The move comes following a successful community asset transfer application, approved by the Housing and Technical Resources committee. 

As a result, the group will take on the lease of the former Wilton Cemetery House, in Carluke’s Kilmory Road, along with two smaller outbuildings, creating a hub for the growing Men’s Shed community in the town. 

Councillors on the committee heard that the property, which has been vacant since 2016, was considered by the group as a suitable replacement for their current base and workshop in High Mill, which is soon to be redeveloped. 

The application was considered initially by Community Asset Transfer Assessment Panel last month where an annual rent of £500, over a five-year lease, was recommended. In addition, the Men’s Shed group will carry out significant repairs to the property. 

Members of the Housing and Technical Resources committee warmly welcomed the application when it came under consideration on Wednesday.  Chair of the committee, Councillor Davie McLachlan, added: “As we all know the Men’s Shed movement is making a huge difference in the lives of older men across the country. 

"Here in South Lanarkshire, with the support of our Seniors Together team, the number of groups has grown significantly in recent years. As a result, many of the groups are now looking to put down permanent roots in their communities, opening up yet further the opportunities to improve health, well-being, and inclusion for a group of residents who, particularly following the pressures of the covid lockdowns could very easily become disenfranchised."

Community groups can apply to the council for any land or buildings they feel they could make better use of through ownership, lease or other rights. All the information and contact details you need are on the dedicated Community Asset Transfer section of our website.