Milngavie and Bearsden Men's Shed

16/08/2026

SMSA Shed of the Year.

Voting commenced on 4th August and closes on this Tuesday18th August.

It is important that you register and cast your vote as soon as possible. Please do it now.

In order to vote for your shed of the year you require to be registered as a member of the Scottish Mens Shed Association. We suggest that you register today (if you have not already registered). Membership is free for anyone, male or female, over 18 years of age. Several members of a household can register as long as they have separate email addresses. You don't need to be the member of a shed but can have an interest in a shed.

As a new member you will receive a badge, pen and be included in the SMSA email newsletter. If you receive too many emails you can always unsubscribe later.

To register just click on the following link and complete the short form: As soon as you register you can immediately cast your vote from the home page. You do not need to wait for confirmation of your membership.

https://scottishmsa.org.uk/individual-form/

If you encounter any difficulty in registration or voting please speak to someone at the Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed who will guide you through the process.

Road Safety Project.

Neil and Lee, with many other members of the shed, have been involved in creating notices and bollards to promote safe parking at local schools. These notices have now been delivered to Killermont Primary School for the school opening after the summer holidays. The project was funded by Bearsden East Community Council.

Thank you everyone involved in the project and thanks also to Bearsden East Community Council.

Save the Date - Craft Sale.

Killermont Crafters and Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed.

Save the date and join us.

Where? - Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed, King George V Park, Bearsden.

When? - Saturday 31 October, 2026 and Sunday 1 November, 2026.

More details to follow soon....

Please also note that Killermont crafters are making jam and chutney for the sale.

They would appreciate any donations of apples, plumbs etc (from the tree but not from the ground). They are also happy to receive rhubarb.

The crafters are more than happy to pick the fruit.

Let me know if you, or anyone you know, can help 🍏



See you at the shed.

05/08/2026

You may be aware, the Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed was chosen as a finalist for the Scottish Men’s Shed Association “Shed of the Year” competition.
Voting began yesterday and then closes on 18th August and we need your vote.
In order for you to vote for your shed of the year you require to be registered as a member of the Scottish Mens Shed Association. We suggest that you register today (if you have not already registered). Membership is free for anyone, male or female, over 18 years of age. Several members of a household can register as long as they have separate email addresses. You don't need to be the member of a shed but can have an interest in a shed. As a new member you will receive a badge, pen and be included in the SMSA email newsletter. If you receive too many emails you can always unsubscribe later.
To register just click on the following link and complete the short form:
https://scottishmsa.org.uk/individual-form/
If you encounter any difficulty in registration or feel you would like assistance, please come into the Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed where someone will guide you through the process.
Once you have registered as a member you will receive an email from the Scottish Men"s Shed Association confirming your membership. You will also receive another email inviting you to vote for the shed of your choice. You are only able to vote when you receive that email. When you click on the link on the email it will take you to the voting area at the SMSA website. After you have voted you will again receive an email confirming details of your vote.
Thank you for supporting the MILNGAVIE AND BEARSDEN MEN'S SHED.

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02/08/2026

SMSA Shed of the Year.

As you may be aware, our Shed was chosen as the finalist from the West Coast (North) region for the SMSA Shed of the Year. There are 5 regional finalists from across Scotland and the SMSA Board then selects 3 of these sheds to go forward for the SMSA Shed of the Year. We are delighted to let you know that our Shed has been chosen as one of the 3 finalists.

On Tuesday 28/07/2026 we had a visit from Jason and Michelle from the Scottish Mens Shed Association. They interviewed a number of members and compiled a video which will be available to help choose the shed of the year.

Voting begins on 4th August and then closes on 18th August. So time is short for us to prepare. In order for you to vote for your shed of the year you require to be registered as a member of the Scottish Mens Shed Association. We suggest that you register today (if you have not already registered). Membership is free for anyone, male or female, over 18 years of age. Several members of a household can register as long as they have separate email addresses. You don't need to be the member of a shed but can have an interest in a shed. As a new member you will receive a badge, pen and be included in the SMSA email newsletter. If you receive too many emails you can always unsubscribe later.

