new beginning’ for Bridge of Don and District Men’s Shed
The SMSA’s visits Bridge of Don and District Men’s Shed to hear all about their big announcement that they have secured new rent-free premises at the former Oldmachar Community Preschool building on Jesmond Drive in Aberdeen.

SHED LIFE: Armadale Shed: Making intergenerational connections in the community
Over the last four years, Armadale Shed has worked in partnership with Armadale Academy to mentor and support their students to develop skills for life and work.

SHED PROJECT: Wee County Men’s Shed’s refurbishment of ‘The Devon Way’ Sign 
Wee County Men’s Shed receives a request from the Dollar Community Development Trust to restore ‘The Devon Way’ Sign back to its former beauty.

SHED PROJECT: Aberchirder & District Shedder helps fellow members forge welding skills 
Despite Covid delays, Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed’s new welding Shed is all fired up as their metal and forge master, Stan Smart starts mentoring his fellow Shedders.

And much more…

What do you think of The Scottish Shedder?

SMSA is keen to hear what you think of the publication and has created an online survey to gauge your thoughts and opinions. Your feedback is appreciated to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our readership.

Contribute to the next issue of The Scottish Shedder

We urge you to maximise the potential of this resource by sending us your updates to showcase your Shed and raise awareness of the Men’s Sheds Movement in Scotland. 

The deadline for the next magazine (Edition 31, December 2022) is Friday 2nd December 2022.

Men’s Sheds to ‘pop-up’ across Scotland at participating Scotmid stores on International Men’s Day

Carluke Men’s Shed popped up at their local Scotmid store in Law during Men’s Health Week in June 2022.

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has teamed up with Scotmid yet again to offer Scottish Men’s Sheds a promotional opportunity to mark International Men’s Day on Saturday 19th November 2022.

During Men’s Health Week 2022 back in June, the SMSA partnered with Scotmid to offer a full-day exhibition space to raise awareness of the Men’s Shed closest to the store and attract new Shed members. Following the success of this, the SMSA and Scotmid are repeating the opportunity for International Men’s Day and offering a ‘pop-up’ space (9.30am – 6.30pm) – to accommodate a 6ft table, banner and up to two Shed representatives – for the local Men’s Shed on Saturday 19th November 2022..

Register your Shed’s interest

The participating stores on Saturday 19th November are:

Scotmid StoreAddress 2Address 3Post Code
479 Old Edinburgh RoadUddingstonGlasgowG71 6BL
3 Craigour RoadTorphinsAberdeenshireAB31 4HE
1 Carriers CroftLewistonDrumnadrochitIV63 6AG
1 Southfield DriveElginMorayIV30 6GR
6 Main StreetBalernoMidlothianEH14 7EH
Culloden RoadBallochInvernessIV2 7HQ
55 The LoanSouth QueensferryWest LothianEH30 9SD
114-116 Hunterfield RoadGorebridgeMidlothianEH23 4TX
6 Mayfield PlaceMayfieldMidlothianEH22 5JG
Unit 5-6 323 Hallhill RoadBarlanarkGlasgowG33 4RJ
6 Bath StreetPortobelloEdinburghEH15 1EY
2 Carfin StreetNew StevenstonMotherwellML1 4JL
44 Main StreetHolytownLanarkshireML1 4TH
2 Main StreetFauldhouseBathgateEH47 9JA
30-36 High StreetCarlukeLanarkshireML8 4AJ
25-27 High Street Bonnybridge FK4 1BZ
22-32 West Main StreetArmadale EH48 3QA
22 Main StreetWest CalderWest LothianEH55 8DR
2A Sycamore WalkBlackburnWest LothianEH47 7LH
55-63 George StreetCoupar AngusPerthshirePH13 9DJ
180-184 High StreetPrestonpans EH32 9AZ
106A High StreetLaurencekirkAberdeenshireAB30 1BJ
45 High StreetInverkeithingFifeKY11 1NL
53/55 Station RoadLawCarlukeML8 5LN
169 Stonefield RoadBlantyreGlasgowG72 9SD
120 Auchinairn RoadBishopbriggsGlasgowG64 1NQ
129 King StreetCastle Douglas DG7 1LZ

Lynne Ogg, Scotmid Community Manager (North region), said: “We are delighted to partner with the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association again to raise awareness of the benefits of Men’s Sheds in our stores to mark International Men’s Day this year.”

