SMSA marks 5,000+ milestone membership with veteran supporter also on board
SMSA marks 5,000+ milestone membership with veteran supporter also on board
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) is celebrating two major milestones. The first is welcoming Major General Patrick Marriott CB CBE DL, HM Lord-Lieutenant for Sutherland, as an individual member—his support highlights the growing recognition of the vital role Sheds play in men’s health, wellbeing, and community cohesion—particularly for veterans. The second milestone comes as the charity reaches 5,000+ members, a landmark achievement for the growing movement.
Major General Marriott, a former British Army officer who became Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland in August 2022, has previously chaired the Scottish Committee of the charity Combat Stress, the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans.
Writing to the SMSA to request to join—following a visit to the Kyle of Sutherland Men’s Shed in Ardgay, and recalling a previous visit to the Dornoch Shed—Major General Marriott shared his enthusiasm: “I am a keen supporter of Men’s Sheds, primarily as I’ve seen first hand how they can transform the lives of veterans. The companionship and creativity that they engender is wonderful to see. Both Sheds I visited recently, are thriving—the Kyle of Sutherland Shed having 30–40 regular members is superb!”
Drawing on his extensive experience with veterans, he went on to highlight the need for a further expansion of Sheds across Sutherland, including the west and north coasts, where isolated communities could greatly benefit from the model.
SMSA Chief Executive Dr Jason Schroeder praised Major General Marriott’s proactive approach through joining the SMSA, linking it directly to the charity’s manifesto aim of reaching more veterans across Scotland: “The Major General’s request to join us symbolises his commitment to the wellbeing of men and his support for the Scottish Men’s Sheds movement.
“His experience with veterans aligns perfectly with our manifesto goal to expand the benefits of Sheds to those who have served, offering them companionship, camaraderie, purpose, belonging and creative outlets. We look forward to working closely with him to develop new Sheds in the region, ensuring that men in even the most remote communities have access to these life-changing opportunities.”