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

‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2022 opens for applications


PLEASE NOTE: THE 2022 AWARDS ARE NOW CLOSED

The ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ awards, delivered by the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA), recognise and reward the contribution that Men’s Sheds make and raise awareness of their huge impact in today’s society. 

Last year’s winner was Westhill & District Men’s Shed (pictured above) – the first-ever Scottish Men’s Shed which opened in 2013. David Thomson from the Shed said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious title that recognises the achievements, over the last eight years, from our extremely active and committed Board of Trustees and members.

“We have grown significantly over the years and now welcome over 300 members through our doors—averaging nearly 100 member visits per week.”

Timeline

Opens for applications:                     Friday 8th July 2022
Closed for applications:                    Sunday 18th September 2022 (Midnight)
Shortlist announced:                         Monday 10th October 2022
Open to public vote:                          Monday 10th October 2022
Closed to public vote:                       Sunday 30th October 2022 (Midnight)
Winner announced:                          SMSA AGM/Awards Event

Jason Schroeder, SMSA’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The awards, now in their fourth year, celebrate and showcase the life-changing work being carried out in Men’s Sheds across Scotland. The Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement began back in 2009 and today, there are now over 200 Sheds and developing groups voluntarily engaging over 10,000+ men (aged 18 and over) across the nation. Men’s Sheds have a positive impact in supporting and improving men’s health and wellbeing and encouraging members to become actively engaged within their communities to reduce social isolation and loneliness.

“The awards not only afford the opportunity to hear all about the great things happening in Sheds – the camaraderie, projects and partnership working – but also highlight the challenges and barriers they are experiencing and how we can support them to thrive.”

Scottish Sheds – that are Shed Members of the national association – can apply via the SMSA website. Applications are now open until midnight on Sunday 18th September 2022. Shortlisted Sheds will be selected from all of the applications by SMSA’s Trustees through blind voting before going to a public vote from Monday 10th October 2022 until midnight on Sunday 30th October 2022.

The winner will receive the esteemed SMSA targe trophy to display at their Shed for a year. The winner and two runners-up will also receive mini replica targes to keep and an array of prizes from supporting organisations.

2020 Winner - The Inverclyde Shed
2020 Winner – The Inverclyde Shed
2019 Winner - Aberchirder & District Men's Shed
2019 Winner – Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed

‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year 2021’ trophy presentation marks International Men’s Day

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has today presented Westhill & District Men’s Shed with the esteemed ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ targe trophy to mark and celebrate International Men’s Day.

Westhill & District Men’s Shed, the first-ever Men’s Shed in Scotland which opened in 2013, was crowned the winner at the ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021 event earlier this month after receiving over a third of the votes from the public. The SMSA team hand-delivered the targe trophy, now engraved with the winning Shed’s name, to be displayed at their premises on Hay’s Way in Westhill, Aberdeenshire over the coming year.

The Association also presented a replica runner-up trophy, created by SMSA partner David Young Training, to Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed who came in a close second.

International Men’s Day, on the 19th November each year, celebrates the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities – putting the spotlight on positive role models and raising awareness of men’s health and wellbeing.  Jason Schroeder, SMSA Executive Officer, said: “Today, we are delighted to recognise men from all walks of life and the contribution they make to society. We can think of no better way to mark International Men’s Day than to showcase and reward the tremendous impact that Men’s Sheds are making in their communities and the life-changing effect and benefits this brings to their members.

“The Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement, now in its seventh year, has grown exponentially and we now have 192 known open and developing Men’s Shed groups across the nation and it continues to grow thanks to these men.”

Chairman of Westhill & District Men’s Shed, David Thomson, said: “On behalf of our trustees and members, I am delighted to receive this exceptional trophy today. I would like to thank our Trustee Stuart Ellis who prepared and submitted our application for this award and would also like to recognise our supporters who voted for us – not just from the UK but also many from overseas. I am extremely proud of the contribution that each of our 300 members have made to make our Shed such a huge success.”

The SMSA’s targe trophy was collectively created in 2019 by several Men’s Sheds and designed by former SMSA Chairman, Derek Keiller of Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed for the first year of the Awards.

Derek designed and woodturned the targe from mahogany supplied by the Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed from a 100-year-old billiards table followed by French polishing by Hamish Shepherd of Strathmore Men’s Shed in Coupar Angus. The trophy will now be displayed for a year at Westhill & District Men’s Shed on a unique stand designed by inaugural winner, Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed.


