Peterhead & District Men’s Shed has successfully progressed through the Expression of Interest stage of the Coastal Communities Buchan Fund for an exciting project to expand its workshop facilities.

Buchan Development Partnership supported the Men’s Shed to develop and submit its Expression of Interest for £23,000 towards two additional purpose-built modular workshop units.

Following the successful EOI, the Men’s Shed has now been invited to progress to the full application stage for the £23,000 funding, with BDP continuing to support the group through the next phase of the process.

The proposed expansion is about much more than simply creating additional space.

One of the new units is specifically intended to provide a more accessible workshop environment, including lowered workbenches for wheelchair users and a more flexible working layout, helping to remove practical barriers for people who may otherwise find it difficult to participate fully.

The additional facilities would also increase capacity for woodworking and practical activities, volunteering, skills sharing, partnership working and wider community projects.

The project builds on the important role Peterhead & District Men’s Shed already plays within the wider community. A recent example saw BDP connect the Shed with Boddam Primary School PTA, with Shed members making and installing acoustic panels for the school — demonstrating how skills and resources within one community organisation can help meet a need elsewhere.

BDP will continue to work alongside the Men’s Shed as it develops and submits the full funding application