Community groups in the north of Scotland are being encouraged to follow in the footsteps of an Aberdeenshire men’s shed and take home a top prize.
The search has begun to find the country’s Shed Of The Year for 2020, with the victor to dethrone the competition’s inaugural winner, Aberchirder and District.
Set up by the Scottish Men’s Shed Association (SMSA), the contest recognises and rewards the contributions of teams to their communities.
Scotland’s first men’s shed opened in 2013, and there are now 188 throughout the country dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of men by encouraging friendship, camaraderie and the pursuit of hobbies.
Having first had the idea to set up a local chapter in 2016, it took the Aberchirder and District Men’s Shed team of seven men 30,000 hours over 104 weeks to construct the facility.
It was officially opened last May by the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Clare Russell and, since then, has received invites to a royal garden party at Holyrood Palace and met with Prince Andrew.
Chairman Mike O’Brien said: “Since winning the title in 2019, we have had a busy and successful time – our reputation just seemed to escalate.
“We hope that this year’s winner receives as much attention as we have had.”
Applications for the competition can be made via the SMSA website and close at the end of next month.
An online poll will determine the winner, who will be announced on September 6.