The Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year awards programme recognises the remarkable contribution Men’s Sheds make to their members and communities across Scotland—providing places where men can connect, share skills, learn new ones, work together and, most importantly, enjoy friendship and companionship.

Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed has grown from a small group of determined volunteers in 2016 into one of Stonehaven’s most valued community organisations. Members transformed a neglected former Beach Pavilion into a vibrant seafront community hub, contributing more than 3,600 volunteer hours to the renovation. Today, with more than 180 members, the Shed combines traditional crafts with CNC routing, laser engraving and 3D printing, alongside activities focused on health (yoga and pilates), wellbeing and social connection. Its commitment to sustainability has also seen the installation of solar panels, air source heat pumps and battery storage.

The Shed’s impact reaches far beyond its own members and its Stonehaven home. Members support local events, environmental projects and community initiatives, while an innovative prosthetics project has helped provide around 600 prosthetic limbs for people in Africa using reusable components recovered from hospitals across Scotland. Having previously received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the Shed’s latest national recognition reflects an exceptional combination of innovation, inclusion, sustainability and community service — demonstrating just how much a Men’s Shed can achieve.

Duncan Cursiter, Chairman of Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be named Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year 2026. This award belongs to every one of our members. It recognises the time, effort, friendship and sheer enthusiasm that they bring to the Shed every week.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have built together, but we are equally proud to be part of the wider Men’s Shed movement in Scotland. A huge thank you to everyone who voted for us and supported the Shed. We would also like to congratulate Milngavie & Bearsden and Irvine New Town — both are fantastic Sheds and worthy finalists.”

Jason Schroeder, CEO of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association, said: “A huge congratulations to every single member of Stonehaven Men’s Shed. Winning this title is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful recognition of the contribution the Shed and its members make to their community.

“Our congratulations also go to Milngavie & Bearsden Men’s Shed and Irvine New Town Men’s Shed for reaching the final. All three finalists demonstrated the incredible diversity, commitment and community spirit found within Scotland’s Men’s Shed movement. The Sheds showed exactly what makes the Scottish Movement so special with its age 18 and over model encouraging intergenerational friendships, inclusion, practical skills, community spirit and men supporting men.

“The real winners are the 12,000+ men across Scotland who come through the doors of a Shed every week. Stonehaven’s success is something for the whole Scottish Men’s Shed community to celebrate.”

Each of the three finalist Sheds will receive a trophy, certificate and a cash prize from the SMSA, funded directly from SMSA Shed membership fee income—Sheds giving back to Sheds. In addition, finalists will receive vouchers from Scotmid Co-op, access to Machine Competency and Woodwork training from David Young Training (RRP £638) and a Shed Accounts package from Thyme Accountants (RRP £360), as well as supermarket gifts from Tesco and Co-op.

To learn more about the SMSA charity, join as an individual member for FREE and discover your local Shed using the Scottish ‘Find a Shed’ map, which lists over 210 Sheds nationwide, please visit www.scottishmsa.org.uk.