Scotland supporter and mental health campaigner Craig Ferguson is in line to receive his home area’s highest honour – the Freedom of Renfrewshire.
Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron, has submitted a motion, which will be considered at a special meeting of Renfrewshire Council on Thursday 20 August, to give the award to Craig in recognition of his efforts in raising awareness of mental health issues and in raising funds for various mental health charities.
The Freedom of Renfrewshire is an honorary title and is the highest civic honour that can be bestowed upon an individual or group. It has only been awarded six times previously.
Craig first came to international attention in 2024 after walking more than 1000 miles from Glasgow to Munich in a kilt for the opening game of the Euros. He was inspired to take on the challenge and raise money and awareness for men's mental health, as young men are often able to bond over a shared interest in football. In the end, Craig raised over £77,000 for mental health charity Brothers in Arms and raised awareness of men's mental health worldwide.
When Scotland qualified for the World Cup in 2026, Craig took to the streets again, aiming to walk from Los Angeles to Boston in time for Scotland’s opening game against Haiti. This challenge saw Craig walk 3,240 miles across the United States, completing over 120 marathons in just over 100 days, and raising more than £1,300,000 for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).
Provost Cameron, who has only awarded the Freedom of Renfrewshire twice during her time as Provost, 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, the Freedom of Renfrewshire will officially be awarded to Craig later this year. Find out more about the Freedom of Renfrewshire at http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/freedomofrenfrewshire