Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men's Shed has officially opened its new home in a converted former pub, the Kirkmuirhill Inn on Thornton Road. The oldest member, 89-year-old Charlie Johnston, cut the ribbon alongside trustee Bill Dewar, marking a significant expansion for the group.
From Shipping Container to Spacious Pub
Founded in 2019, the Men's Shed originally operated from a converted shipping container owned by the Thornton Road Community Centre Association. That space allowed only three or four members to work comfortably. Now, the group boasts 64 members, 11 of whom joined after renovation work began on the 140-year-old disused pub.
The new premises provide significantly more room for woodworking sessions, improved disabled access, and a social space for members to share skills, display crafts, and build friendships. The original shipping container will be relocated beside the new building to serve as a dedicated machine room, while a large garage at the rear offers future workshop space.
Funding and Community Support
The project received £25,000 from the Kype Muir Windfarm Community Fund and £96,500 from South Lanarkshire’s renewable energy fund, totaling £121,500. Bill Dewar, trustee of the Men's Shed, said: “Having this new space is a huge step forward for us. It’s about camaraderie and banter, giving men somewhere to go where they can talk face to face rather than shoulder to shoulder.” He added that the shed has helped people who are lonely or dealing with mental health problems.
OnPath Energy, which operates the Kype Muir windfarm, runs community funds for nearby projects. Community and partnerships manager Aileen McCreadie praised the “wonderful new space,” adding: “This funding is a great example of how windfarm community funds can make a genuine difference, helping groups like this grow.”
Impact on Health and Wellbeing
Dr Jason Schroeder, chief executive of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association, highlighted the movement’s importance: “Men’s Sheds have become one of the most important grassroots movements supporting men’s health and wellbeing. Groups like Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood show exactly why this movement continues to grow.”
Johnny Hamilton, representing the Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill co-ordination group, called the new facility “a fantastic success story,” noting that the group has carried out many community projects and that the new space will allow them to grow and share premises with others.
