What is a Men's Shed?
Men's Sheds are friendly environments that cater for folk of all interests and serve as an important meeting place for men and women to socialise, share life experiences and skills. There are real benefits to the health and wellbeing of individuals involved in local sheds — not just something to do, but social connections and, in some cases, a renewed sense of worth. We're supported by both the NHS and Age Scotland as part of a wider effort to improve mental health in the adult Scottish population.
How we started
First established in February 2018, our shed has rapidly progressed from concept to having a property and fitting it out as a fully working shed. Our first meeting was held on the 7th of February 2018 — there was enough interest in the room to press ahead.
The hut
By the middle of March 2018 we had secured a large facility at Cultybraggan Camp, Hut 65 (the old NAAFI). This is an old WW2 Nissen hut with a floor space of over 400 square metres. Unfortunately it had had very little maintenance in the previous 10 years, leaving us with a lot of work to do. After securing the facility we came up with a plan of action — we do not shy away from a challenge, and this was quite the piece.
What we offer
Once the building is wind-and-watertight, we offer members free and easy access to as many crafts, hobbies and interests as the membership wants to support. As long as there are enough members keen on the same activity, we'll do our best to supply the necessary equipment. Members can also work on their own personal projects in the shared workshop space.
Activities by area
| Area | Activities |
|---|---|
| Garage | Mechanics |
| Woodshop | Carpentry, chainsaw art, green woodwork, woodcarving, woodwork |
| Metalshop | Blacksmithing, glass blowing, cold forging, metalwork |
| IT suite | 3D printing, computing, drones & RC, electronics, graphic design, microelectronics |
| Kitchen | Baking, brewing, coffee roasting, cooking, wild foraging |
| Crafts suite | Candle making, lapidary, leatherwork, modelling, pottery, printing, pyrography, resin casting, soap making, toy making, wickerwork |
| Sitting area | Puzzles, reading, conversation |
| Meeting room | Book restoration, genealogy |
| Garden | Bee keeping, astronomy, outdoor skills, wildlife |
| General | Camping, cycling, fishing, DIY, hill walking, history, metal detecting, music, photography, re-cycling, self-sustainability |
Help preserve old crafts
Many of the old skilled crafts and hobbies are dying out — machines have taken over, and the people willing to pass the knowledge down are becoming rarer. Consider donating a little of your spare change, time or old tools to keep these traditions alive.
Get in touch