St Andrews Men’s Shed celebrates regional win
St Andrews Men’s Shed celebrates regional win in Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year Awards 2025
St Andrews Men’s Shed (SAMS) has been named the East Coast (North) regional winner in the Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year Awards 2025, run by the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA)—Scotland’s largest member-led men’s health and wellbeing charity.
This prestigious recognition comes as SAMS reaches a major milestone—completing the transformation of a once-empty site at Craigtoun Country Park into a purpose-built Shed filled with opportunity, community spirit, and vision for the future. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am to 1.00pm, the new Shed site boasts a fully functional workshop, social spaces, accessible facilities, gardens, and a developing orchard—all driven by its growing membership.
“We recently celebrated receiving the final sign-off from Fife Council,” said SAMS Trustee Adrian Snowball. “It’s the culmination of two years of hard work, friendship, and determination—and it’s all been made possible thanks to our members and the overwhelming support of the wider community.”
The former steel barn (donated by Scott Wallace Homes) is now a vibrant hub, thanks to the hands-on efforts of members with diverse skills and a shared sense of purpose. Members have not only helped with the construction, but also with developing garden allotments, installing a polytunnel, fitting out the crew room, and preparing the workshop machinery.
SAMS has also benefited from incredible community and industry backing. Morrison Construction installed the site’s sewer connection and Sustainable Urban Drainage System, while Henderson Fabrication crafted fencing and gates to secure the premises. The group also received fire safety training from an ex-firefighter, and continues to support local causes like Friends of Craigtoun.
“Progress has been nothing short of outstanding,” Adrian added. “We have such an amazing bunch of lads, and we couldn’t have got here without the leadership of our former Chair, Henry Paul.”
With their new home now secured for at least the next two decades, the Shed is poised to serve current and future generations in St Andrews. Visitors are welcome by arrangement, and the group continues to welcome new members and supporters.
Jason Schroeder, CEO of the SMSA, said: “St Andrews Men’s Shed is a model of vision, perseverance, and community impact. Their journey to a thriving, purpose-built Shed shows what can be achieved when a group of like-minded individuals come together for the greater good. They absolutely deserve this regional title.”
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
