Auchinleck Community Shed National Lottery funding boost

The Auchinleck Community Shed, which aims to combat social isolation and mental health issues by getting people to make the most of the great outdoors, was set up in March 2020.

Until now, though, there's one thing that's been missing from the Shed project...an actual shed.

But that has all changed over recent weeks as a brand new structure takes shape at the site, providing a place to meet and keep busy on those rare days - and yes, they do occasionally happen - when the sun doesn't shine down on Auchinleck.

The team at the Aird Avenue project received word about their successful application for cash from the lottery's Community Fund in December, and work has been taking place since then to create an actual community shed at the site.

The building will provide a bespoke clubhouse and meeting room to be used for meetings, training sessions and social events.

The group took to social media this week to share pictures of the newly-completed building.

An Auchinleck Community Shed spokesperson said: "A big ‘thank you’ to the Lotto Community Fund for your generous grant.

"Your funding means we now have an actual community shed at the Auchinleck Community Shed."

Auchinleck Community Shed, which aims to combat social isolation and mental health issues by being in the great outdoors, secured National Lottery Community funding just before the turn of the year.

The shed has been installed thanks to work from local company Scott Smith Joinery, who began work on the site on January 18.

"I think you’ll agree they [Scott Smith Joinery] are doing a cracking job," the spokesperson added.

"It’s also tinged with sadness when I think of our late chairman, Johnnie Guthrie, who would have loved it.

"Anyway, we’ll carry on with what we’re doing up here at the Community Shed in his honour."

The project created some stunning holly wreaths for sale to residents in the run up to Christmas and, in a sure sign that summer is on the way, posted an ad on Facebook to advise that it had Elsanta strawberry plants for sale.

Last summer they also offered outdoor fuchsias, chrysanthemums, coleus, pansies, tomatoes, onions and leeks for sale.

All proceeds from the sale of produce and other items go straight back into the running of the project.

National Lottery players raise more than £30 million a week for good causes across the UK.

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes a share of this to projects to support people and communities to prosper and thrive.

 To find out more about the project see the 'Auchinleck Community Shed' page on Facebook, email tomandrews2010@hotmail.co.uk, or call 07516 270323.