A new Men’s Shed has opened in Glasgow and is actively recruiting new members.

The project, set up by charity Growing21 Development Trust, is based in Ruchazie and and aims to foster social, environmental, and economic benefits for local residents.

The trust was formed by residents in 2020 and helped establish Glasgow’s first community pantry, the Ruchazie Pantry to tackle the area’s higher-than-average levels of poverty.

Following that, it launched the Fireclay Bistro Café & Kitchen to provide a social space for the community to eat, connect, learn, and gain new skills as well as deliver groups and classes.

(Image: Scottish Men's Sheds Association)

Walter Sandoval at Growing21 said: "The site’s vast derelict land used to site two former primary schools and is now in the process of being repurposed by the Trust.

"‘The Link’ initiative—Ruchazie’s Greening and Growing Project—includes plans to create a community growing space and allotments to provide fresh, local produce for the Growing21 pantry and the café and kitchen."

Within these spaces, Growing21 will have raised beds, polytunnel, orchards, and rainwater collection, providing plenty of opportunities for locals to dabble in gardening, food growing, training, and learning.

The Men’s Shed project forms an integral part of this vision, offering a welcoming hub for local men to share stories, collaborate on projects, and support each other. 

(Image: Scottish Men's Sheds Association)

Walter said: "We aim to create a positive and inclusive environment that fosters personal growth, skills development and community engagement.

“The Shed has been in development since last November and we now have six regular members that come along every Thursday but we have capacity and would really want to welcome many more."

The location, despite having no electricity, is central and close to public transport links.

It includes a container for storing tools and ongoing projects and offers Shed members the autonomy to guide their activities.

Current members have focused on community projects and socialising, with darts and cards proving popular.

Walter encouraged newcomers to expand the range of activities available at the Shed.

The Shed is at ‘The Link’ at 435 Gartloch Road opposite the pantry, open every Friday from 6-9pm, with plans to extend these hours.