Armadale Shed exhibited at their local Scotmid store in June, Secretary Jan Pateman said: “We would like to thank the SMSA for organising this awareness day in conjunction with Scotmid. It gave us an ideal opportunity to chat to members of the public about what the Shed Movement is all about and what we do for both the community and members of the public. It also showed us that many residents had never heard of our Shed despite being in existence for six years so it was also a good public relations exercise. We were also able to chat to members of the community who have used our services and were singing our praises so it is great to know that we must be doing something right.”

As Scotmid has a ‘Charity of the Year’ partnership already in place, Sheds will not have the opportunity to fundraise, however each Shed can display and take orders for their Sheds products on the day. 

Register your Shed’s interest


It’s time to vote for your ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2022!

PLEASE NOTE: VOTING FOR THE 2022 AWARDS HAS NOW CLOSED.

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has announced the top three Scottish Sheds, shortlisted by the SMSA’s Board of Trustees, for this prestigious award that recognises and rewards the contribution and life-changing impact that these vital volunteers – also known as ’Shedders’ – across Scotland are making to their own lives and in their communities.

The 2022 finalists are Inverurie & District Men’s Shed, Lanark Men’s Shed and Men’s Shed Govan.

Inverurie and District Men’s Shed
Lanark Men’s Shed
Men’s Shed Govan

Click on the links below to read each Shed’s entry and story then vote by midnight on Sunday 30th October 2022. 

  1. Inverurie & District Men’s Shed
  2. Lanark Men’s Shed
  3. Men’s Shed Govan

Alex Smith, Chairman of Inverurie & District Men’s Shed, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be in the top three! It is a great accomplishment achieved by the hard work of our Shedders. Fingers crossed now for the big one.”

Sarah Everett from Men’s Shed Govan said: “We are over the moon to be a finalist for this year’s SMSA ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ awards. We have come so far in the last four years and are delighted with our progress. It’s been great to see the camaraderie amongst our members build month on month.”

Alan Ross, Chairman of Lanark Men’s Shed, said: “We have just celebrated our first year and are overwhelmed with this fabulous news. As far as we are concerned, we are winners already. This is a big win for every single one of our members.”

Jason Schroeder, SMSA’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The awards are a chance to showcase the real difference that Sheds are making in their localities to improve the health and wellbeing of men over the age of 18. We are absolutely delighted for our three finalists.  We received an excellent response to this year’s awards in their fourth year – the highest number of entries received to date. The standard of applications has been exceptional and it was a difficult decision for the SMSA Trustees to choose their top three.

“The process is done through ‘blind judging’ and all references to names, areas, regions, partners etc are removed prior to the Trustees having sight of them. This enables our board members to review the applications based on the Men’s Shed model, their growth, their response to members’ needs and the impact they have in their communities without knowing who the application was from.”

The awards event will take place virtually on Zoom again this year and will coincide with the Association’s Annual General Meeting. The winner will receive the esteemed targe trophy to display at their Shed for a year on top of a cash prize from the SMSA (paid back from SMSA Shed membership fees) and goodies from sponsors and partner organisations including:

The public has until midnight on Sunday 30th October 2022 to vote to crown the winner.

Last year’s title went to Westhill & District Men’s Shed – the first-ever Men’s Shed in Scotland. Shed Chairman Marty Kehoe said: “The recognition our Shed received from winning this prestigious title last year was a welcome boost for our members and raised our profile in the community. The trophy is magnificent and a big talking point with all of our visitors. We will certainly miss having it proudly on display but happy to pass the targe on to the next worthy winner.”

The winner and two runners-up will be announced to the public the day after the awards event on Saturday 19th November 2022 to mark and celebrate International Men’s Day.

Scottish Shortbread maker supports Men’s Sheds awards

Nothing goes more hand in hand in a Men’s Shed than some banter over a brew and a good biccy and that is why the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has teamed up with award-winning Scottish shortbread maker, Dean’s of Huntly, as they sponsor the ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2022.

Dean’s – the leading premium manufacturer of the best shortbread, biscuits and hand-baked products for over 47 years – is supporting the prestigious awards that showcase Scottish Men’s Sheds and all they have to offer their members.

SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder said: “We are pleased to announce Dean’s as an awards’ sponsor this year. Our annual awards recognise and reward the life-changing impact that Men’s Sheds are making across Scotland.

“The Men’s Sheds Movement is a thriving global phenomenon where Sheds are now well recognised as a place where men aged 18 or over can go to socialise in a healthy way. These safe and friendly spaces are evolving to meet the needs of their members locally and offer so many activities and opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of men in our communities.”

Dean’s Commercial Director Nick Watkin said: “We are delighted to support the SMSA and the ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards in their fourth year. In addition to this, we will be providing the top three finalists with shortbread hampers to encourage Shedders to get together for that all-important chat over a cuppa. Now more than ever, community spaces like Men’s Sheds that reduce social isolation and loneliness must be supported.”

Last chance for Sheds to apply for this year’s ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Award 2022

The awards event will take place on Friday 18th November 2022 and Scottish Sheds, that are members of the SMSA, have until midnight on Sunday 18th September 2022 to apply online through the SMSA website.  The winner and two runners-up will then be announced to the public on Saturday 19th November 2022 to mark and celebrate International Men’s Day.

The SMSA was formed in 2014 to provide support, information, advice and resources to its Shed Members and 3,000+ Individual Members. Today, there are over 200 open and developing Men’s Sheds groups across Scotland reaching 10,000+ men (aged 18 or over) through the Movement. Head to the Shed today – find your local Shed at scottishmsa.org.uk/find-a-shed

A report on current views and experiences of social prescribing in Men’s Sheds

The UK government has invested in social prescribing schemes to tackle loneliness and its associated health impacts. Social prescribing refers people with health problems into community-based support and initiatives to enable group and peer support.

Men’s Sheds are one example of a community organisation with involvement in social prescribing and has an overarching aim to tackle loneliness and promote wellbeing. Men’s Sheds are friendly, lively, creative places where people can learn new skills, work on projects together or individually, enjoy each other’s company and share jokes, stories and maybe even some of the problems and challenges they are facing. The Sheds aim to bring people together, to tackle loneliness through ‘making environments’, where men (and women) come together in a social space, doing practical activities (e.g. woodwork).

As one of the few community and social opportunities specifically tailored to men, Sheds have attracted the attention of health and social care services professionals, social prescribers and other statutory and voluntary sector agencies who seek to ‘refer’ their clients to groups and activities that may be able to help them. This project aimed to explore the experiences of ‘referrals’ to Sheds and the potential impact this may have.

To aid this research, 93 Shed members (from various Sheds across the UK) were surveyed – and 21 interviewed on Zoom or Teams – in the summer of 2021. The survey asked Shed members about their experiences of joining and being a member of the Shed. The interviews further explored experiences in the Shed and perceptions and experience of social prescribing and ‘referral’ processes. This included positive and negative experiences, concerns and suggestions to improve experiences of social prescribing in Sheds.

In March 2022, an online, cross-nation event “Demystifying Social Prescribing in Men’s Sheds”, in partnership with Waterford Institute of Technology and Glasgow Caledonian University, also took place to bring together Shed members, national Shed organisatons, academics and social prescribers from the UK and Ireland.

Click here to read the report

A Personal Story: Euan Martin

The SMSA chats to Euan Martin (61)—ironically, on the day he was building his very own man shed in his garden—about how his experience with Scottish Men’s Sheds and the SMSA inspired him to co-write the play ‘Man Shed’ which is currently showing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Right Lines Productions—a writer-led production company based in Moray run by Euan and his writing partner, Dave Smith—is debuting its brand-new production ‘Man Shed’ as part of the Pleasance Theatre Trust’s Edinburgh National Partnerships programme at the Edinburgh Fringe at Bunker One.

Starring Ron Emslie, the touching 60-minute long play follows one man’s journey to explore loneliness, the joy of Men’s Sheds and the comfort to be found in friendships and a sense of belonging in the community. 

Euan said: “Following a delay of over two years due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to finally let audiences in to see our work. Our plans were scrubbed following the cancellation of our tour originally planned to start in May 2020 and we really didn’t know what was going to happen with the play. 

“One day, we heard the announcement that Eden Court was teaming up with the Pleasance Theatre Trust as part of their Edinburgh National Partnerships programme. In February of this year, an open call was put out for dynamic Scottish artists/companies to apply to take their work to Edinburgh Fringe 2022. We didn’t have anything to lose so applied, pitched the play and were delighted to be selected as a partner.

