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
Robbie Middleton Remembered
We remember fondly our SeaShed member, Captain Robbie Middleton
It was with a sense of sadness, coupled with thankfulness for the life of our fellow SeaShed crew member, Robbie. Despite battling with illness over the past 5 years he was a regular (when not in hospital or confined to home!) attendee of our group of retired seafarers.
His input to my life was significant - typical of Robbie who would go out of his way to help others. He was such a great supporter of my ministry as Port Chaplain over 20 plus years... and without his wise input, Aberdeen Seafarers Centre would not have come to fruition and many seafarers would have be denied the support they deserve.
The SeaShed provided him with an iPad whilst he was in hospital during covid so that he could communicate with his family... remember those dark days? I was also able to connect him with the hospital Chaplain Jarod - they became firm friends and he helped me conduct the private family service at Baldarroch crematorium.
The Celebration of life service was a fine tribute to Robbie with a packed Church. Several SeaShed members attended and Robbie asked me to read 'his story' which he wrote.
I will not go on, but I will attach a picture of the obituary that appeared in the latest Nautical Institutes' magazine, Seaways.
So much more could be written, but I want to close on a note of hope by sharing a story that Robbie wanted read at his Celebration of Life service - especially for his granddaughters, Hannah and Eliza:
Story - The Dragonfly
Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles.
They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions.
Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew that when this happened their friend was dead, gone for ever.
Then. One day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, he was determined that he would not leave forever.
He would come back and tell his friends what he had found at the top
When he reached the top and climbed out of the water on to the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap.
As he slept, his body changed and when he woke up, he had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying. So, fly he did! And as he soared, he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life to what he had ever known existed.
Then he remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking that he was now dead. He wanted to go back and tell them, and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before. His life had been fulfilled rather than ended. But his new body would not go down into the water.
He could not get back to tell his friends the good news. Then he understood that their time would come, and they too, would know what he now knew. So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life.
Robbie is with his Lord and enjoying a new life... awaiting the arrival of his family and friends, but hopefully, not anytime soon!
PARTNERS
