Local Men's Shed expands community support
The Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men’s Shed was awarded £25,000 by the Nadara Auchrobert Wind Farm Community Fund towards the purchase and renovation of a former pub into their new premises.
Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men’s Shed (KBMS) has been running since 2019, and has had a significant impact on members, and on the local community as a whole. KBMS helps provide opportunities for local people to get together, work on joint projects and make friends, reducing social isolation and loneliness.
The breadth of their work and their reach goes far beyond the individual members who attend the Men’s Shed. The ‘Shedders’ regularly assist local schools, community groups, local nature projects and provide historical walking tours. The project has also had a profound impact on the members who attend.
A Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men’s Shed member said:
“KBMS has been a lifesaver for me. I know that sounds dramatic, but it literally has been. I felt forgotten so began looking for something. The Shed and my fellow Shedders are a great help to me because it gives me a purpose and somewhere else to go. That was a godsend to me, and that’s what really perked me up because I found that I could open up and get things off my chest. But it wasn’t just the social side that I loved. As a retired chef, I had never worked with wood in my life, but the very first project I did, I was amazed at how much I thoroughly enjoyed working with wood and the tools and machinery. I got into it in a big way and have learned so much. I’ve been involved in so many Shed projects now – including hand carvings and making clocks to sell at local fairs and community events. It is a pleasure to do my bit to raise funds to help keep this Shed functioning for all of the members, including myself.” |
Over time, KBMS realised that the premises they were using were no longer able to accommodate the increasing number of men who wished to join and attend. They began to look for new premises, and for funding to help them ensure that they could continue to grow and meet local demand for the project.
Once they had identified a suitable site, they realised that they needed funds not only to purchase the premises, but also to convert the building into a fit-for-purpose facility for the Men’s Shed itself, and also provide spaces for other community projects. These included a pop-up show where local crafters could sell their products alongside the items produced in the Men’s Shed, and a workshop for mentoring and learning to take place.
Their ambitious plans for renovating the former pub were made possible with funding secured from the Nadara Auchrobert Wind Farm Community Fund, alongside the South Lanarkshire Council-run Renewable Energy Fund (RED), Point North Kype Muir Wind Farm, the National Lottery Community Fund, the Robertson Trust, Corra Foundation and CARES.
Renovations got underway in October 2025, and the property has now been given a complete facelift, with much of the renovation carried out by the Shed members themselves, but also supported by local tradesmen. The renovations included major roof repairs, Solar PV installation, full roughcasting, upgrade of electrical and plumbing systems, fitting new bespoke workshops, upgrading the heating system, with more refurbishments planned for the future.
The official opening took place on the 31st May 2026 and over 200 supporters came along to celebrate. Already the significant difference the new multi-purpose premises is making to a small village community is clear.
A Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men’s Shed member said:
| “It keeps me connected – not just with the guys, but with the whole village. It’s helped me find myself again. “ |
KBMS has had a significant impact on the local community, and has been described as a lifesaver by many members. Now, they have created a dedicated safe place for people to feel like they belong, have a purpose, and a place to share a cup of tea and a laugh with their neighbours and friends.
Read more about the Nadara Auchrobert Wind Farm Community Fund.