The winner and runners-up also receive a range of prizes from the SMSA and their partners and sponsors. The winner, WDMS, receives over £2,000 of prizes to support their Shed including a £500 cash prize from the SMSA (paid for through SMSA Shed Membership fees); a £125 voucher from Scotmid Co-operative; a £200 voucher for tools from Balfour Beatty; a £50 voucher from Axminster Tools; a free Machine Competency and Woodwork training day from David Young Training worth over £630; a year’s free Shed accounts package from Thyme Accountants worth £360 to support the Shed Treasurer; and goodies and hampers from their local Asda, Co-op  and Tesco stores.

Westhill & District Men’s Shed scoops ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year 2021’ title

The public has voted and, out of five worthy finalists, Westhill & District Men’s Shed (WDMS) – the first-ever Men’s Shed in Scotland – has been crowned ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2021 after receiving 35% of the total votes.

WDMS was announced as the winner live by the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA), with 667 votes, at the Association’s AGM & ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021 virtual event on Thursday 4th November 2021.  Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed came a close second with 450 votes and next up was Dunoon Men’s Shed with 305, followed closely by Aboyne & District Men’s Shed with 277 and Dumfries Men’s Shed with 216.

Chairman of Westhill & District Men’s Shed, David Thomson, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious title that recognises the achievements, over the last eight years, from our extremely active and committed Board of Trustees and members. We have grown significantly over the years and now welcome over 300 members through our doors—averaging nearly 100 member visits per week.”

The first of its kind in Scotland, WDMS has been used as a good practice model for many Scottish Sheds and has evolved and diversified to meet the needs of its growing membership since its inception in 2013. The Shed offers impressive facilities to local men age 18 or over including a fully-equipped workshop and social, meeting and administration areas. Activities include lawnmower refurbishment, a bridge group, music group, 3D printing, model railway making and their new clock/watch repair service to name but a few on top of their projects for their local community including making benches, pergolas, garden furniture, planters, and signs for walking trails to generate income towards the Shed’s running costs.

The Shed also holds a series of talks on a variety of subjects including men’s health and wellbeing and local history and presents to local groups and hosts visits to raise awareness of their Shed and the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement as a whole.

The Shed recently expanded, with an additional portable cabin, creating more much-needed space to accommodate its growing popularity.  In June of this year, WDMS also received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognising the invaluable work carried out in their community and with special recognition for its COVID-19 work to produce 2,700 face visors for keyworkers. Their future plans include repairing the leaky roof of their original Shed building but first and foremost, their focus lies with encouraging existing members to return to the Shed with confidence.

Jason Schroeder, SMSA Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted that the first-ever Men’s Shed in Scotland has claimed the ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2021 title. This year’s entries were of an incredibly high standard and were blind-judged by our Board of Trustees before letting the public decide on their winner.

“The pandemic and temporary Shed closures have certainly not put a stop to these men and they have demonstrated extreme resilience. The awards event not only showcases and recognises the immense achievements of individual Men’s Sheds and the impact they are having at a local level – to improve men’s health and wellbeing and make a real difference in their communities – but also celebrates the incredible growth of the Men’s Sheds Movement in Scotland over the last eight years to what we have today – over 190 Men’s Shed groups nationwide – and it continues to grow.”

The winning Shed will receive the esteemed targe trophy – created by several Men’s Shed members – engraved with the Shed name and displayed in a unique stand designed and produced by inaugural winner, Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed. The trophy will be hand-delivered to WDMS by the SMSA Chairman and staff team to mark International Men’s Day on Friday 19th November 2021. Each of the four runners up will also receive a replica of the trophy, created by David Young Training, to be displayed in their Shed’s to recognise them as 2021 finalists.

The winner and runners-up also receive a range of prizes from the SMSA and their partners and sponsors. The winner, WDMS, receives over £2,000 of prizes to support their Shed including a £500 cash prize from the SMSA (paid for through SMSA Shed Membership fees); a £125 voucher from Scotmid Co-operative; a £200 voucher for tools from Balfour Beatty; a £50 voucher from Axminster Tools; a free Machine Competency and Woodwork training day from David Young Training worth over £630; a year’s free Shed accounts package from Thyme Accountants worth £360 to support the Shed Treasurer; and goodies and hampers from their local Asda and Co-op stores.

Register to attend the SMSA AGM & ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS NOW PASSED

SMSA members can register to attend the virtual SMSA AGM and ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021 on Thursday 4th November 2021, 10am to 1pm on Zoom.

Hear from the SMSA on its key highlights of the year and future plans. On the day, the SMSA will also announce who will be crowned 2021’s ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’.

