SMSA is delighted to present Edition 22 (June 2021) of The Scottish Shedder to our members and supporters. 

The Scottish Shedder features the latest news, events, DIY projects, recipes, personal stories, health matters and funding opportunities relevant to Men’s Sheds in Scotland.

In this edition

COVER STORY: Scottish Men’s Sheds honoured with Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 
Two Scottish Men’s Sheds have been announced as winners of this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK in recognition of their outstanding and diverse work to benefit their communities.

SMSA NEWS: Last chance to apply for Pathfindr Safe Distancing Assistants
The SMSA has, so far, allocated over 700 FREE Pathfindr Safe Distancing Assistants to 75 Men’s Sheds across Scotland – to support safe social engagement and Shed re-openings – but time is running out if your Shed has not yet applied.

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Mintlaw and District Men’s Shed 
Trustee and former Chairman of Mintlaw and District Men’s Shed, Sandy Thom, shares the exciting news that their new Shed premises, within the grounds of Aden Country Park in Aberdeenshire, will hopefully be ‘open for business’ by the end of the summer.

A PERSONAL STORY FROM ACROSS THE SEAS: Peter Rayner of Hume Men’s Shed 
The SMSA chats to Peter Rayner, founder of the Hume Men’s Shed in Craigieburn—an outer northern suburb of Melbourne/Victoria in Australia—as he shares his Men’s Shed journey over the last 14 years and his plans to reach out to connect with Scottish Sheds.

SHED PROJECTS: The Inverclyde Shed
The Inverclyde Shed, SMSA’s Scottish ‘Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2020, shares updates on several of their latest projects including their work with 15 local schools to set up small growing spaces and some with larger community spaces, beekeeping, woodturning, film making and much more.

THE SHED GARDEN: Girvan Men’s Shed
Girvan Men’s Shed shares progress on its sensory garden project and their Shedders’ involvement in a very special initiative to ensure Girvan’s fallen are remembered.

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.

SMSA is delighted to present Edition 21 (May 2021) of The Scottish Shedder to our members and supporters. 

The Scottish Shedder features the latest news, events, DIY projects, recipes, personal stories, health matters and funding opportunities relevant to Men’s Sheds in Scotland.

In this edition

COVER STORY: Was this a ‘Men’s Shed’ in Glasgow in the 1960s?
The Men’s Sheds Movement in Scotland officially began in 2009, but the SMSA has recently been drawn to a few stories of Shed-like establishments across the nation from as early as the 1960s which have grabbed our attention…

SMSA NEWS: The SMSA becomes a member of Unforgotten Forces
The SMSA is now an official member of the Unforgotten Forces consortium – a partnership of armed forces and civilian charities working together to deliver a ‘one-stop-shop’ of high quality and joined-up support and opportunities that boosts the health and wellbeing of older veterans in Scotland.

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Broadford & Strath Men’s Shed
SMSA talks to Nicholas Kelly, Project Co-ordinator at the Broadford & Strath Community Company which established the first Men’s Shed in their area in 2018 thanks to long-term lottery funding.

A PERSONAL STORY: Steve Bramwell, Black Isle Men’s Shed
SMSA chats to Steve Bramwell to find out how the retired surgeon became Chair and a founding member of the Black Isle Men’s Shed (BIMS) and hear all about their intergeneration work and future plans.

SHED LIFE: To the end of the earth
Turriff and District Men’s Shed has responded to a call from a local family and their two young boys to support their ‘Erebus’ project to build two scaled-down replica HMS Erebus and HMS Terror wooden ships ready to set sail in October over 13,000 miles.

SHED PROJECTS: The Black Isle Shedders of Feddanhill Wood
Little did the members of Black Isle Men’s Shed know that when the owners of Feddanhill Wood invited them to come and view the facilities, what would evolve…

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.

SMSA is delighted to present Edition 20 (March 2021) of The Scottish Shedder to our members and supporters. 

The Scottish Shedder features the latest news, events, DIY projects, recipes, personal stories, health matters and funding opportunities relevant to Men’s Sheds in Scotland.