“I first experienced a Men’s Shed when I met members of Forres & District Men’s Shed through Moray Waste Busters. It was great to see them in action, have a good blether with the guys and hear the stories they had to share.

“I also visited the first Scottish Men’s Shed, Westhill & District Men’s Shed, which is such a fantastic place in addition to Inverurie & District Men’s Shed and meeting the Shedders in Keith and Fochabers. Each Shed is unique in what they offer their members and how they support them and that really inspired me.

“After a career of 35 years in social work, my interest in the ethos of Men’s Sheds has always been there. I met Jason Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association, through Moray Council and found his enthusiasm and passion when speaking about the Men’s Sheds Movement, so motivational.

“The theatre piece that Dave and I have created is a warm story of one man’s highs and lows. Without giving the story away, in the beginning our character is adamant that the Shed life is just not for him—‘no way, I’m not going, it’s not for me’ he says. Then, he thinks about it—he can continue to stay at home feeling insecure and lonely or he can get out there and socialise. The show will make you think, laugh and maybe even cry at times.”

The Edinburgh Fringe run at The Pleasance marks the world premiere of the show. The play—recently commended at the Men’s Shed’s debate in Scottish Parliament on 16th June—is previewing until Monday 29th August (with the exception of Monday 22nd August).  Check out the trailer for the play here.

Right Lines Productions hopes to tour the play in Scotland in Spring 2023. www.rightlines.net

Tickets are still available to purchase online at www.pleasance.co.uk/event/man-shed/performances

Shed in the Spotlight: Orkney Men’s Shed

After two years without a Shed building, the SMSA catches up with Orkney Men’s Shed Chairman Morgan Harcus to discuss their journey so far and their exciting plans for a fresh start at their new premises in Garson Park, Stromness.

In October last year, it was announced that Orkney Men’s Shed, along with two other charities – Stromness Drama Club and the Orkney Historical Boat Society– would be granted a 10-year lease for the Old Herring Factory building with ample space and storage for their members and potential for growth. And now, the Orcadian Shedders are in the building, unpacked and raring to go.

Morgan said: “I was made aware of Men’s Sheds seven years ago through former Westhill & District Men’s Shed Chairman Dave Thomson who invited me to visit their Shed. Within minutes of coming through the door, I just knew that Orkney could benefit from a Shed.

“Not long after that, Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO) arranged a public meeting at The Life Centre to raise awareness of Men’s Sheds and discuss the potential for having one in Orkney. I was amazed that 55 interested people turned up to that meeting to support the proposal. From there, we formed a committee – all five members bring their own individual skills and are still on the committee today plus two new Trustees.      

“From day one, the Committee has been working towards a common goal to help local men. Luckily, we all get along so well and got to work with the task ahead. We all made the decision to put in £50 each to set up a bank account for the charity and we received Westhill Men’s Shed’s constitution to use as a template and adapt it, with VAO’s help,  to meet our needs.

“Then came the hunt for premises. We originally applied for a former primary school which had been empty for 17 years and would have made an ideal Shed but after several meetings with the local authority we were unfortunately unsuccessful in our pursuit. That night, I was extremely disheartened but decided to take action and began looking at the local paper’s property section and saw a building for sale in Finstown on Maitland Place. I phoned the man selling it, who strangely had the same initials as me and was a Harcus too. He explained that they had been trying to sell the building for a while and they were now considering taking it off the market to lease it out. He also mentioned that someone else had contacted him and was interested in the building.

“That same evening, I got a call from our Secretary Andy Swain asking why I was looking at the same building as him and it turned out that he was the other interested party! Well, not too long after that, we signed the lease on the building and applied for a change of use. Thanks to the generosity of the public, we soon had it up and running and kitted out with donated tools and machinery and we held our official opening on the 29th September 2017 with over 200 people in attendance.

“Over the years, we made many improvements to the building and something that was extremely important to us was to make the building fully accessible for our members. To achieve this, we required a disabled toilet and access. Unfortunately, our planning application was refused by Orkney Islands Council (OIC) due to road safety/vehicle access concerns and our appeal was also rejected.

