Kinross and District Men’s Shed has a new home.
Group chairman David Connor confirmed the paperwork was finalised earlier this week, signing off on the takeover of a former college learning centre.
Currently running from an industrial unit in Milnathort, the group, which has around 100 registered members, is without heating and was planning to make last week’s evening session the last until next spring.
Searching for somewhere more suitable, the group applied to take on the Swansacre building which was suddenly vacated by the University of the Highlands and Islands in April.
Backed by the Arthur and Margaret Thompson Trust, the group put in a bid of £125,000 but gave up hope over the summer after larger developers submitted offers thought to be of a higher value.
The takeover has come at the right time for the group, which is on the verge of being forced out of its current premises due to the winter chill.
Mr Connor said: “This is great news, we’re absolutely delighted that Perth College chose us as the preferred option.
“The longer the process went on, the more hopeful we were. We’ve had trememdous help from the community and were able to put a value on keeping the building in the community.
“We meet two days and one evening each week, and Wednesday this week was going to be the last evening as it’s so cold. It’s come at a fantastic time and we’re so chuffed.”
However, a Perth College UHI spokesperson said: “We’re delighted the Kinross Men’s Sheds bid was successful and the building will be kept within community use.”
SNP Kinross-shire councillor Richard Watters said: “It’s great to hear that the Men’s Shed have been successful in their bid to buy the Swansacre building in Kinross.
“Thanks to Perth College for taking into account the community benefit offered by the Shed when evaluating the bids.
“It was great to see the level of community support that helped this to happen. I would like to wish the Shedders all the success in their new ‘warm home’ as they continue to serve the local community in such a positive way.”