In this edition

LAUNCH OF THE SMSA MANIFESTO
The SMSA has launched its first-ever manifesto, ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections 2021, calling on politicians to support men’s health and wellbeing through Scottish Men’s Sheds

REVISED REOPENING GUIDANCE FOR SHEDS
Following the ‘Reopening Guidance for Men’s Sheds in Scotland’ consultation with Shed members and partner organisations, SMSA is now releasing the revised version

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bridge of Don & District Men’s Shed
Secretary Eric Bisset shares Bridge of Don & District Men’s Shed’s journey over the last five years and how they received the keys to their ‘Guardhouse’ Shed at the Gordon Barracks in Aberdeen just weeks before lockdown struck

A PERSONAL STORY: Mike Mowat, Glenrothes Men’s Shed
SMSA chats to Mike Mowat, Chair of Glenrothes Men’s Shed, after hearing about his skills in sign making, painting motorcycles and guitars and his determination to one day, mentor and pass on these skills to his fellow Shedders once lockdown measures ease

THE SHED GARDEN: The Inverclyde Shed *NEW FEATURE* 
Spring has officially sprung and for our first ‘The Shed Garden’ feature, SMSA caught up with none other than Bruce Newlands, Chair of The Inverclyde Shed, to hear all about what’s happening at their Shore Street Community Garden in Gourock

HEALTH MATTERS: Dr Alastair Cook, Scottish Government’s Principal Medical Officer for Mental Health
‘It’s ok to not be ok’ is more relevant now than it has ever been.  SMSA interviews Dr Alastair Cook, Scottish Government’s Principal Medical Officer for Mental Health about the ‘Clear Your Head’ campaign

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.

SMSA is delighted to present Edition 19 (February 2021) of The Scottish Shedder to our members and supporters.

Inside this issue:

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Garnock Valley Men’s Shed
David Gardner, Vice-Chair of GVMS, shares their Shed’s journey and the news that their transfer of ownership and a 25-year lease was secured just before Christmas

A PERSONAL JOURNEY: Richard Potts of Paisley Men’s Shed
Richard Potts shares a personal snapshot of his community garden design and construction projects since joining the Shed in the summer of 2019

SHED LIFE: Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Shedders take to the great outdoors
Members of Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men’s Shed receive the breath of fresh air they needed to plant 420 trees from the Woodlands Trust in their local community – allowing them to progress with an outdoor project, exercise and reconnect socially

SHED LIFE: Construction well under way at Inverurie & District Men’s Shed’s Horticultural Centre 
Members of the Inverurie & District Men’s Shed began the big dig to prepare the ground at their new allotment site at Souterford after receiving a wealth of support for the project from  funders, local companies and individuals

FUNDING SUCCESS: Alford and District Men’s Shed receives green cash boosts
Alford and District Men’s Shed has received several cash boosts aimed at tackling climate change and boosting Scotland’s green recovery from the pandemic.  Their recent application to the Community Climate Asset Fund will now enable them to get electric bikes and trailers to move further with their low carbon project in their community

SHED PROJECTS: Pentlands Men’s Shed
When SMSA got wind of teepees and buses being created by a Scottish Shed, we just had to get in touch to find out more!  Pentlands Men’s Shed has been taking time in lockdown to pursue some local community projects with a difference

Any 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.

SMSA is delighted to present Edition 18 (December 2020) of The Scottish Shedder to our members and supporters.

Inside this edition:

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Aboyne Men’s Shed
Aboyne Men’s Shed’s Chairman, Mike Brooks, tells us all about their state-of-the-art new-build Community Shed now that construction has restarted following several months of shutdown and a completion date is in sight.

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Kirriemuir & Glens Men’s Shed
The Scottish Shedder catches up with Robert Miller—Chairman of SMSA’s latest new Shed member, Kirriemuir & Glens Men’s Shed—to chat about the progress at their new Shed unit.

A PERSONAL JOURNEY: Bill Davidson, Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed
Bill Davidson, of Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed gives us a sneak peek of their brand spanking new—all singing, all dancing—metal workshop which is now ready and waiting for the day its members return.

SHED PROJECT: Dalbeattie Men’s Shed’s replica vintage car project 
It’s full speed ahead as Dalbeattie Men’s Shed puts the finishing touches on their latest project— to recreate a replica of an original Dalbeattie-manufactured 1920s car—in time to celebrate its centenary.

And much 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.

SMSA is delighted to present Edition 17 (November 2020) of The Scottish Shedder to our members and supporters.

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Cullen Men’s Shed
The Scottish Shedder finds out more about the revamp of Cullen Men’s Shed and how one of its Shedders has returned to the building he first found a passion for woodwork and metalwork as a school pupil in the 1960s.

A PERSONAL JOURNEY: Bruce Newlands from The Inverclyde Shed 
The Scottish Shedder interviews Bruce Newlands—an award-winning architect and Chair of the Scottish ‘Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2020, The Inverclyde Shed—to hear all about his personal journey and what the future holds.

SHED PROJECTS: Cullen Shedder is full of bright ideas!
Stan Slater from Cullen Men’s Shed has been busy in lockdown creating some unique lamps made from an old heating system.  

MY JOURNEY THROUGH LOCKDOWN: David Davies of St Andrews Men’s Shed
David Davies shares how he got through lockdown using new-found skills and mindfulness.

And much 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.

SMSA is delighted to present Edition 16 (September 2020) of The Scottish Shedder to our members and supporters – in downloadable pdf and flipbook version (below).