Confirmed speakers (pictured left to right) include: Sir Harry Burns (SMSA Patron), Charles Wallace (Scottish Veterans Commissioner) and Professor Barry Golding (Internationally-published researcher and writer – talking about his new book, ‘Shoulder to Shoulder: Broadening the Men’s Shed Movement’).

This not-to-be-missed event is for SMSA members only and has limited places.  If you are not already an individual member, why not join for FREE today?

Booking for this online event is essential.

It’s time to vote for your ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2021!

PLEASE NOTE: VOTING CLOSED AT MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2021


The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has announced the top five Scottish Sheds, shortlisted by the SMSA’s Board of Trustees, for this prestigious award that recognises and rewards the contribution and impact that they make to society. The five finalists are Aboyne & District Men’s Shed, Dumfries Men’s Shed, Dunoon Men’s Shed, Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed and Westhill & District Men’s Shed.

Jason Schroeder, SMSA’s Executive Officer, said: “The SMSA is delighted to have received such an excellent response, and an incredibly high standard of applications, for this year’s awards. This year, the SMSA Board of Trustees changed the process to ‘blind judging’ and all references to names, areas, regions, partners etc were removed. This afforded the opportunity for the Trustees 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.

“As with previous years, this was an extremely difficult decision for our judging panel. The decision was also made, given the volume of applications received, to increase the number of finalists from three up to five to give more Sheds the opportunity to be showcased and promote good practice through the Awards.

“It is inspiring to read about the life-changing impact Sheds are having in their localities and these Awards recognise and reward this work being carried out by vital volunteers across Scotland who are striving to improve the health and wellbeing of men over the age of 18.”

Bill Allan, Chairman of Stonehaven and District Men’s Shed, said: “We are delighted to receive the news that our Shed is on the shortlist, especially on reading the other applications and seeing the effort and dedication of the other Sheds involved. It is heartening to see such involvement by men to the benefit of the community, and the SMSA is to be congratulated for such an outcome.”

Brian Kerr, Secretary of Dumfries Men’s Shed, said: “It is an honour, and huge achievement for our Shed and community as a whole, to be shortlisted for this award as recognition of what has been achieved over the last year. After successfully obtaining our new much larger premises in November through the Community Asset Transfer process, we completed the move from our old Shed during the pandemic, navigating through lockdown.

“Since then, we have carried out repairs to the building; decorated downstairs; and set up the workshop, games rooms, kitchen and main dining/social room. We have also recently received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to purchase computers and printers to set up a new computer suite so that our members can learn basic computer literacy and internet training to ensure we always stay connected. It has been an extremely busy and eventful year and I hope we will continue to grow and be able to help more people in Dumfries as we continue to add to and improve our facilities. I would like to thank the members of our Shed who have freely contributed their time, hard work and support in order to make all of this possible.”

Stuart Ellis, a Trustee of Westhill and District Men’s Shed, said “We are thrilled, immensely honoured and thankful to the SMSA Trustees for shortlisting our Shed for this award.  The amount of effort freely given by our members to help and support our community, and each other, has been truly inspirational as demonstrated by our recent award of the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. During the year, we have also completed the fit out of an extension to the Shed, with all work carried out by our members. Re-organisation of the workshops and social area has provided more space in each area, allowing us the opportunity to add more services and activities to our already busy programme and accept more new members.”

Ian Graham of Dunoon Men’s Shed said: “Our Shed is delighted to be shortlisted for this award. We are hoping that the community of Argyll and Bute will vote for us for this prestigious honour.”

Mike Brooks, Chairman of Aboyne & District Men’s Shed, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for SMSA’s ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2021. Whilst the Shed has only been open for a few weeks, we as a group have been working since 2016 to get a Shed up and running. Little did we know then that we would be building a Shed from scratch, and in doing so would also end up providing a wonderful hub space for other community groups to use.”

The awards event will take place virtually on Zoom again this year and will coincide with the Association’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 4th November 2021, 10am to 1pm. The winner will receive the esteemed targe trophy – designed and collectively created by the SMSA and several Sheds –  to display at their Shed for a year on top of a cash prize and other goodies. 

The public had two weeks until midnight on Sunday 17th October 2021 to vote.

The 2020 ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ title went to The Inverclyde Shed.

***DATE FOR YOUR DIARY***
SMSA AGM & ‘Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021

SMSA members can register to attend the virtual SMSA AGM and ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021 on Thursday 4th November 2021, 10am to 1pm on Zoom.

Hear from the SMSA on its key highlights of the year and future plans. On the day, SMSA will also announce who will be crowned 2021’s ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’.

