Grampian SeaShed - A Community for retired seafarers
Grampian SeaShed - A Community for retired seafarers
Grampian SeaShed - A Community for retired seafarers
What is SeaShed?
Grampian SeaShed is a support group for retired and redundant seafarers in the Aberdeen area.
Founded in 2017 by former Port Chaplain Howard Drysdale, it exists to tackle loneliness, share stories, and build friendship after a life at sea.
What began with 7 members has grown into a thriving group with bi-weekly meetings on Fridays, outings, and a strong sense of community.
Our bi-weekly gatherings include food and conversation. A place to belong and feel seen. Open to anyone who served at sea, Merchant Navy, Royal Navy or Fishermen!
What We Do
How We Support Our Members
Bi-weekly Meet-Ups
We gather for tea/coffee, scones, fruit, and a light lunch.
There’s always good conversation, shared stories, and a few laughs.
We do a quiz every time we meet too!
It’s a space where retired seafarers feel heard, valued, and at home.
Group Outings
We organise six outings a year to places like lighthouses, museums, and coastal sites.
These trips bring connection, adventure, and a real sense of purpose.
For many members, they’re a highlight of the year.
Ongoing Care
When life gets tough, we stay present.
Whether it's a hospital visit or a phone call to check in, we show up.
SeaShed isn’t just a group — it’s support, friendship, and care for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Grampian Sea Shed and our marketing services.
Who can join SeaShed?
SeaShed is open to retired or redundant seafarers looking for connection, companionship, and a place to share stories from their time at sea. If you’ve spent time working at sea and are based in or around Aberdeen, you’re more than welcome to join us.
What happens at a typical SeaShed meeting?
We gather from 09:30, with tea, coffee, scones, and a good chat starting at 10:00. There’s usually conversation around seafaring, general wellbeing, maybe a quiz or two, and we wrap up with a light lunch around midday. It’s informal, friendly, and always supportive.
How much does it cost to attend?
Each session costs £15, but we already have sponsorship covering £5 per person — so members currently pay just £10 per meeting, which includes refreshments and a light lunch.
What if I can’t make it to meetings in person?
We provide iPads and training for members who may be housebound or unable to travel. This helps them join virtual meetings or stay connected with other members even during poor weather or periods of ill health.
What kind of outings does SeaShed organise?
We plan around six group outings a year, usually between May and September when the weather’s kinder. Past trips have included the Fraserburgh Lighthouse Museum, HMS Unicorn, Peterhead Prison, and even the Jute Factory Museum in Dundee. It’s all about exploring together and keeping the spirit of adventure alive.
Is SeaShed a charity?
No — but SeaShed joined the Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations (ACVO) in 2022 and is currently considering the possibility of seeking charitable status to help us grow and support more retired seafarers in need of community and connection.
Blog
Keep up to date with recent events and gatherings
SeaShed Go Volunteering
Grampian SeaShed did something a little different on Wednesday 30th July.
We have, as a group, been blessed by receiving funding from our supporters and it was decided that we would like to "give back" and volunteer for a worthwhile local charity.
Our chairman has a disabled son who lives at Camphill School Aberdeen and absolutely loves it there. It is quite a campus with lovely grounds, workshops, farm and a huge walled garden to mention but a few of the good things they do. (For more details click here.)
So what did we do and what did the day look like?
We gathered in the main office at 0935 where Peter Davidson, Director of Development met us for tea/coffee and gave us an intro to Camphill and showed a short video. Then it was a walk down to the Murtle Garden where we met the Head Gardener, Katherine who gave us the tools, gloves and set us our task for the day.
Weeding...
It looked somewhat daunting... see below for pictures of the potatoe engulfed by weeds. Katherine had been on holiday for 2 weeks and we all know how quickly weeds grow!! Below you can see the extent of the task before us. (There is another picture at the end showing how we got on!)
We had a lot of weeding to do, but it was such a beautiful setting to do it in, so we got busy. Over the day we emptied at least 12 huge blue barrows fulled with weeds.
Before we knew it, it was time for lunch and so we headed off to have our lunch at Camphill's own Murtle Market.
"This is our sustainable social enterprise charity which has been developed as part of our Building Futures, Transforming Lives appeal. This sustainable shop, café, and heritage hub is our first public-facing venture. Local and seasonal produce is sold, as well as refilling schemes for dried food and environmentally friendly cleaning products."
We enjoyed a hot/cold drink, fresh sandwich and a slice of cake... yummy!
Soon we were back in the garden again... where we met Kate Mackenzie, Executive Assistant - checking up on us?
Not much work being done here?
It was hot and certainly saw some crew members taking a short break.
Below, our volunteers are still smiling after a day of weeding in the garden.
All in all, it was a great day that will be repeated for sure... And of course you will need to see the end result...
So as I draw this post to a close, can I encourage any retired seafarers living in the grampian area to please consider joining our 20+ strong group of retired seafarers. A warm welcome awaits you!
Please fill in the contact form and Howard will get back to you with more details and he is always happy to meet up for an informal chat over a cuppa...
Our next meeting is on Friday 15th of August, at 10:00.
PARTNERS
