The Men’s Shed group in a north-east town is on the hunt for a new premises with space for woodwork, crafts and community projects.
Members of the Fraserburgh branch of the organisation banded together last year after local man John Grant heard about the scheme.
As someone with PTSD from his military days, he retired early and felt that being alone was affecting his mental health.
Having heard about the Men’s Shed movement, he started up a Fraserburgh and district group and they were gifted the use of a shed by the sea cadets.
But it became clear very quickly that the popularity of the group and the projects they were aiming to take on would require a venue with more space.
Mr Grant said: “At the start, we were working from my shed, but that was too small, so we were delighted and so thankful when we got to use the [sea cadet’s] shed.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The P&J newsletter
“But, in terms of the woodwork and the community projects we’re hoping to take on, it’s just too small.
“We can only fit two or three of us in at a time.”
Having spoken to other local photography, arts, crafts and hobby groups, the Men’s Shed has found that a place with several rooms would suit their needs if it was transformed into a centre for use by all of the community.
This week, members accepted a donation from Scotmid for £290 towards tools, which has only fuelled their desire to find a suitable home.
Mr Grant said: “We’ve applied for various funds and, thanks to Scotmid’s donation, we’re hoping to set up wood workshops.
“I’m already teaching a group how to make walking sticks and hiking poles, and we’ve made things for the local school, but we’re being held back due to a lack of space.
“We will welcome as many people here as we can to help them and give them something to do, but due to the size, we are currently restricted to two or three people at once.
“The council has been helping us, but everything that has come up has been snapped up. So, if anyone can help us find somewhere, we would really appreciate it.”
