A group set up to provide men with a place to meet and get involved with local projects has taken a step forward in its effort to find a home.
Aberchirder Men’s Shed scheme launched last year but has been trying to find a permanent base from which it can run events and provide a work space since.
The Men’s Shed project, which is also run in Turriff and Inverurie, started in Australia and has since spread across the globe with a view of offering men of all ages a place where they can talk and pursue new hobbies with each other.
In Aberchirder, it is hoped it will also allow men who have since retired from their day jobs to get back involved their community.
Last night, group member James Paterson said a deal had been struck with Aberdeenshire Council to secure land within the village for the project for that purpose.
The group will take on the former Doran housing site in the village’s North Street, where homes once stood.
Mr Paterson said the deal had been a long time coming.
“The project was started about a year ago, and we’ve been workings since then to get land in the village,” he added.
“We’re just now waiting for a building warrant. Once that comes through we’ll be ready to go.”
Waiting for the go-ahead are 36 local men who have already signed up to back the project.
But Mr Paterson hopes more will be encouraged to take part with the scheme when there is a building in place for them.
“There’s a lot of other local lads who haven’t quite signed on the dotted line yet, but everyone is quite keen to get involved in the project,” he said.
“It’s been supported well locally and a few local organisations have also shown interest in us, including Macmillan – to provide something for people who may be suffering from cancer.
“It will hopefully get them out and involved with the community.
“That’s what the men’s shed project is about, really. Getting lads who have maybe just retired and don’t have hobbies back into the community.”
