When it opened its doors in 1930, there was some scepticism around whether the Stonehaven Beach Pavilion would ever justify its rising construction costs.
But today marks the 90th anniversary of the site, which has become a priceless part of the seaside community in the last several decades.
Over the years it has hosted everything from concerts to judo classes – and now it is home to the local branch of the increasingly popular Men’s Shed movement.
The group, which cuts down on social isolation by offering men a place to gather and carry out various projects, moved into the building last October and has recently been operating remotely to ensure members don’t get too lonely.
The group had been hoping to host celebrations today to celebrate their work and mark 90 years since the Beach Pavilion opened.
The recent renovation cost about £85,000, with members securing grants from a variety of bodies to make their dream a reality.
They put in around 4,000 hours of their own time in fitting out the kitchen, the toilets, the social area and the workshop.
Last night, group trustee Duncan Cursiter explained how the close-knit collective had continued to keep each other company even though they have been unable to meet in person.
And he appealed for people to send him any pictures or stories from the building’s past as a way of celebrating the milestone anniversary.
He said: “The Men’s Shed ethos is all about improving mental and physical health of men in the community by giving them a new purpose in life after retirement or after bereavement.
“It is proving to be a fantastic haven for a real cross section of the community and a place where men can come along and either just sit and have a chat or get involved in a host of available workshop activities. And this is away from a pub or betting shop environment.
“During the lockdown, the benefits of a Men’s Shed organisation for Stonehaven have been particularly apparent in that the members have set up a What’s App group for daily communication.
“There is a welfare team which contacts members on a regular basis to see how they are.
“There is also a weekly newsletter sent out by the vice-chairman and a website with features to keep our members informed and entertained.”
While real-life celebrations are currently postponed, the Men’s Shed is still encouraging anyone with information, photos or memories of the Beach Pavilion to get in touch.
People can email djdcursiter@gmail.com to get involved.
‘A monument to the zeal and courage of Stonehaven’s men of action’
The opening of the Stonehaven Beach Pavilion took place in front of “cheering hundreds” at the turn of the 1930s.
It was a special day for the Aberdeenshire town – which was also celebrating a new water scheme that would quell a shortage during the summer months.
The hall had cost £950, and could seat 430.
On June 17, 1930, the Press and Journal reported on the opening in grand terms after a wrangle had ensued on whether it would be worth what was then a hefty price tag.
An article stated that the building was “a monument to the zeal and courage of Stonehaven’s men of action who, undaunted by the discouraging prophesies of the pessimist, are forging ahead with schemes to improve the town’s holiday attraction”.
Other councillors had argued against the rising costs of the pavilion, and “many prophesied evil” of the venture.
But the June 17 article urged the community to “sink all our personal feelings” and celebrate the opening of the pavilion.
It stated: “The optimists won the day.
“The pavilion has been built, and now it rests with Stonehaven and its summer visitors to confound critics.”
Late into the night, song, instrumental music, comedy, dancing and burlesque from a huge line-up of performers ensured the evening went down in the coastal town’s history.
