MEMBERS of a men's shed group in Galashiels are set to tread a different kind of board - as they prepare to star in their very own theatre production.

They will join five other men’s sheds from across Scotland to produce a play based on their ideas and experiences.

Scotland’s shedders will choose the story and create everything from the characters and plot to the themes and morals.

The ScotRail foundation cultural and arts fund has awarded almost £5,000 for a series of community theatre workshops across Scotland. Matthew Dunn, founder of 3in1 theatre company, has been awarded £4,970 from the fund to develop a new play with Men’s Shed Scotland.

Shedding light on the project Mr Dunn said: “This play will be one story written from the ideas and influence of six different sheds from six different corners of Scotland.

“The project concludes with an event at Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, where the finished play will be read aloud to an invited audience and the men who have been working on the project will come together as one for the first time.”

The Scottish Men’s Shed Association formed in November 2015 to encourage building social connections amongst men in communities. Since their launch, over 90 men’s sheds have been opened with even more in development.

And in Galashiels the regular meetings at Langlee Community Centre have proved extremely popular with growing numbers turning up to enjoy hobbies, crafts and a chat.

ScotRail head of economic and community development, James Ledgerwood said: “It’s fantastic to see the real difference that these grants are making to the lives of people across Scotland.

“This project is providing participants with an opportunity to capture the camaraderie and benefits of being a member of the Men’s Shed Scotland and explain how it helps to combat isolation and loneliness.”