“We were asked to vacate the premises in October 2019 and had just lost our Shed when COVID struck. Due to the pandemic, members started meeting virtually but we felt like we were losing the contact of what Men’s Sheds are all about. When it was safe to do so, we started holding meetings temporarily at the Finstown Community Centre who were very kind to only charge us £10 a meeting.

“We enjoyed chatting and planning and also held ‘Bring and Tell’ sessions which went down a treat however, we just had to find premises for our members to meet and do what a Shed should. Our members are men from their early 20s to late 80s – a great mix of lads with various skills, experience, backgrounds and interests – and we just could not lose these intergenerational bonds and friendships. Having no workshop made life difficult as we couldn’t work on community projects or raise funds through this avenue either.

“One day, I was talking to the Interim Chief Executive of OIC John Mundell who we have a brilliant relationship with. He was listening to our woes and dreams of a new build and plot of land, when he said ‘I will fix this for you’.  Not long after that, discussions around the 15-year-old two-storey Old Herring Factory building, which had been empty for 10 years.

“Any attempts to sell the building were unsuccessful and the council offered it to us, and two other charities, on an initial 10-year lease at a nominal rent. The building required a bit of work to be done by the council to bring it up to today’s standards such as replacement of the lift and adaptations to the disabled toilet but on out first viewing, we were really impressed and it did not need any big work or investment from us.

“The only downfall with the new building is its location is in Stromness which for some of our members would double the distance to travel. Our Finstown site was far more central. The new building however is significantly bigger than our last Shed, and fully accessible, and therefore gives us the potential to grow and welcome new members. The other two charities using the building will primarily use it for storage so the rest of the space is ours. The Shed’s allocated rooms includes a workshop with large woodworking area, a craft/computing room, electrical testing and repair room, a large social area/canteen and lots of storage. 

“In addition to the computers in our craft room, there will also be space for modelling, Japanese Kumiko, watch and camera maintenance, pyrography, leatherworking etc – and with additional space there is also scope for more to be implemented to meet our members’ needs.

“Plans in the pipeline include purchasing a 3D printer, aspirations for a new metalworking space, picture framing and a tool sharpening service. We also plan to promote the Shed’s new premises as much as possible and are attending three upcoming agricultural shows to do just that. We also extend an invitation for Sheds and community groups to come visit us and see the new premises – we recently welcomed a visit from the Deerness Senior Citizens who had a fantastic day.

“We must thank John Mundell, Karen Greaves (OIC’s Head of Executive Support), James Stocken (Council Leader), elected members of the Council and others who helped get us back in a Shed so our charity can get back to what we do best – supporting men’s health and wellbeing. We were delighted to be mentioned by Christine Grahame MSP at the recent Scottish Parliament debate on Men’s Sheds and recognised for our vital work. The support we have received from the community has been huge, they really appreciate what we are trying to achieve here.

“We were so happy in our previous Shed and if none of this had happened then we would still be there today however, after everything we have been through, we strongly believe everything happens for a reason and it is onwards and upwards from here on. We have come out the other side and are delighted with the new space we have. We currently have 160 members but this is constantly growing and we are delighted to have welcomed a good few new members recently and with that brings fresh ideas.

“Orkney is not a huge place but there is certainly room for more than one Shed on the islands. We have been delighted to support the new Sanday Men’s Shed as it develops. We visited them and presented our work and we have also offered them some of our surplus tools to get them started. We will continue to help them in any way we can. Recently, a group of us also visited Flotta to help them establish a Shed which will bring the count of Sheds in Orkney to three.

“Over the last few months, members have been at the new premises clearing and setting up our new space and moving all 18 pallets full of our tools and equipment. The workshop is almost up and running ready to start with our list of 17 (and counting) projects and the new lift has just been installed earlier this month. We are looking forward to the members dusting off their flat caps, bib and brace/boilersuits and sharpening the chisels and plane irons ready to go.”

OIC Councillor Leslie Manson said: “I am delighted that not only are we divesting ourselves of a building that has been standing empty, but much more importantly we are breathing new life into three very meritorious organisations whose charitable activities undoubtedly contribute to, and have been evidenced to promote, the improvement of health and social wellbeing, cultural heritage and involvement of our young people – this is what Orkney is all about.

Orkney Men’s Shed is planning an official opening in September 2022 (watch this space) but in the meantime, they are open to members and potential new members on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 4pm.  Follow their new beginning on Facebook and/or visit their website for the latest updates.