SMSA Support: A Case Study with Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed
Bill recalled: “In April 2016, in conjunction with and encouraged by Jason Schroeder, the then Executive Officer of the SMSA charity, a public meeting was held at the local Academy to explore interest in forming a Men’s Shed in the area.
“Jason explained the growing movement across Scotland, and his relaxed, informative style clearly resonated—over 50 local residents came along, with around 20 eager to help take things forward.
“Just weeks later, Jason was back in Stonehaven to guide the fledgling group through forming a Board of Trustees, drafting a constitution, and shaping a business plan. His support allowed the new Shed to secure charitable status with OSCR—an essential early milestone that opened doors to future funding and credibility.”
“Looking back,” Bill says, “this early phase was absolutely crucial. We didn’t know what we didn’t know. Jason and the SMSA made the whole thing feel achievable.”
Two major hurdles quickly emerged: building sustained community interest and finding a permanent home. The SMSA arranged for the Stonehaven Shedders to visit two established Sheds, providing real-life examples of how to find premises, attract members, and secure funding.
Momentum built quickly. Weekly Thursday meet-ups in the Community Centre saw 44 members enrolled and, more importantly, kept engaged through talks, social activities, and a growing sense of belonging. Over the next year, with SMSA’s steady advice, the team examined 25 possible locations. Then, in late 2017, came a breakthrough: Aberdeenshire Council planned to dispose of the old 1930 beach pavilion—a centrally located but dilapidated building with loads of potential.
With Jason’s guidance, the group prepared a Community Asset Transfer application. It was a bold step that demanded clear alignment with the Council’s development strategy and a robust financial plan.
Early estimates put the cost of renovating and refurbishing the pavilion at £65,000, covering structural repairs, electrics, heating, internal rebuilds and more.
Again, the SMSA steered the group toward viable funding sources. This led to a successful application to the Scottish EU Funded Rural Development Programme (LEADER), requiring 40% match funding.
Through targeted applications (National Lottery Awards for All, Aberdeenshire Council grants) and enthusiastic local fundraising, the Shed raised £27,500—unlocking £37,500 from South Aberdeenshire Local Action Group (SALAG)/LEADER and meeting the £65k goal. A 19-year lease at £1 per year followed in December 2018.
“Once inside the building, our trustees and members faced even more than expected: a full roof replacement, re-cladding, insulation, structural repairs, and new windows,” Bill says, “Additional grants from Stena Drilling, Seabrokers, Seacroft Marine, and The Foyle Foundation helped plug the gaps. Our members themselves contributed over 3,500 hours of labour—an extraordinary gift of time, skill and pride that added the equivalent of £35,000 in value.”
Duncan, who took over as Chairman 18 months ago added: “The Shed hasn’t stood still since. In 2022, the team embarked on an 18-month renewable energy upgrade—solar panels, battery storage and air source heat pumps—supported by over £80,000 from Scottish Government CARES and match funding from the Coastal Communities fund. The impact was lower grid demand, reduced costs, and a big step towards Net Zero and, with the heat pumps, a much more comfortable working environment.
“The SMSA also encouraged us to approach funders for workshop equipment. Support from Age Scotland, local wind farms, oil companies and local suppliers helped kit out the Shed. This investment now powers everything from woodworking to CNC machining, laser etching and bicycle refurbishment.”
Early guidance from other Sheds, arranged by the SMSA, also helped Stonehaven estimate running costs of £12,000–15,000 per year. Today, their income is generated through:
- running the monthly Farmers’ Market
- managing the Folk Festival campsite
- sales of refurbished bikes, tools and seasonal crafts
- CNC and laser-cut products
- community projects
- donations
It’s a sustainable, circular model that keeps the Shed thriving.
The Stonehaven Shed has truly grown into a cornerstone of local life. Projects range from maintaining the Folk Festival campsite to running the Farmers’ Market, supporting local schools with polytunnel and garden projects, improving hospital grounds, and building community games and furniture.
One of their most remarkable contributions is their involvement in Legs4Africa (now STAND)—collecting and dismantling prosthetic limbs to be reused in African countries. Since 2019, Stonehaven Shedders have helped provide parts for over 500 prosthetic legs.
From restoring a rundown building on the promenade to creating a warm, purposeful space that supports men’s wellbeing, the Shed’s impact is clear. It has strengthened community links, provided a social hub used by other groups, delivered countless volunteer-led projects, and earned national recognition—including:
- Age Scotland Member Group of the Year
- Runner-Up in SMSA Shed of the Year
- The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Duncan is adamant that none of this would have been possible without the SMSA and Jason’s leadership, whose early guidance launched the project, secured charitable status and sound governance, shaped a robust business plan, and opened doors and directed them to relevant funders.
He notes that SMSA’s Shed-Wise health & wellbeing workshops enriched members’ experiences, their support helped the Shed produce its induction and Health & Safety training videos, and—on a personal note—Jason even backs their annual golf outings, reinforcing the genuine, hands-on commitment that has underpinned the relationship from day one.
Looking ahead, Stonehaven Men’s Shed stands today as a vibrant example of what community-led action can achieve when supported by a national organisation that genuinely understands grassroots groups.
“As we reflected for the SURF Awards judging process visit,” Duncan says, “we can see just how far we’ve come—and how vital the SMSA has been at every stage.
The SMSA’s development support team has now grown to have three regional officers across Scotland to reach over 210 Sheds—covering the work carried out by Jason when we first began.
“The SMSA team’s guidance empowers local people to take ownership, solve problems, and build something lasting for generations. That partnership has truly transformed our community.”