To register just click on the following link and complete the short form:

https://scottishmsa.org.uk/individual-form/

If you encounter any difficulty in registration please speak to someone at the Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed who will guide you through the process.

Voting commences on Tuesday 4 August. I will circulate another email to our members on that date to guide you.



Hanging Baskets.

We have eight hanging baskets around the men's shed. Our recent heatwaves have played havoc with the plants. Today we took down each basket and removed damaged plants and replaced them with healthy plants. The baskets were re-hung and the irrigation system reconnected. Thank you John M for assisting with the work today and thanks to the key holders who daily ensure that the irrigation system waters all the baskets.



Donation of Timber.

This week we received a donation of surplus roof trusses and other wood from Barratt Housebuilders at Farm Road, Duntocher. The new timber was stripped of metal connectors and is now stored in our yard under cover. I am sure the members will quickly find a use for this valuable timber.

Thank you Barratt West Scotland for the donation and thank you to Leggat Plant who delivered the timber free of charge.


See you at the shed.

19/07/2026

SMSA Shed of the Year.

As you may be aware, our Shed was chosen as the finalist from the West Coast (North) region for the SMSA Shed of the Year. There are 5 regional finalists from across Scotland and the SMSA Board then selects 3 of these sheds to go forward for the SMSA Shed of the Year. We are delighted to let you know that our Shed has been chosen as one of the 3 finalists. We are awaiting information about the next step in the process but we understand that SMSA may visit to make a film about the Shed. After release of the films on each shed, there is then a vote across the country to decide the winner. According to the SMSA website, voting begins on 4th August and then closes on 18th August. So time is short for us to prepare. We will keep everyone updated but cross your fingers that we might win!

John McLauchlan, Chairman.



Two Chairs Donated.

Last week we were contacted by the practice manager at The Terrace Doctors Surgery, Bearsden to offer us two chairs they were replacing due to faults. Some quick repairs and they are now in service in our small workshop/Computer Room. Thank you to The Terrace Practice.



Wheelchair Repair.

One of our members had a problem with the Batec propulsion unit for his wheelchair. Neil C and Lee quickly identified the problem and effected a permanent repair. Thank you Neil and Lee.





Cheeseboard or Chopping Board.

John M this week salvaged a blockboard kitchen worktop. Not satisfied with the appearance of the wood, he reassembled the timber to show exposed ends on the surface. Having suitably oiled the board its appearance is much improved. John now intends to make more for the November sale. Well done John M.





Killermont Nursery.

Killermont Nursery, attached to Killermont Primary School, have been in touch to see if we can help with the creation of a wild garden area at the nursery. As can be seen in the photograph the area is quite run down. They are still considering options to improve the area. If you would like to be involved in this project, especially while still at planning stage, please speak to me at the shed and a WhatsApp group will be set up.



Machinery Repairs.

Our wood lathe stopped working this week and our 3D Printer also stopped working and faults were reported. Neil C and Lee identified the faults and quickly made repairs. Thanks again to Neil and Lee who ensure the smooth running of the shed's machinery. Please remember to report any faulty machine or tool to the duty key holder who will make it safe until it can be repaired or replaced.



Surplus Timber.

At the meeting to discuss the yard it was decided that the timber acquired would no longer be used for gazebo construction.

The posts are 150mm x 150mm x 3m and believed to be Larch. They are on offer to anyone at £15 per post. Please don't delay if you want some as local tradesmen have already expressed interest. They are ideal for heavy duty fence posts or for landscaping.

TWO LOADS ARE BEING REMOVED THIS WEEK SO DONT DELAY IF YOU WANT SOME.

SEE YOU AT THE SHED SOON.

05/07/2026

Obituary - Ronnie Land.

We were all shocked to learn of the death of Ronnie. Ronnie was a member of the Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed since October 2019. As a widower, living alone, he thoroughly enjoyed the company and the new friendships he formed at the shed.

His father was a doctor and his mother was Argentinian and we enjoyed his stories about his family.

He was a Motorway Designer and was responsible for considerable works on the A9. He was a regular contributor to online discussions about the A9 and at one point, during his illness, he called for another shed member to monitor the problems on the A9 on his behalf.

He was responsible for coordinating speakers for Probus Killearn and encouraged several members of the shed to deliver talks at the Probus. Ronnie was in process of taking over the chair of Probus when he was struck with illness.

He will be so missed at the shed. Funeral details below.

Bird Table

Alan K has been busy building yet another bird table. He never ceases to amaze us with his variety of designs. Well Dona Alan K.



Last Day of School.

The local primary school, Killermont Primary, last day was on Thursday 25/06/2026. The majority of pupils, especially primary 7, descend on the park outside the men's shed. They cover each other with shaving foam and use an improvised slide on the slope in the park. The men's shed provide a water hose to the parents who regularly have to wash soap from the children's eyes and mouth. They have lots of fun and laughter and really appreciate the provision of water. The shed also provides bins for all the waste cans and help with cleanup after the event. A real annual community event.



First Pen Turned.

John M has recently learned how to operate the wood lathe. He has quickly picked up the skill and is now making pens. Well done John.

Yard Gazebos

The trustees and interested members held a meeting on Tuesday at the Pagoda. The meeting was to discuss and decide how we will proceed with a cover over the yard to replace the present gazebos.

Details and quotations for a variety of solutions was presented to the meeting. Lengthy and constructive discussion followed.

The metal shed, also shown, will be purchased to allow welding in a secure situation shielded from the public.

At the end of the meeting the design best favoured was the timber kit form of gazebo/car port illustrated. The work party have continued to research this possibility and are in discussions with Planning and Building Control before any purchase is made. Research is also continuing on possible grant funding.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the discussiuons.

Surplus Timber.

At the meeting to discuss the yard it was decided that the timber acquired would no longer be used for gazebo construction.

The posts are 150mm x 150mm x 3m and believed to be Larch. They are on offer to anyone at £15 per post. Please don't delay if you want some as local tradesmen have already expressed interest. They are ideal for heavy duty fence posts or for landscaping.



Fishy Tale

Richard J has just completed his personal project of a fish gutting board. The tail of the fish is clamped on the board leaving both hands free to gut the fish.

Well done Richard.





Chairs and Table Tops.

As a result of grant from East Dunbartonshire Council Community Grant Scheme and a donation from the Killermont Crafters we have purchased new table tops for the three tables in the social area. We have also purchased eight new office style blue chairs with arms.

The new table tops have been fitted and the new chairs assembled. Bishopbriggs Men's Shed will examine our old chairs to see if they can utilise any of them. Thanks are due to John Mo and Seamus who spent today assembling the chairs.

Thank you East Dunbartonshire Community Grant Scheme and Killermont Crafters.

See you at the shed soon.

24/06/2026

TRUSTEES PLANNING MEETING.

To All Members

The trustees are holding a meeting at 1900 hrs on Tuesday 30/06/2026 at the Pagoda. The meeting is to discuss and decide how we will proceed with a cover over the yard to replace the present gazebos.

We have received some quotations from companies who can supply prefabricated shelters. Some members have already suggested solutions which can be erected by members.

If you have any ideas or suggestions for such a structure you are encouraged to join the meeting and present any photographs or plans to the meeting. It would be helpful if you could share your photographs or plans with me before Monday 29/06/2026 to be included in the meeting agenda.

We look forward to your attendance and involvement in the future of the men’s shed.

I have included photographs of the current two gazebos. Each one is 3 metres square.

Thank you.

21/06/2026

Shed Opening Hours.

Our shed has not designated a particular open doors day as we have an ongoing policy of being open every day and visitors are welcome to drop in at any time while we are open.

We are open Monday to Friday from 1000 hrs to 1600 hrs

and

Saturday and Sunday from 1300 hrs to 1600 hrs

We only close on Christmas Day and New Years Day (unless asked to open).

Thank you to all our key holders who contribute to the extensive opening hours.

Oor Wullie, the swan and the Dugs.

Harry continues his construction of concrete garden ornaments. While his swan planters and various pets are readily recognised, he has now commenced a lifelike structure of Our Wullie sitting on his bucket. We have now moved Harry's work into the gazebo to allow a tidy up of the garage.

When finished the sculpture will be sold and contribute to shed funds. Thank you Harry for your entertaining works.



