Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year contest announces new regional awards

The Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year contest has introduced a new regional twist.

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) - the country’s largest member-led men’s health and wellbeing charity - has opened applications for this year’s awards programme.

It is now in its seventh year and endeavours to recognise, reward and promote the contribution Sheds make to communities and the huge life-changing impact that they have on the men that attend them.

The Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year has been won twice by Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed. Also triumphing in the past was Aberchirder and District Men’s Shed.

SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder said: “Our awards programme began back in 2019 and the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement has grown considerably since then.

“Now, with the engagement of 10,000 plus men through over 200 open or developing Shed groups across all 32 local authority areas - identified on our online ‘Find a Shed’ map - we felt it was definitely time for a rejig of the process to simplify it and make it more appealing to encourage more Sheds to apply.

“We have listened to our members’ feedback and introduced five regional categories East Coast (North), East Coast (South), West Coast (North), West Coast (South) and Highlands and Islands and we will have one regional winner for each.

“This way, five Scottish Sheds will receive the prestige of a regional title as well as be in the running for the winner’s title.

“In previous years, applications were blind judged by the SMSA board — meaning that all references to places and names were removed beforehand to ensure unbiased decisions and scoring by the SMSA trustees.

“With this new process, we will assign one SMSA development officer, who works outwith that region, along with one SMSA trustee to review the applications and decide on a finalist for each of the five regions.

“In addition to the new regional heats, we revisited the application process. Everyone dislikes completing lengthy application forms and with our new and improved process, we have streamlined our online application and stripped it right back to just two key qualitative questions to get down to the nitty-gritty of the impact that these Sheds are making to their members and communities.

“We have also added in a choice for Sheds to send in video responses to the questions, instead of written answers, and involve their fellow members, trustees and stakeholders in their film making.

“It is important to emphasise that applicant Sheds do not need to have been open for several years or be non-stop in the spotlight.

“As we have seen from our 2023 and 2024 double winner - new ‘Shed on the Block’ Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed - you could have newly opened or be a developing Shed and still make an immense positive impact in your local community.

“The Shed model is a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of all men, aged 18 and over, through friendship, support, activities and personal and community projects and we want to hear about your Shed’s journey so far.

“The awards programme will celebrate and showcase the connections and camaraderie taking place to combat social isolation, loneliness and boredom for our Scottish men.”

The application window for 2025 is now open and will close at noon on Friday, July 18.

Scottish Sheds - that are members of the SMSA - can apply online at www.scottishmsa.org.uk

The five regional Shed winners will be selected by Friday, July 25. The three finalist Sheds will be announced the week of August 4 before opening to voting from SMSA individual members on Friday, August 29. The vote will close on Friday, September 19.

The winner and two runner-up Sheds will be announced at the SMSA gathering, AGM and awards event on Friday, October 3 at Perth and Kinross Council Chambers.

Fourth and fifth place Sheds will receive the regional title, a certificate and £250 towards Shed running costs from the SMSA.

The three finalist Sheds will receive their own regional title, targe trophy, certificate and an array of prizes from SMSA, awards sponsors and supporters to assist their Shed.