Repair Cafes

Central and East Sutherland Repair Cafes

Our repair cafes started in 2023. We started by organising a meeting to gather interested folks at one of the Ardgay Community Markets. About fifteen folks attended, so we could be sure that we'd be able to start up with a good mix of skills.

Logisitally, we teamed up with RE:Circulate Sutherland for insurance and skills purposes and also Ardgay Hall and Planet Sutherland to gather as many volunteers together as we could.

 

How to start? Just do it!

 

Our first repair cafe had perhaps 15 folks attending, and that truly was a very useful way to start. We all brought along items to fix and a small number of friends came in too to see what was going on and to enjoy a friendly cuppa. We had good practice at logging items in, PAT testing and all the other admin.

Our 1st fixes included: a food mixer, two jumpers, two jacket zips, an old doll and sharpened some tools. We checked out a coffee maker, identifying what was needed to fix it. We took apart a belt sander, which sadly had overheated, melting some bits so couldn’t be fixed. And, we part fixed one doll sorted out the parts needed, which are being 3D printed for fixing at the next cafe

 

Our team of repairers can fix: 

  • small electricals
  • sewing items
  • darning items and fixing woolies
  • revitalising old laptops
  • watch straps
  • mechanical items
  • computers

At the start, we considered moving around different village halls, but this proved difficult and it was also easier to publicise when just in one place. We've also played about with various options when running the events. We have tried amalgamating the repair cafe with the local markets and also running jumble sales at the same time. The first time we tried this was amazingly successful, but we've had mixed results. Whilst folks continue to ask when the next cafe is running, our numbers have been falling. 

 

Plans for 2026.

We have yet to discuss plans but it is likely that the Repair Cafes will run primarily with the newly formed Kyle of Sutherland Mens Shed, working with other local volunteers for sowing and darning etc and with Ardgay Hall for coffee mornings too.

Interested? Please get in touch.

 

It's generally recommended that items are fixed or looked at for a donation of £5. This money will help to cover the costs of running the events, PAT testing and insurance. If parts are needed, these will be charged for. We may be able to fix items at the time, we may take them away to fix them or refer on to either local businesses or take it back to the mens shed for fixing.

 

Other fixers in the Area:

Dornoch Men's Shed

 

Lairg & District Learning Centre Makers Spaces.

The Maker's Space provides a social space to unleash your creativity  with like-minded, crafty folks! Whether you want to learn something new, try our our equipment or bring your own project along (knitting, crochet, paint, etc). 

Cabin Sessions are a social space to work on woodworking projects using the tools provided and supported by the tutor who will be on hand to help.

Contact Lairg & District Learning Centre to find out times and dates etc. 

 

Places where you can get stuff fixed or buy things to fix stuff….

 

Bikes:

Heaven Bikes and Boards Hire Dornoch  / Bonar Bridge Post Office - pop in or look at the web link.

DIY Supplies:

Jackie's Corner Shop in Bonar Bridge

Craft Supplies:

Jackies Craft Shop - ask at Jackie's Corner Shop

 

Fixing Businesses: It's great to have businesses around who can help us all fix things. If you'd like your business listed here or would be interested in running a workshop for folks, please get in touch. Thanks.

 

The Repair Cafes at present are being run by RE:CirculateSutherland and ourselves.

 

Many thanks to The Community Learning Exchange, Circular Communities Scotland and Transition Black Isle for their help in getting us started.