Defibrillator and CPR Awareness.

We are fortunate to have a defibrillator at our building. Lee and I regularly check the machine and ensure pads, batteries and other requirements are replaced. Please let us know if you think something requires attention.

On Tuesday 16/06/2026, John and Andy, First Responders, gave their usual instructions on use of the defibrillator and giving CPR. Eight of our members benefitted from the demonstration. Thank you John and Andy.



Trustee Standing Down.

After several years as trustee of the shed, Charlie has decided to stand down. The Chairman and Trustees wish to express their appreciation of the service Charlie has given to the shed. We can be assured that Charlie will continue to bring his personality to future projects in the shed. Thank you Charlie.



WELDING

At the Trustees meeting the trustees discussed safety and risk of welding in the garage. Plans are being made to remove welding from the garage.

In the meantime, welding may continue in the garage with the provision that another member must be present throughout to act as a fire marshall. The on duty keyholder should be informed before welding takes place and when it is completed. The keyholder will record the names of welder and marshall with date and times in the journal.

Any alternative suggestions should be made to any trustee.



REPAIR SHOP.

On Saturday 20/06/2026 the men's shed assisted the new Repair Shop in Milngavie. It was in St. Joseph's Church, Buchanan Street, Milngavie, from 1200 to 1500 hrs. Members of the public brought in a variety of articles for repair. The majority of articles were repaired while advise was given in a few cases. They hope to hold further repair shops, probably about every three months.



WORKSHOP.

While we like you to use the workshop as your workshop, you must remember that it is a multiple user workshop and you are required to tidy up any waste you generate. Please leave the workplace as you would like to find it and return tools to their proper place.



TOOL DONATIONS.

We have always been keen to accept tool donations at the shed. While we previously passed surplus tools to "Tools with a Mission", that destination closed.

We have now made contactI with the following company who are willing to accept tools for refurbishment, resale and even export to Malawi.
Trustees are in agreement that we should collect locally when offered and deliver to them.

Garvald Edinburgh,
Gorgie Workshops,
454/1 Gorgie Road,
Edinburgh EH11 2RN

http://www.garvaldedinburgh.org.uk/
https://www.garvaldmakers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GarvaldEdinburgh/
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/garvaldedinburgh/

We now require sturdy boxes, preferably plastic, to store and transport donated tools. If you have any suitable boxes please speak to Lee, Stuart or me. Thanks.



CHAIRS AND TABLE TOPS.

As a result of grant applications and a donation from the Killermont Crafters we have ordered new table tops for the three tables in the social area. We have also ordered eight new office style blue chairs with arms. The table tops will be delivered tomorrow while we will need to wait a couple of weeks for delivery of the chairs. The present chairs will be assessed before being repurposed.



ASSET TRANSFER.

Our asset transfer in respect of the flat next to the shed is still live. We made an appeal to Scottish Ministers which resulted in a site visit by a reporter. He has now submitted his report to Scottish Ministers at the Scottish Parliament who have still to consider the appeal. I will update the members when the appeal is decided.



KEY-HOLDERS.

Thanks are due to the many key-holders who ensure that the shed is open and welcoming to visitors. Several key-holders have now returned their keys for allocation to new key-holders. Duties are not onerous and full guidance will be given. If you would like to become a key-holder please speak to me or Lee. Thank you.



Hanging Baskets.

The hanging baskets have all been prepared and are now hanging on the shed. Stephen has installed them and the automatic irrigation system. Keyholders are reminded to water them each day. Thank you Stephen.

See you at the shed soon.

11/06/2026

Classic Car Day - Milngavie Week.

We had a gazebo at the Classic Car Day on Saturday 06/06/2026 which marks the start of Milngaviw Week. This allowed us to raise the profile and local awareness of the Men's Shed.

Ralph and Alastair generously bought ice cream for those members in attendance.

We were fortunate to enjoy good weather and the event was very well attended. A number of potential members were informed of the benefits of joining our Men's Shed and we hope they will visit us soon. We were also pleased to receive some donations from the public who recognised the community work done by the members. Thank you.

Bearsden Brownies.

