McArthur challenges First Minister over men's sheds funding cut

Speaking at First Minister's Questions earlier, Mr McArthur said: "Men's sheds in communities across the Scotland provide men a place to meet, to socialise and to pursue hobbies, but increasingly it is recognised that they make a tangible difference in terms of tackling isolation, loneliness and mental ill health."

Mr McArthur suggested that this impact has led to men's sheds enjoying strong cross-party support reflected in over 40 MSPs recently writing to the Deputy First Minister expressing concern about the proposed funding cut. Orkney’s MSP, who coordinated the representations to the DFM, went on to ask the First Minister for a guarantee that core and development funding for the Scottish Men's Sheds Association would be protected to allow "this invaluable public health movement to be maintained and expanded."

In response, Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that discussions are ongoing about a financial offer to the SMSA and gave a commitment that the Deputy First Minister would provide an update to Mr McArthur on those efforts.

SMSA currently support more than 200 men's sheds across all 32 Scottish local authorities with many more in the pipeline, including the latest proposals being taken forward in Westray. This would add to the already well-established Orkney Men’s Shed and the shed which is closely to formally opening in Sanday.

Speaking after FMQs, Mr McArthur said:

"While the First Minister acknowledged the good work of men's sheds, her government is currently proposing to withdraw its financial support to the SMSA. Without continued funding to support core activities and development of the network, there is a serious risk that this invaluable public health movement will go backwards at just the point where it is needed more than ever.

"Countries such as Australia and Ireland have recognised the benefit of providing proper funding to men's sheds in an effort to tackle social isolation, loneliness and mental ill health. Given the benefits to individuals and communities, as well as the savings made in budgets for other services, the Scottish Government should be doing all it can, not just to maintain but expand the network of sheds around the country.

"That would be a fitting way to mark the tenth anniversary of the SMSA and provide a signal of the government commitment to tackling men’s health issues. The First Minister appeared to recognise the strength of feeling across the parties on this issue. Time will tell if this translates into action and a more certain future for the Men’s Shed movement in Scotland."