In this edition:

‘MEN’S ‘SHED OF THE YEAR’ AWARDS 2020: And the winner is…
Find out which of our three shortlisted Men’s Sheds (Garnock Valley Men’s Shed, Kinross & District Men’s Shed and The Inverclyde Shed) was crowned this year’s winner following a public vote.

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Moffat & District Men’s Shed
The Scottish Shedder speaks to Keith Johnston of Moffat & District Men’s Shed about their recently acquired new larger Shed – with a lot of work to do – and discuss what their members are doing to stay connected during the pandemic.

A PERSONAL JOURNEY: Stuart Paton from Garnock Valley Men’s Shed
The Scottish Shedder interviews Shedder Stuart Paton, 37, from Kilbirnie—in the Garnock Valley area of North Ayrshire—about how becoming a member of his local Shed helped turn his life around after being on the brink of suicide.

SHED PROJECT: Scottish ‘Men’s Shed of the Year’ targe base
James Paterson of Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed (Scottish ‘Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2019) tells us all about the making of the base for the esteemed targe trophy ready to be handed over to the 2020 winner.

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.

SMSA is delighted to present Edition 15 (July 2020) of The Scottish Shedder to our members and supporters – in downloadable pdf and flipbook versions.

The publication is sent out to our 127 Member Sheds and over 2,300 subscribers.  It features the latest news, events, DIY projects, recipes, personal stories, health matters and funding opportunities relevant to Sheds in Scotland.

Click here to access Edition 15 (July 2020) 

In this edition:

AWARDS LAUNCH: SMSA ‘Shed of the Year’ Awards 2020
This prestigious award, in its second year, recognises and rewards the contribution and impact Men’s Sheds make to society and tells the story to raise awareness of the benefits of Sheds to men, their family and friends and the community as a whole.  

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Alford & District Men’s Shed
The Shedder shines the spotlight on Alford & District Men’s Shed who has been working hard to provide an ecologically-friendly facility for its local community.

A PERSONAL JOURNEY: Eric Box
St Andrews Men’s Shed member, Eric Box, shares his own Men’s Shed (lockdown) experience.

LOCKDOWN PROJECTS
Check out what Shedders across Scotland have been making at home.

AND MUCH MORE…

SMSA is delighted to present Edition 14 (May 2020) of The Scottish Shedder to our members and supporters.

The publication is sent out to our 126 Member Sheds and over 2,300 subscribers.  It features the latest news, events, DIY projects, recipes, personal stories, health matters and funding opportunities relevant to Sheds in Scotland.

Click here to access Edition 14 (May 2020) 

Inside this edition:

COVER STORY: Kinross & District Men’s Shed (KDMS) 3D Prints Face Shields For Key Workers
KDMS rises to the challenge – along with Selkirk Men’s Shed, Westhill Men’s Shed and Gala Men’s Shed to name but a few – to create life-saving personal protective equipment for our frontline workers. 

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Cromarty Firth Men’s Shed
In this feature, we cover how Cromarty Firth Men’s Shed has faced many barriers in its growth but still came out shining as Runner-Up in the SMSA ‘Shed of the Year’ Awards 2019.

A PERSONAL JOURNEY: Jason Schroeder
We speak to the SMSA founder, Jason Schroeder, to hear all about why he has dedicated the last 11 years of his life to Sheds and has no plans of stopping anytime soon.

TALKING SHEDS
SMSA announces new Scottish Government funding and how the SMSA will strive to ensure Scottish Shedders stay connected.

SMSA is delighted to present Edition 13 (March 2020) of The Scottish Shedder to our members and supporters.

The publication is sent out to our 125 Member Sheds and over 2,200 subscribers.  It features the latest news, events, DIY projects, recipes, personal stories, health matters and funding opportunities relevant to Sheds in Scotland in addition to a ‘Talking Sheds’ feature from our Executive Officer, Jason Schroeder.

Inside this edition:

• COVER STORY: East Neuk Men’s Shed helps to bring back the ‘Beauty’ – East Neuk Men’s Shed, in partnership with other local community groups, is working on a restoration project to breathe life back into a boat with a fascinating history.
• SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Midmar Men’s Shed – The Scottish Shedder interviewed Jim Allan from Midmar Men’s Shed to discuss progress and challenges to date in the run up to launch day.
• A PERSONAL JOURNEY: Professor Chris Oliver – The Scottish Shedder met up with retired surgeon and new SMSA Trustee, Professor Chris Oliver, to find out more about his journey to Men’s Sheds and what’s happening at the Men’s Shed St Andrews.
• TALKING SHEDS: Coronavirus and Sheds – SMSA’s Executive Officer, Jason Schroeder, speaks about the importance of staying connected during this very difficult time.