Scotland supporter and mental health campaigner Craig Ferguson is in line to receive Renfrewshire’s highest civic honour.
Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron has submitted a motion to award Craig the Freedom of Renfrewshire in recognition of his work raising awareness of mental health issues and funds for mental health charities.
The motion will be considered at a special meeting of Renfrewshire Council on Thursday 20th August.
The Freedom of Renfrewshire is an honorary title and the highest civic honour the council can award to an individual or group. It has only been awarded six times previously.
Craig first came to international attention in 2024 after walking more than 1,000 miles from Glasgow to Munich in a kilt for Scotland’s opening game of the Euros.
He took on the challenge to raise money and awareness for men’s mental health, with football providing a shared interest through which young men could connect.
Craig raised more than £77,000 for mental health charity Brothers in Arms and helped raise awareness of men’s mental health.
After Scotland qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Craig took to the road again. He walked from Los Angeles to Boston in time for Scotland’s opening game against Haiti.
The challenge saw him walk 3,240 miles across the United States, completing more than 120 marathons in just over 100 days.
He raised more than £1.3million for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).
Provost Cameron said: “Craig has been an inspiration for many people across the world and his work raising awareness of mental health issues should not go unrecognised.
“His efforts are supporting Scotland’s first ever network of walk-in mental health support hubs planned by SAMH, as well as funding the launch of Blethr through Brothers in Arms – a free wellbeing app where men and boys can anonymously learn techniques to improve their mental health. I’m delighted to offer him this honour and thank him for the contribution he has made.”
Provost Cameron previously awarded the Freedom of Renfrewshire to late Paisley playwright John Byrne in 2022.
Craig said: “Having grown up and lived in Paisley and Renfrewshire all my life, I never imagined I would receive recognition like this. I have always looked up to and admired the remarkable people this area has produced, and to think that my achievements will now become part of the town’s history is an incredible honour and a source of immense pride.
“I am deeply grateful for this recognition and will continue to champion Paisley and Renfrewshire wherever I can.”
Opposition group leader Councillor Iain McMillan, who seconded the motion, said: “I’m delighted to second Provost Cameron’s motion to award the Freedom of Renfrewshire to Craig Ferguson, in recognition of his achievements and commitment to raising awareness of mental health issues. He is an outstanding ambassador for Paisley and Renfrewshire.”
If approved by councillors, the Freedom of Renfrewshire will officially be awarded to Craig later this year.
Headline photo: Craig Ferguson pictured with an award at the Provost’s Community Awards 2025
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council