Woodworking Workshop
Lathes, bench saws, bench drills and many hand tools, plus a vast stock of seasoned timber — softwood, hardwood, and some exotic species. Safety training provided or work to order.
Alford & District Men's Shed
Our history, our mission, and what makes the Shed special.
Who We Are
Alford & District Men's Shed is a welcoming, member-run space in the heart of Alford, Aberdeenshire. Our aim is to give people in the local area the chance to meet up, take part in creative, physical and purposeful activities of their own choosing, and to share their knowledge and skills with one another.
Men's Sheds are a worldwide network dedicated to improving well-being through the provision of recreational facilities and activities. Although Men's Sheds are aimed at combating social isolation in men, they are open to all members of the community.
What was once a deserted building and surrounding field is now a facility valued at £350,000 for insurance purposes — and is quickly becoming one of the finest community assets in Aberdeenshire.
Why We Exist
Generally men rarely share personal concerns about health and personal worries, often becoming depressed and insular. We want to make a change — to give men a voice, and every opportunity to forge new relationships. Sheds are about meeting like-minded people and having someone to share your stories, skills, jokes, knowledge and worries with.
We believe our Men's Shed is vital for our community in so many ways. We want our members to manage the facilities collectively, bringing about stronger feelings of fulfilment and achievement, and ensuring the long-term sustainability and future of the Shed.
Our ambition from day one was to convert the former technical department of Alford Academy into one of the best Men's Sheds, creating a community hub with something for everyone in the Alford district and beyond. In Spring 2023 we completed the transformation of a 1970s building into a very fine modern one.
Our Journey
The idea took shape: convert the former Technical Department of Alford Academy into one of the best Men's Sheds in Scotland, and create a lasting community hub for the Alford district and beyond.
Alford and District Men's Shed requested the right to take on part of the old school site and former Technical Department from Aberdeenshire Council as part of a community asset transfer, and was given the green light to proceed. We became a registered Charity under the OSCR Registry and formed a constitution.
The Academy community asset was formally transferred to the Alford & District Men's Shed. Members began the substantial work of transforming the underused 1970s building into a modern, well-equipped facility.
We installed an integrated renewable energy-based heating system — 21 kW of Solar Panels, a 3,000-litre thermal storage tank, a Tesla DC storage battery, two external Air Source Heat Pumps and a computer-based control system. Funded by an 85% grant from Local Energy Scotland via their CARES programme.
After five years of hard work by the members and key grant funding, the building now has renewed and better-insulated glazed walls and roof. The estate includes a Sensory Garden, Community Orchard, large Polytunnel with raised beds, a Greenhouse, and an Allotments Area with 18 rented-out plots. A facility once worth nothing is now valued at £350,000 and growing.
What We Have
Lathes, bench saws, bench drills and many hand tools, plus a vast stock of seasoned timber — softwood, hardwood, and some exotic species. Safety training provided or work to order.
Metal-working lathes and shaper with safety training provided or machining to order. Substantial equipment for individual and community projects alike.
21 kW of Solar Panels, a Tesla battery, 3,000-litre thermal storage tank and Air Source Heat Pumps. A smart control system makes this one of the most energy-efficient community spaces in the area.
An excellent kitchen and café serving tea, coffee and “fancy pieces”. The estate also includes a Sensory Garden, Community Orchard, Polytunnel, Greenhouse, and 18 allotment plots.
Got Questions?
Grants & Awards
ADMS is extremely grateful to all of these major funding organisations and their staff who have assisted us.
Come Along
Whether you want to get your hands on a project, learn something new, or just enjoy good company — the door is always open.