Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men’s Shed were awarded £96,500 from the council-administered Renewable Energy Fund (REF) to purchase the Kirkmuirhill Inn, Thornton Road, Kirkmuirhill.

The grant will be funded from Auchrobert and Nutberry Windfarms which contribute into the REF.

Graham Stewart from Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men's Shed said: “We are delighted to receive notification that our bid to the REF has been approved.

“This funding will help enormously in allowing the Men’s Shed to expand its operation, to provide facilities to the ever-increasing number of men wishing to attend the Shed, as well as providing an additional community resource for the villages.”

Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development, Alison Brown, said: “It’s great news that the Men’s Shed will be able to use the REF money in this way, giving them a base in their local community for many years to come.

“When completed, it will be a fantastic asset for the local community.”

The project is scheduled to commence in August 2025 and be complete by October 2025.

You can find out more about the REF on the council website.

Men’s Sheds across South Lanarkshire are supported by the council’s Seniors Together project, which aims to improve the quality of life of older people across the area.