A POPULAR Inverclyde organisation which has seen its membership double over the last few months is taking part in Scotland's largest free festival for the first time. 

Inverclyde Shed will be one of the star attractions at this year's Doors Open Days celebrations.

Founder Bruce Newlands and the team will welcome people to the group's newly-unveiled community workshop on East Blackhall Street in Greenock between 10am and noon on Saturday September 9. 

Bruce says while this is the first time the organisation has been involved with the festival, the Shed's door is always open. 

He added: "We're new to Doors Open Days but we have an open door policy all the time. 

"We'll be running some workshop demonstrations and a tour, and people will be able to have a cup of tea and a blether."

Bruce hopes the Doors Open Days tours will help identify if there's an appetite for Shed activities in the evenings and at weekends at the base, which was formerly a garage.

He told the Tele: "This will help us entice people in who don't normally come in during the week, so we can find out what they're interested in and when they would be able to come along. 

"If there's a desire for more activities at different times, we'll be able to adapt."

The journey towards launching 'The Big Shed' began back in 2019 when members voted to secure the building through a community asset transfer scheme with Inverclyde Council.

The 4,000 sq ft structure remains the property of Inverclyde Council, but the Shed will pay £1 a year to lease it for the next 25 years.

Members started to fully occupy the East Blackhall Street base in July after making the move from the old workshops at Captain Street. 

Greenock Telegraph:

Since the official unveiling of the new premises membership has doubled, with around 230 people now using the facilities. 

Some of the activities include joinery, 3D printing, electronics, spoon carving, and creative art.

Bruce says he's very proud that a building which was a big part of Inverclyde's industrial heritage has a new life as a hub for people to meet, make, grow and share. 

He added: "The Shed is about people supporting each other. 

"We've had amazing feedback from people about East Blackhall Street and we're looking forward to meeting even more new members."

Doors Open Days will run across Inverclyde on September 9 and 10. 

Other organisations taking part include Inverclyde Heritage Network, Gourock Park Bowling Club, Inverclyde Tourist Group, Beacon Arts Centre, St Mary's Church, Watt Institution, Central Library, Inverclyde Heritage Network, St John the Evangelist, Wellpark Mid Kirk and Wemyss Bay station. 

To find out more about the activities planned visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk