Inverness Men's Shed set to move to new home
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AN Inverness project playing a vital role in improving men’s wellbeing is planning to renovate a derelict pavilion as its new home after outgrowing its original base.
The Inverness Men’s Shed is set to take on the lease of the dilapidated building in the grounds of Millburn Academy although it has had to delay its relocation as it awaits a signed legal agreement from Highland Council.
The group – which helps to reduce social isolation – has rented premises in Gordon Terrace since being formed almost six years ago but hopes to move into the 1930s pavilion which it plans to restore at an estimated cost of £115,278.
Founder Alan Michael was “extremely grateful” the council had granted use of the building but said the relocation had been put on hold as the group had been waiting about 10 months for the legal paperwork to be completed.
“All the work on the men’s shed has ceased temporarily until we get the lease signed,” he said.
In the meantime, its application for a £30,000 grant from the city’s common good fund towards the restoration costs was being considered by city councillors yesterday.
Mr Michael said the Men’s Shed provided a place to meet.
“It has helped many men have a new lease of life, not only reducing loneliness and isolation but also allowing them to make new friends, renew old acquaintances, create new interests in life as well as renewing and updating old skills,” he said.
A council spokeswoman said it had agreed to support the group with a discounted long lease.
“The nature of the site means it is a complex legal transaction being on a school campus and within a conservation area,” she said.
“During the negotiation of the lease, the council has allowed the men’s shed access to the site to progress their project while a lease is finalised. It is expected that this will happen in the near future.”
