A mental health campaigner who walked across Europe and the United States to raise awareness is in line to receive the Freedom of Renfrewshire.
Councillor Lorraine Cameron, provost of Renfrewshire, has nominated Craig Ferguson for the honorary award, which will be considered at a special meeting of Renfrewshire Council on Thursday, August 20.
Craig, who first gained international attention in 2024, walked more than 1000 miles from Glasgow to Munich in a kilt for the Euros.
The trek aimed to raise awareness of men’s mental health and raised more than £77,000 for the charity Brothers in Arms.
When Scotland qualified for the World Cup this year, Craig took to the streets again, completing a 3240-mile walk across the US.
He travelled from Los Angeles to Boston in time for Scotland’s opening game against Haiti, completing more than 120 marathons in just over 100 days and raising more than £1.3 million for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).
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The Freedom of Renfrewshire is the highest civic honour in the region and has only been awarded six times previously.
Councillor Cameron has previously awarded the Freedom of Renfrewshire only twice during her tenure, most recently to the late Paisley playwright John Byrne in 2022.
Councillor 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."
The motion was seconded by councillor Iain McMillan, leader of the opposition group.
Councillor McMillan 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."
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If approved, the award will be presented to Craig later this year.
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."
For more information about the Freedom of Renfrewshire, visit: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/freedomofrenfrewshire
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