Kinlochleven Men’s Shed

from Lochaber Life #350 December 2022

Travel in Time

Kinlochleven Men’s Shed - keen to fund their dream

Iain Ferguson Members of Kinlochleven Men’s Shed (KMS) face a catch 22 situation. They are keen to get fully operational, with potential fi nance available to do so, but only if they are already open.

Tony Walters, secretary/ treasurer, shares their history over three years and highlights the challenges they have faced to get the shed up and running. ‘In early 2019, we started to turn a great idea into a reality. A small group of ordinary guys formed a steering group to provide opportunities for men in South Lochaber to meet and pursue recreational activities in their own building.

‘We attracted 20 active members and developed a three-year business plan which was essential to support our fundraising activities. In April 2020, our application to become a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation was accepted.

‘We ended our fi rst year on a high with a celebratory curry night to recognise all the hard work and achievements, but suddenly, our normal became not normal any more when the coronavirus pandemic brought a stop to all our renovation and social activities.

‘Before the pandemic, KMS was invited to participate in a food distribution initiative. Fortunately, this was already in place when the pandemic hit and the Shed was able to meet the urgent needs of the community. We were also partnered with Morrisons to distribute spare food locally to those in need.

‘When our ‘Black Shed’ was purchased, it required renovation before we could use it for activities. The roof required strengthening and a major upgrade of the electrics was required. An initial quote to connect the shed to mains water was £10,000, a major stumbling block to a small charity operating in a pandemic environment where the need for frequent handwashing and cleaning is essential.

‘We held our fi rst annual general meeting and elected our fi rst trustees and found the original quotation for the electrical renovation had increased signifi cantly and timber for the toilet had doubled in price. All of this was quite a shock when we had already received funding to cover our original requirements.

‘A stumbling block is that some funders are reluctant to support facilities that are not yet open and providing service, so we face a catch 22 situation. We require funds to open the shed fully, but can’t secure funds as we are not yet open.

‘If you can partner up with us to make this dream become a reality or are just interested in the work of the Kinlochleven Men’s Shed, please contact me, Tony Walters at KMS@Letzdrive. co.uk

Follow the Shed on Facebook for their latest news.

Residents from across Fort Augustus and Invergarry attended events in late October to learn more about the proposals from Fred. Olsen Renewables, to develop Culachy Wind Farm, south of Fort Augustus.

Attendees at the events were able to view the revised plans for a wind farm on the Culachy Estate approximately 7.5kms south of Fort Augustus and meet with members of the Fred. Olsen Renewables team to hear about how the plans had changed since earlier that year.

The proposals on display showed how the company had reduced the number of turbines on the site, as well as the height. The final plans contained eight turbines with a height of up to 200m to tip – delivering 57MW of clean electricity.

The display helped to demonstrate how the proposals had been changed to minimise visual impact from Fort Augustus and communicate how the wind farm will deliver a range of benefits including a community fund amounting to more than £9m.

You can view the plans at www.culachywind.co.uk

Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson

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