Success, in cutting the strip of wood to open the new Men's Shed 

Traditionally, politicians are invited to cut a ribbon to open a new venture, but intstead of scissors chairman Alan Watson handed over a saw, heavy duty gloves and protective goggles when I opened the new Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men's Shed at the weekend.

The new shed, behind Thornton Road Community Centre, is a remarkable achievement by a group of volunteers who cleared the land, found and installed a container, then converted it into these wonderful premises.

The Men's Shed movement tackles isolation in older men, giving them a social space to meet and share skills such as woodworking. (Secretary Graham Stewart presented me with a lovely wooden planter after the opening.)

It is a remarkable movement, and the Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood shed will be an asset for generations to come.