One of the fastest growing men’s shed groups in Aberdeenshire could officially take ownership of its new headquarters next week.
Aberdeenshire Council is being asked to finalise the community asset transfer of a local garage to the Inverurie Men’s Shed – a move which would finally allow the group to officially open its doors.
The premises at Inverurie’s Harlaw Way is already in line to accommodate one of the biggest men’s sheds in the region, already attracting some 80 members.
Work to install the centre with metal and woodwork facilities is nearing completion, whilst its polytunnel at the Harlaw Day Care Centre has been hailed a huge success.
Two cabins have also been set up in the yard area of the men’s shed site for group members to socialise whilst enjoying a cup of tea.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Garioch area committee will be asked to agree to the community asset transfer and the lease of the building – at an annual rent of £100 – at its meeting in Inverurie’s Gordon House on Tuesday.
Men’s sheds aim to promote health and wellbeing by giving local men a space to socialise and work on construction projects.
Secretary of the group, Alistair Smith, said he hoped local councillors would back them.
The scientist – who just returned from a three-week work trip to Korea – added: “I hope the Garioch area committee don’t say no. Before I went away the workshop was nearly completed with all the machines and everything.
“We’d be very grateful if the Garioch area committee officially gave us the thumbs up and gave us the lease.
“That would help greatly. We must be pushing 80 members now. If the lease is agreed we’d be more than happy. We’re hoping it goes through.”
The council’s Garioch area manager, Douglas Milne, added: “The men’s shed applied for a community asset transfer of the premises and
stages one to three of the asset transfer process have been completed.
“Stage four, the handover, involves agreeing the lease and the final handover.”
The Westhill Men’s Shed was Scotland’s first, whilst the Portlethen and District Men’s Shed was launched last year.
The Ellon and District Men’s Shed is also in the process of being set up.