The Bearsden Brownies at Boclair Community Church, next door to our shed, asked if our members could give some instruction to the Brownies on use of tools.

Lee, Stephen and Charles responded to the request. Lee guided them on how to measure various articles. Stephen explained the different types of screws and allowed them to experience use of battery drill/drivers. Charles had the most exciting challenge in allowing them to hammer in and extract nails using claw hammers.

The Brownies and their leaders were most appreciative of the work. We hope this may inspire them to help their parents or carers to build flat-pack furniture. Thank you Lee, Stephen and Charles..

Harry meets Oor Wullie.

Harry continues his construction of concrete garden ornaments. While his swan planters, couple on a bench and various pets are readily recognised, he has now commenced a lifelike structure of Our Wullie sitting on his bucket. We thought it was appropriate to catch a photograph of Harry sitting on his bucket during the construction.

When finished the sculpture will be sold and contribute to shed funds. Thank you Harry for your entertaining works.



Shed Open Doors 2026

The Scottish Men's Shed Association has announced a shed open doors day taking place this month during Men's Health Week, 15th–21st June 2026, the event is a fantastic opportunity for Men's Sheds across Scotland to welcome visitors, showcase their projects and activities, and demonstrate the positive impact Sheds have on men's health, wellbeing, and local communities.

Our shed has not designated a particular open doors day as we have an ongoing policy of being open every day and visitors are welcome to drop in at any time while we are open.

We are open Monday to Friday from 1000 hrs to 1600 hrs

and

Saturday and Sunday from 1300 hrs to 1600 hrs

We only close on Christmas Day and New Years Day (unless ask to open).

Thank you to all our key holders who contribute to the extensive opening hours.



Use of Shed Computers.

Recently it was discovered that one of the computers in the small workshop is logged-in to a member's personal Microsoft account using the computer's admin account. ***THIS IS NOT PERMITTED*** These computers are a shared resource belonging to the shed. The only software allowed on these machines will be installed by Neil C, trustee, or selected others, but only if approved IN ADVANCE,

NEVER leave any personal files/accounts/logins etc on them that are not directly related to shed activities.

Any unauthorised data or photographs installed on shed computers will be permanently deleted. Thank you.



Defibrillator and CPR Awareness.

We are fortunate to have a defibrillator at our building. Lee and I regularly check the machine and ensure pads, batteries and other requirements are replaced. Please let us know if you think something requires attention.

John Gilligan, Shed member and First Responder, has agreed to give his usual instructions on use of the defibrillator and giving CPR. He will be at the shed at 1300 hrs on Tuesday 16 June 2026 when instructions will be in the social area.

If you would like to benefit from the demonstration please let me know as soon as possible as places are limited. If all places are not taken they may be offered to public who use the park.

Shed Extension.

The trustees have been looking at the possibility of extending our building. Unfortunately after discussions with a Structural Engineer and Quantity Surveyor our initial plans would appear to be disruptive to the drainage system and very expensive.

In view of this we are now examining the option to improve the covered area in the yard which is currently served by the two 3 meter square canvas gazebos. We have already had some suggestions but welcome any other designs or affordable suggestions. If you have any thoughts please speak to me at the shed. Thanks.

24/05/2026

Obituary - Tommy McGuinness.

15/04/1923 - 16/05/2026 (103)

Tommy was the oldest shedder at the Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed and possibly oldest shedder in the UK.

He was born in Argyle Street, Maryhill (before Maryhill became a district of Glasgow) on 15 April 1923. He left school at 14 and first worked as a soap-boy in a barber shop, lathering customers before they were shaved. He supplemented his income by going round door to door in the evenings selling kindling firewood.

He then managed to gain an engineering apprenticeship at Barr and Stroud Engineering where he became a very skilled engineer. Barr and Stroud is well known for optical engineering for military equipment and is famous for artillery sights, periscopes and now thermal imaging.

In 1945 Tommy was called up to serve in the RAF but he only spent two days in service. His commanding officer received a telephone call from the MD of Barr and Stroud to say that Tommy was in charge of the engineers making the sights for Spitfire aircraft and they urgently needed his return to sort out the problems they were now experiencing.

