A CROWDFUNDING appeal has been launched in a bid to replace tools stolen in a break-in at Musselburgh Men’s Shed.

The theft from the group’s base behind Our Lady of Loretto RC Church on Newbigging happened back in March, leaving members without tools which were essential for community and their own personal projects.

Spokesman Kevin Young, project manager at DadsWork in Musselburgh, said: “The stolen tools, were cordless drills, screwdrivers, sanders and a reciprocating saw.

“We also lost batteries and chargers for these items, which given the nature of the shed, and its limited access to mains power are key to our operation.”

He added: “The group has been working very hard over a number of years to build up the shed membership and it’s offerings to the community.

“We have undertaken a few projects for the community council, local schools and Prestonpans Health Centre.”

Enterprises have included making a Santa’s grotto for Musselburgh’s Christmas market, organised by Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council, and planters and benches for local doctors’ surgeries.

Mr Young said: “When we suffered the break-in, two of our longest-standing members were in the process of insulating and renovating the property, so, when we reopened after the Covid-19 lockdown, the other users would have had a better experience.

“For them, the experience of discovering the break-in was shattering to both their physical and mental wellbeing, and for our other members, they were concerned about the long-term future of the project.”

They have set a crowdfunding target of £500 and the Tranent-based Walk With Scott Foundation has agreed to match fund the cash raised.

Mr Young said: “On behalf of all our members at the Musselburgh Men’s Shed, we are so grateful to the Walk With Scott Foundation in their pledge of £500 to allow us to replace the stolen tools.

“Without this matched pledge, we may not have had the finances to replace these tools, having a huge detrimental impact on the shed and its users.

“Walk With Scott again have shown their generosity in supporting local organisations in their need of help and support.

“This offer of support prompted us to start a crowdfunding campaign and, after only one week, we reached £325 plus Gift Aid – 65 per cent of our target. We are hugely grateful to everyone who has donated and supported us.”

He added: “We will use the funds to replace our stolen tools and purchase additional tools as we aim to make our shed more accessible to additional members, and increase the capacity of our projects for community organisations.”

Musselburgh Men’s Shed is a community project offering a safe space for men to reduce isolation and engage in practical projects.

After lockdown, members aim to meet on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, 2-4pm.

To donate, go to crowdfunder.co.uk/musselburgh-mens-shed-tool-replacement

Prospective members can either contact Musselburgh Men’s Shed through the group’s Facebook page or Mr Young at dadswork@hotmail.co.uk

A Police Scotland spokesperson said that no one had been traced in connection with the break-in, which happened on March 20.