Plans to set up Men's Shed in Bourtreehill and Harbourside

Sheds, which have recently also been set up in Saltcoats and Kilbirnie, are for men who have time on their hands and want to lead active lives with like minded individuals.

A meeting held in Puffers café attracted great interest and now plans are afoot to set one up on the other side of the town.

John Menzies, Learning and Access Officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: “The meeting was very well attended. We had about 60 people there and 45 men signed up to our mailing list. We had a second meeting on Thursday, October 4 and had 26 interested men from all backgrounds.

“We are now meeting every second Thursday to form a committee, decide on projects, form the constitution etc.

“It’s basically a space for men to get together and do activities you would find in a garden shed, anything from engineering to creative writi ng a nd everything inbetween. The whole idea of the project is to combat social isolation and promote good mental health in older men.

“The Shed project started in Australia about five years ago, it’s moved over to Scotland and popping up everywhere.”

The Bourtreehill and Broomlands Tenants and Residents Association are hosting the event next month to discuss the setting up of a Men’s Sheds in the Bourtreehill Village shopping area.

The meeting will be held in the Towerlands Community Centre Monday, November 12 from 7pm-9pm.

It is envisaged that membership of the group would be free and an elected a committee will seek funding and grants from various bodies.

Members can use tools and equipment for their own projects and for residents in the workshop It’s also envisaged that they would secure a premises, decide on a name and apply for charity status.

Irvine East Cllr John Easdale said: “Find out about the advantages of getting out the house for a bit during the day and learn a new skill or pass on your own skill and make friends in a Men’s Shed.”