Point and Sandwick Trust has approved funding to help establish a new community Polycrub and horticultural learning space in Point, following local support identified through an online survey.
Point Community Shed was formed as a charity in April 2025 to create the equivalent of a men’s shed but open to both men and women across the district. The group was set up in response to issues first highlighted during the Covid period, including rural isolation, pressures on mental health, food insecurity and the importance of regular social contact in maintaining wellbeing.
Since its formation, the charity has been exploring potential locations and has identified a suitable site on land owned by Tiumpanhead Community Association. The aim is to create a shared space where people can meet, learn practical skills and take part in activities that build confidence and community resilience. The project will include the building of a Polycrub to act as a horticultural learning base, giving users and volunteers a sheltered environment with a longer growing season. It will provide space for growing fruit and vegetables to help supplement household budgets and will allow activities to continue during poor weather. Retired horticulturalists will also be encouraged to share their experience with younger generations, supporting intergenerational learning and strengthening community links.
Community-owned wind farm, Point and Sandwick Trust (PST), has awarded a grant of £16,975 to the project covering costs such as materials, raised beds and construction. Duties within the Polycrub will be led by users and volunteers, creating a shared community resource. The project is expected to encourage volunteering, reduce loneliness, support mental wellbeing, promote local food growing, improve the local environment and strengthen community action.
Chris Mackenzie commented on behalf of the Point Community Shed. “This project will help bring people in our community together to share skills and hopefully alleviate the problems associated with social isolation. We are grateful for assistance from PST’s Community Consultant, Alasdair Nicholson, and the financial support from PST, the CORRA Foundation and WIDT which will allow us to build our Polycrub and develop the project. We’d also like to thank Tiumpanhead Community Association for working with us on the plans to build the Polycrub on their site early in the new year”.
An online survey carried out by the group attracted forty responses and demonstrated clear community interest. Fifty-five per cent of respondents said they would use a community shed or Polycrub, while eighty-five per cent said they would be interested in becoming involved, including through volunteering. Many emphasised the value of having a place to come together, grow food and share knowledge.
DJ MacSween, General Manager of PST commented, “Supporting projects that strengthen community wellbeing and encourage people to come together is at the heart of our constitution, and this project reflects that clearly. The response to the survey shows how much value local people place on shared spaces, practical learning and opportunities to grow food for their own households. We are pleased to back Point Community Shed as they take this forward and create something that benefits volunteers, users and the wider community.”
Point Community Shed says the positive findings from the survey show a clear appetite for this kind of facility and a strong willingness within the district to help make it a success.
Pictured above: Barrie Crossan (Point Community Shed), Chris Tom Mackenzie (Point Community Shed), Agnes Munro (Point and Sandwick Trust), Calum Macmillan (Point Community Shed),
Credit: SandiePhotos
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