Torry Men’s Shed has officially opened its new home at Aberdeen City Council’s former Torry Depot on Mansefield Place, providing a welcoming community space where members can socialise, develop new skills and build friendships.
Established in September 2025, the group has grown with ongoing support from the Council’s Community Development team and the Scottish Men’s Shed Association, helping it reach this exciting milestone.
The Council’s Finance and Resources Committee agreed in August 2026 that the group could take over the building at a peppercorn rent, helping to bring the former depot into community use. Torry Men’s Shed received the keys at the end of August.
The group provides a safe and friendly environment for men, particularly those who may feel isolated or vulnerable. Members can share skills, take part in projects or simply enjoy a cuppa and a chat.
Councillor Alex McLellan, convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, said:
“It is fantastic to see the former Torry Depot brought back into use and providing a permanent home for Torry Men’s Shed.
“Making Council property available in this way can help community organisations put buildings to positive use, supporting them to establish strong roots and continue delivering benefits for their local area.”
Councillor Martin Greig, convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said:
“It is wonderful to see the former Torry Depot given a new lease of life as a welcoming community space.
“Torry Men’s Shed will provide opportunities for people to come together, develop and share skills, make new connections and enjoy being part of their local community. The members have put tremendous effort into transforming the building, and I wish them every success.”
Marshall Harper, treasurer of Torry Men’s Shed, said:
“We are so excited at getting access to the depot and really looking forward to the future in our Men’s Shed. This will now give us so much scope to set up workshops with equipment and materials to repair and reuse unwanted items, crafts, games and hold events involving the community. We are really grateful to all concerned.”
The wider Torry Depot project, led by Torry Men’s Shed, is supported by the University of Aberdeen’s Just Transition Lab through its UKRI-funded JUST Systems programme, which is partnering with community initiatives across the UK to support social, economic, public health and environmental objectives.
Professor Tavis Potts, Just Systems lead, University of Aberdeen, said:
“The opening of Torry Men’s Shed is an important milestone. It demonstrates what can be achieved when stakeholders work together around shared priorities and communities are empowered to shape their own futures.
“The project also has considerable potential to demonstrate how community wealth building can be realised in practice through skill-sharing, circular economy initiatives, and the retrofitting of existing infrastructure.”
JUST Systems will provide expertise in systems thinking, evaluation, community-based research, engagement and capacity-building, while Torry Men’s Shed will contribute local knowledge, community connections and on-the-ground insights.
Torry Men’s Shed previously met fortnightly at Greyhope Community Hub and now has 14 members.
Members identified the former depot as an accessible permanent base with space for activities and equipment and have worked together to transform the building.
The group has already supported local activities including Balnagask Community Centre’s Gala Day, Friends of St Fittick’s Park and the restoration of Torry Edible Garden.
Membership is open to men aged 18 and over. To find out more or join, email torrymensshed@gmail.com, including your full name and address.
Photo, from left to right: Councillor Alex McLellan; Councillor Martin Greig (seated); members of Torry Men’s Shed; Marshall Harper, Treasurer of Torry Men’s Shed (seated); Councillor Christian Allard, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council; and Professor Tavis Potts, Just Systems Lead at the University of Aberdeen.
