Stonehaven Shed presented
with 2026 targe trophy
Stonehaven Shed presented with prestigious ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2026 targe trophy
Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed has officially taken its place in Scottish Men’s Shed history after being presented with the prestigious Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year 2026 targe trophy.
The special presentation took place today (Friday 11th September 2026) at the Stonehaven Shed which was packed full of members, supporters and local dignitaries who had gathered to celebrate the Aberdeenshire group’s outstanding achievement.
Among those attending were Deputy Lieutenant of Kincardineshire John Cruickshank, Kincardine and Mearns Area Project Officer Diane Henderson, Cllr Sarah Dickinson and Cllr Alan Turner, as well as members, friends, supporters and representatives from local community groups.
The unique trophy was presented by Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Jason Schroeder, who also delivered a speech explaining the history and significance of the distinctive targe trophy and why the Stonehaven Shed is such a worthy recipient of the 2026 title.
The presentation provided an opportunity not only to celebrate Stonehaven’s success, but also to recognise the remarkable contribution of Men’s Sheds across Scotland.
Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed was crowned Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year 2026 after an exceptionally strong national competition, taking the top spot ahead of Milngavie & Bearsden Men’s Shed, which finished Silver, and Irvine New Town Men’s Shed, which took Bronze.
The result was particularly impressive with Stonehaven securing more than 50% of the public vote, demonstrating the strength of support for the Shed and the impact its members have made locally, nationally and beyond.
The award recognises a remarkable journey which began in 2016 when a small group of determined volunteers set out to establish a permanent home for their Shed. Members subsequently transformed a neglected former Beach Pavilion on Stonehaven seafront, contributing more than 3,600 volunteer hours to create the vibrant community hub that exists today.
Today, the Shed has more than 180 members and combines traditional skills and crafts with modern technology, including CNC routing, laser engraving and 3D printing. It also provides activities promoting health, wellbeing and social connection, while its commitment to sustainability includes solar panels, air source heat pumps and battery storage.
Its influence extends well beyond the Shed itself. Members support local events, environmental projects and community initiatives, while the Shed’s innovative prosthetics project has helped provide around 600 prosthetic limbs for people in Africa, using reusable components recovered from hospitals across Scotland.
The Shed was also previously recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, making its latest national success another significant milestone for the organisation.
The distinctive targe trophy is a unique feature of the Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year awards. The winner keeps the trophy for a year, providing a visible reminder and talking point for the achievements of the winning Shed and its members.
The awards have been running since 2019 and celebrate the contribution and impact Men’s Sheds make to their members, communities and wider Scottish society. The programme also gives Sheds an opportunity to share their experiences and inspire other groups across the country.
For Stonehaven, receiving the physical trophy today makes the achievement tangible — and gives members a permanent reminder of the tremendous support they received during the national vote.
There are now more than 220 Men’s Shed groups across Scotland, operating in all 32 local authority areas and engaging more than 12,000 men. Each Shed is different, but collectively they provide welcoming spaces where men aged 18 and over can build friendships, learn and share skills, volunteer, contribute to their communities and support one another.
Dr 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.”
He added that the success of the three finalists demonstrated the diversity and community spirit found throughout Scotland’s Men’s Shed movement, with the real winners being the thousands of men who come through the doors of Sheds every week.
Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed Chairman Duncan Cursiter said the award belonged to every member of the Shed, recognising the time, effort, friendship and enthusiasm they bring every week.
As part of the SMSA’s Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year awards, all three national finalists receive a package of prizes and support. Stonehaven’s Gold award includes the targe trophy, certificate and cash prize from the SMSA, funded directly through SMSA Shed membership fee income — reflecting the principle of “Sheds giving back to Sheds.”
The awards provide much more than recognition. They provide practical resources and investment that can help winning and finalist Sheds continue to develop their activities and support their members.
The finalists also receive Scotmid Co-op vouchers, access to Machine Competency and Woodwork training from David Young Training valued at £638 RRP, a Shed Accounts package from Thyme Accountants, valued at £360 RRP, together with gifts from local supermarkets.
Watch the Stonehaven story
The journey of Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed — from transforming a neglected seafront building to becoming Scotland’s Men’s Shed of the Year — is captured in the SMSA’s finalist film on the SMSA You Tube channel or view above.
The film showcases the people, projects and community spirit behind the award. Congratulations to everyone at Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed — a truly outstanding achievement.
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 220 Sheds nationwide, please visit www.scottishmsa.org.uk.