PICTURES: Dingwall men's shed has new log cabin after anonymous donation with 'craft village' dream taking shape for Ross-shire's county town
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DINGWALL’S men’s shed now has a new log cabin thanks to an anonymous donation.
Volunteers helped to put the building together as part of an ongoing project to build the facility next to Ross County’s ground.
The site is a former skateboard park and, as well as the Dingwall and District Men’s Shed, it will host a community craft village open to all.
When complete, the craft village will include the log cabin with decking, polytunnel and a shed and greenhouse. Backers hope it will be a creative hub where a wide variety of skills are freely shared across the generations.
Steve Dovey, the group’s secretary, said they still needed to raise £40,000 to complete the project.
He said the project was in memory of Andy Foley, the group’s former secretary, who passed away last August. He said: “Originally Andy was our founder member, it was his idea in the beginning, he thought it would be a good idea to have one in Dingwall.”
The group began about four years ago and currently has between 30 and 35 members on its books.
The community shed concept originated in Australia as a way to improve the health and wellbeing of older men and has spread across the globe.
Mr Dovey said: “The objective is to give men somewhere to come and have a chat, make things and play games – especially men who are single or isolated. A lot of us are just doing it for the fun.”
The trailblazing centre will be a hub for woodwork, metalwork, horticulture and arts and crafts.
The main social building and workshop sheds will be built next year if funding needs are met. Mr Dovey said: “We are always in need of help, and machinery donations or financial assistance are greatly appreciated. The log cabin we are building was proposed as a place to relax and ‘chill’ by Andy Foley. It was financed by an anonymous donor. Our craft cabin is already in regular use by a ladies’ singing group and a craft group who meet weekly.”
To find out more about the group or make a donation contact Mr Dovey on 07896 479293 or follow them on Facebook.
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