Tommy’s passion was mountaineering and skiing. He was a trailblazer in both and is named in many publications on these subjects. When opportunities arose he travelled the world seeking new climbing challenges and was able to use his engineering skills to quickly gain employment.

He met his wife, Pearl, in 1953 and they enjoyed 71 years of marriage before she passed away. They both enjoyed mountaineering and skiing.

Tommy was actively involved in mountain rescue and on one occasion recovered two bodies after spending 22 hours in blizzard conditions. This was when he first discovered that his sight was failing. Tommy completely lost his sight in the 1970’s.

This did not prevent Tommy continuing to enjoy his skiing. He continued to ski in Europe and America wearing a “Blind Skier” jersey and being guided by Pearl using a radio. He had great trust in Pearl. He says that the main benefit of his jersey was that other skiers always guided him to the head of any queues and they always cheered him on.

Until recently, Tommy lived alone in his flat in Milngavie with visiting carers. After hospitalisation he made recovery and then moved to Mugdock House Care Home, Bearsden, His friend, Ralph, who is a shed member, introduced Tommy to the Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed. Until his last hospitalisation Tommy was a regular visitor to the shed. Tommy Enjoyed the social side of the shed and kept us all engaged with his entertaining and interesting stories. I was listening to him with interest one day when after about 5 minutes he said “are you still there?” We then realised the importance of speaking to him while he is talking. He was also an excellent singer and entertained us with his songs at our Christmas lunches.

Tommy enjoyed the shed and while he enjoyed telling others about his life he also enjoyed the banter in the shed. In his last few years he has had a hip replacement and pacemaker fitted and recovered quickly from both.

I once asked Tommy the important question. What is the secret of your long life? His answer “White and McKay and s*x at high altitude.” However, he did acknowledge his good fortune to have had the support of a loving wife who allowed him to have such a fulfilled life.

He was genuinely loved by his friends at the Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed and will be sadly missed.

His funeral will take place at Maryhill Crematorium at 1430 hrs on Wednesday 3 June, 2026.



The Big Lunch

This event is held in the park and shed members and their families are welcome to attend. I hope to see you at the Big Lunch.



Stripper in the Workshop.

Neil and Kenny have been busy stripping old cable for scrap. They remove plastic insulation from electrical wire of all types and allow the copper to be recycled. While being of benefit to the environment it will also raise funds for the shed.

We recognise that many households have old cable in their garage, shed or workshop and no longer have a use for it. Changes in legislation have also made many cables obsolete. The men's shed will be pleased to accept donations of any surplus electrical cable for recycling.



Killermont Primary School - Project..

The team continue to work on producing road safety bollards for the school. The design has been finalised and graphics approved by the school. We await the final prints and hope to assemble to bollards soon.

Thank you Bearsden East Community Council for sponsoring the project.

Baljaffray Nursery Project

This team have been busy erecting a fence and assembling planters for the children in the nursery. Craig made good use of his power driven auger to install the fence posts. The project is nearing completion and the nursery staff will fill the planters and paint the fence, while the nursery children will enjoy planting and watching their efforts grow. Well done everyone involved in the project and Malcolm for coordinating everything.



Pavement Parking.

When you visit the men's shed please do not park on the pavement. One of our neighbours was recently ticketed. Please ensure that there is access to the park for vehicles carrying out park maintenance. Thank you.





Greater Glasgow and Clyde Men's Shed Association.

The GG and C Men's Shed Association met on Wednesday 13/05/2026 at Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed. Stewart Beck from SMSA chaired the meeting which was well attended. Several sheds were represented and a lot of mutual learning took place.

Richard Soutar who is a member of our shed is now Secretary of the Helensburgh Men's Shed and Peter Flockhart, also a member of our shed is also Chairman of Bishopbriggs Men's Shed. We are pleased to offer assistance to Helensburgh and Bishopbriggs in the creation of their sheds.





Unsung Heroes

At the Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed we have a number of members who quietly and without general recognition carry out work at the shed. We all appreciate that lights get sorted, drains cleared, windows washed, bins emptied and miraculously the tea, coffee and biscuits never run out.

A special thanks to our unsung heroes.

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE SHED SOON.