Shed's funding boost to tackle loneliness in Kennoway

The grant was awarded by Age Scotland, and is part of a pot of £15,000 for similar sheds across Scotland.

The shed provides a place for people to socialise and take part in activities including woodworking, arts, crafts, computing, and cooking, and although most of its members are retired, the age range spans from 20s to 80s.

The funding has been provided for the shed to raise awareness of what it does, using noticeboards and outreach activities.

The Kennoway Community Shed was set up last year by local Bob McPhail, who has since been joined by more than 30 members.

He said: “I thought there was a real need for a shed in Kennoway.

“There are so many lonely people out there, and sometimes they just need a place to go and meet people, share their skills, or just have a chat and cup of tea.

“There’s a real sense of pride when you know you’re helping people in the village.

“We’ve got one lady in her 70s who used to never go out of her house.

“Now she’s walking down to the shed and baking scones for us all. She’s really got her confidence back.

“There are still so many people in the village who could benefit from the shed, so we want to get the word out.”

As well as selling items, the group has made planters and hanging baskets to brighten up the village, helping Kennoway win a Silver Gilt award from Beautiful Fife last year.