The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Graeme’s ‘man cave’ is just dandy
winner: Angus man’s games room shrine to the Dons is voted Britain’s best
A dedicated dandy Don who turned his Angus loft into a walk-in tribute to his favourite football club has scored a winner in the quest to find the nation’s best man cave.
Graeme Strachan’s converted loft at his Brechin home is an immaculately finished Aberdeen FC-themed games room retreat, featuring a host of Dons memorabilia for the lifelong fan and his mates to enjoy while they also savour a thirst-quencher from beer pumps of the working bar.
The dad-of-two roped in pals to help complete the super shrine to his Pittodrie heroes and their effort has been rewarded after the Angus loft was named at the top of the league of Britain’s best games rooms.
Complete with two televisions, a sound system and red seating, the loft is the perfect retreat for Graeme and his football-loving friends, with a dart board incorporated as half- time entertainment.
Sales rep Graeme, 42, said of the competition win: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed and still in shock.”
He called a few friends, using the voluntary services of a joiner, plumber, electrician and painter over the course of several weekends to create the games room with a budget of just £2,000.
“A friend called me about the competition while I was on holiday in Turkey as he’d seen it on social media. He told me I should put my games room forward as he thought I was in with a great chance of winning.
“It’s a unique set-up and is finished to a really high standard thanks to the input of my mates – none of whom support Aberdeen. It’s always being used though, as my friends love it.”
Andy Beresford, MD of Home Leisure Direct which hosted the competition, said: “It’s a brilliant set-up and the finishing touches are excellent.
“Graeme has demonstrated that people with a limited budget can develop a fantastic space to relax. He was the standout winner in the end.”
With prize money totalling £3,000, Graeme has plans to reinvest the windfall, starting with an Aberdeen pool cloth and bar upgrade.