Clyde Coast Men's Shed has plans to expand in 2024

The Men's Shed only opened in March and has received a shed-load of support from local businesses, and aims to be self-sufficient, raising its own funds through selling of crafts produced at the centre.

They are going through the asset transfer process at the moment to take over the Brisbane Centre from North Ayrshire Council - with plans to expand what is already on offer.

An office and a craft room is going to be built as the takeover proceeds.

Membership - which is free - is open to people from West Kilbride, Fairlie, Skelmorlie, Cumbrae and Largs.

The Men's Shed took over the Brisbane Centre in Bath Street earlier this year.

The group's Ian Murdoch said: "Being on Largs Prom, a lot of the dog walkers come by, and we have been doing dog and cat feeders. We have also been making nativity sets and Christmas scenes. 

"We have everything we need to build things, including an assembly bench with a compressor.

"We have hexagonal planters, beer bottle boxes, it is evolving and changing all the time, and the guys come up with their own ideas and build things.

"And then it gives them a boost if they can sell the products, and it raises money to help pay for the maintenance of the place and the electricity bills."

Ian continued: "We are going though the asset transfer at the moment and hopefully it will go through as soon as possible.

"We have bought a 3D printer which helps with accessories and plastic pieces you can't get off the shelf, and intend to buy a laser engraver which means we can engrave a lot of our products and cut things to shape.

"I asked Stephen Connick if he would bring us in a second-hand kitchen so he made a call to Howdens Joinery and they gave us a free kitchen which Stephen fitted free of charge.

"And Stephen has also offered to put in a wet wall and fire door, and it is wonderful the support we have had.

"David Rae Electrical already did the electrics including the emergency stop buttons and a load of additional double sockets and is coming back to do more electrics for a dishwasher and a fridge which need hard wired properly.

"Ian Hodge of Phoenix Plumbing did the plumbing free of charge. And we have had donations of timber and all sorts of stuff."

The expansion is the next stage, and Ian explained: "There will be a craft room and an office upstairs. We are going through the asset transfer process at the moment and we are hoping it will go through as quickly as possible.

"Anyone who wants to come along and just learn for free while enjoying some company can do so.

"There are lots of studies on Men's Sheds and their importance helping mental health. This is a facility which allows guys to come in, open up, meet and mingle with each other and have a laugh."

The Men's Shed is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am until 4pm.