Dalkeith Men’s Shed takes regional glory
Dalkeith Men’s Shed takes regional glory in Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year Awards 2025
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) – Scotland’s largest member-led men’s health and wellbeing charity – today announced Dalkeith Men’s Shed as the East Coast (South) regional winner in the revamped Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year Awards 2025. In the first year featuring a regional spotlight, Dalkeith stood out for its powerful mix of community impact, creative projects, and a growing international partnership with Japan.
Based in the heart of Midlothian, Dalkeith Men’s Shed has grown from a small, dedicated group into a powerful hub of community service. From repairing school furniture to building planters and benches for local charities, their ethos of service and camaraderie has resonated far beyond their workshop walls.
“We’re a close-knit, hard-working group of men with a shared passion for giving back to our community,” said John Bell, Secretary of Dalkeith Men’s Shed. “Our motto is simple but powerful: ‘Together We Can’. And this year, that motto went global.”
Earlier in 2025, the Shed’s vice-chairman, Duncan Seymour, visited Japan and connected with Pokke Kotan, Japan’s first Men’s Shed. What began as a chance encounter quickly became a flourishing friendship. The two Sheds have since exchanged ideas, shared project photos, and collaborated on plans to promote Shed culture internationally.
The cultural exchange led to a visit from the Japanese Consulate to Dalkeith, sparking inspiration for an even more ambitious venture: a multi-day Scottish-Japanese Men’s Shed Summit, currently in development with support from the Daiwa Foundation. The summit aims to explore how Sheds foster mental wellbeing, creativity, and social inclusion across cultures. Highlights of the proposed event include live storytelling, exhibitions, and discussions on sustainable community integration.
“We believe Shed culture is something worth sharing,” Bell added. “Whether you’re a former tradesman, a retired teacher, or someone who’s never picked up a tool in your life — you’ll find your place at the Shed. The connection with Japan has added a new layer of excitement and purpose for us all. It’s sparked curiosity and made us feel part of something bigger.”
This regional award is not only a celebration of Dalkeith Men’s Shed’s achievements but also a recognition of their vision for what a Shed can be — a catalyst for change, connection, and collaboration both locally and globally.
Each of the five regional winners now go forward to the SMSA Board of Trustees who will decide on the top three going forward as finalists and to be voted upon by the SMSA individual members for the prestigious Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year 2025 national title. The announcement will be made later this year at the SMSA’s annual gathering, AGM and awards event on Friday 3rd October 2025 at Perth & Kinross Council Chambers and Civic Hall.
The fourth and fifth placed Sheds receive their regional title in addition to a certificate and £250 towards Shed running costs from the SMSA. The three finalist Sheds will receive their own regional title, targe trophy, certificate and an array of prizes and funds from the SMSA, and awards partners and sponsors to support their Shed.
To learn more about the SMSA, join as an individual member for FREE and find your local Shed, please visit www.scottishmsa.org.uk