Confirmed speakers include: Sir Harry Burns (SMSA Patron), Charles Wallace (Scottish Veterans Commissioner) and Professor Barry Golding (Internationally-published researcher and writer – talking about his new book, ‘Shoulder to Shoulder: Broadening the Men’s Shed Movement’).

Booking is essential, click here to register your place today.

Last week to apply for this year’s ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards!

There is still time to apply for the prestigious ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021 from the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA).

The awards, which opened for applications on the 2nd August, recognise and reward the contribution and impact Men’s Sheds make to society – telling the story to raise awareness of the benefits of Sheds to men, their family and friends and the community as a whole. 

The awards event will take place virtually on Zoom again this year as part of the Association’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 4th November 2021.

Jason Schroeder, SMSA’s Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to launch these awards, for the third year, to celebrate and showcase the life-changing work being carried out in Men’s Sheds across Scotland. Sheds are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of men (aged 18 and over) through friendship, support and camaraderie and we want to hear from Scottish Sheds on the impact they are having within their localities. 

“We also want to know about the challenges they have faced and how they overcame them so that other Sheds can learn from their experience.  Although, the event is being carried out online again this year, it certainly will not stop the Shedders coming together to share experiences and learn from each other.”

Scottish Sheds, that are members of the SMSA, can apply via the SMSA website before midnight on Sunday 26th September 2021. Shortlisted Sheds will then be selected by SMSA’s Trustees before going to a public vote for two weeks from Monday 4th October 2021 in the run-up to the event. 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 Scottish Sheds – to display at their Shed for a year in addition to receiving an array of prizes from supporting organisations.

Deadline for applications:                                       
Midnight on Sunday 26th September 2021

Shortlist announced and open to public vote:     
Monday 4th October 2021

Closed to public vote:                                                 
Midnight on Sunday 17th October 2021

Winner announced at SMSA AGM/Awards event:          
Thursday 4th November 2021 

‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021 opens for applications

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has today opened its prestigious ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021 to applications from Men’s Sheds across Scotland.

The awards recognise and reward the contribution and impact Men’s Sheds make to society – telling the story to raise awareness of the benefits of Sheds to men, their family and friends and the community as a whole.  The awards event will take place virtually on Zoom again this year as part of the Association’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 4th November 2021.

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement began in 2009 and the first-ever Shed opened in Westhill in Aberdeenshire in 2013. There are now 190+ Sheds across Scotland, identified on the SMSA’s online ‘Find a Shed’ map, voluntarily engaging over 10,000 men. Men’s Sheds have a positive impact in supporting men’s health and wellbeing and encourage members to become more engaged within their communities to reduce social isolation and loneliness and also, needed now more than ever, provide a unique pathway towards post-COVID-19 recovery.

Jason Schroeder, SMSA’s Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to launch these awards, for the third year, to celebrate and showcase the life-changing work being carried out in Men’s Sheds across Scotland. Sheds are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of men (aged 18 and over) through friendship, support and camaraderie and we want to hear from Scottish Sheds on the impact they are having within their localities. 

“We also want to know about the challenges they have faced and how they overcame them so that other Sheds can learn from their experience.  Although, the event is being carried out online again this year, it certainly will not stop the Shedders coming together to share experiences and learn from each other.”

Last year, The Inverclyde Shed was crowned ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2020 – receiving 36% of the total votes from the public. Bruce Newlands, Chair of The Inverclyde Shed, said: “It was a huge surprise being awarded this title from the SMSA, particularly given the difficulties we and every Shed experienced learning to live with COVID-19. The award has helped unlock doors and make new partnerships with a range of people that we previously had not connected with. Many other Sheds have reached out in friendship to learn from how we’ve done things and the lessons we have learned. The award has also brought a great sense of pride to our Shed and our area – a belief that we can be confident that we are really making a difference.”

In 2019, Aberchirder and District Men’s Shed scooped the title of the very first ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’.  The Shed was recognised for the incredible work carried out since its inception in 2016 and the team of seven men who carried out 30,000 man-hours over the 104-week construction process on its Shed build before its official opening in May 2019. Mike O’Brien, Chairman of the Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed, said: “Since winning the title in 2019, we have had a busy and successful time – our reputation just seemed to escalate and we have recently won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service too.”

Scottish Sheds – that are members of the SMSA – can apply online by midnight on Sunday 26th September 2021. Shortlisted Sheds will be selected from all of the applications by SMSA’s Trustees before going to a public vote for two weeks from Monday 4th October 2021 in the run-up to the event. 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 Scottish Sheds – to display at their Shed for a year in addition to receiving an array of prizes from supporting organisations.