Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year 2026
We are delighted to let you know that Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed has been selected as the East Coast regional winner in the Scottish Men’s Shed Association (SMSA) Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year Awards 2026.
Following this success, we have now been shortlisted as one of just three finalists for the overall title of Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year 2026. The three finalists are:
- Irvine Newtown Men’s Shed
- Milngavie & Bearsden Men’s Shed
- Stonehaven Men’s Shed
The regional award was based on a detailed submission outlining our ethos, achievements, activities, community involvement, and future plans. Representatives from the SMSA recently visited Stonehaven to produce a short video showcasing our Shed and the positive impact it has within the local community.
The overall winner will be determined by a vote of SMSA members. We have been advised that anyone aged 18 or over can become a member of the Scottish Men’s Shed Association, with membership being completely free and open to both men and women.
If you would like to support Stonehaven Men’s Shed, we would be grateful if you could:
- Register for free membership of the SMSA here: https://scottishmsa.org.uk/individual/
- View the shortlisted Sheds and cast your vote here: https://scottishmsa.org.uk/smsotyawards/
Voting closes at noon on Tuesday 18 August 2026
As a community organisation dedicated to reducing social isolation, promoting wellbeing, and providing opportunities for local people to connect and contribute, we are extremely proud to have reached this stage. Any support you can offer, including sharing this information with friends & family, would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your continued support of Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed.
Yoga & Pilates at the Shed
A core part of the Men’s Shed ethos is creating an environment that supports men’s health and wellbeing, and we have continued to build on that principle in Stonehaven. Over four years ago, we introduced an Iyengar Yoga class led by a local qualified instructor. This has since expanded to include a second class, Dru Yoga, which is a gentle, accessible form of yoga suitable for men with limited mobility and can even be practised while seated. Both classes conclude with guided relaxation, mindfulness, and visualisation – practices shown to be highly beneficial for mental health and emotional wellbeing. Participants are encouraged to consult their GP before taking part. Yoga and Pilates have proven particularly effective in improving posture, strength, flexibility, and social connection.
We now offer a third weekly fitness class focused on core strength and balance, giving members a choice of three different wellbeing activities each week. Thanks to the goodwill of our instructors, all classes are kept at an affordable £5 per session. Our oldest regular participant is 87, and he credits the Shed’s Yoga and Pilates sessions with helping him stay mobile and supple. These activities have become extremely popular, attracting 26 members who may not otherwise visit the Shed regularly.
Building Social Connection
Alongside workshop activities, we also run a wide range of social events for members who prefer conversation, company, and shared experiences. These include lunches and evening meals at local venues, celebrations of anniversaries, and trips to museums and places of interest. We also take part in friendly competitions with other local groups, such as the Stonehaven Pétanque Club.
A new monthly Friday afternoon social gathering at a harbourside hotel has quickly become a success, offering a relaxed setting for new and existing members to meet and chat. To encourage non‑attending members to reconnect with the Shed, we are launching a visibility campaign with posters in the GP surgery, Vaccination Centre, Library, and public noticeboards. One potential new member was recently referred to our Yoga class by his physiotherapist, who recommended more exercise.
Outreach and Member Re‑Engagement
We are also planning a “Welcome Back” event in September to re‑engage members who have been absent, supported by social media promotion. Further planned activities include an “End of Summer BBQ” at the Shed, held in line with Men’s Shed principles of no alcohol on the premises. Looking ahead, we intend to continue monthly social events into 2027, with a break over Christmas and New Year, and possibly a Burns Supper in January 2027.
Where necessary, the Shed provides financial support to cover shortfalls in the cost of social activities, substitute Yoga instructors, and group outings.
Over the life of the Stonehaven Shed, it has become clear that members naturally form their own interest groups. While workshop activities remain central, the social side of the Shed is equally important in maintaining membership and ensuring that every man finds a place where he feels welcome. This understanding has been an important learning point for us and continues to shape how we support all members of our community.
On Saturday, September 13th 2025, we held a very successful Shed Open Day to allow members of the public to find out more about the Shed and what we do. Light refreshments and (of course!) tea & coffee were available whilst having the opportunity for a chat with one of our friendly ‘Shedders’.
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