Mental health campaigner Craig Ferguson awarded Freedom of Renfrewshire

Mental health campaigner and Scotland supporter Craig Ferguson has been awarded Renfrewshire’s highest civic honour, the Freedom of Renfrewshire, at a civic reception held in Paisley Town Hall on Thursday 17 September.

The Freedom of Renfrewshire is an honorary title and 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 1,000 miles from Glasgow to Munich in a kilt for Scotland’s opening game at the UEFA European Championships. Inspired to raise money and awareness for men’s mental health, he raised more than £77,000 for Brothers in Arms and helped shine a spotlight on the importance of mental wellbeing.

Following Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Craig embarked on an even greater challenge, walking 3,240 miles across the United States from Los Angeles to Boston ahead of Scotland’s opening match against Haiti. Covering more than 120 marathons in just over 100 days, he raised more than £1.3 million for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).

Presenting the award, Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “Craig’s commitment to raising awareness of mental health issues, supporting others and inspiring people through his remarkable fundraising challenges has made a lasting impact both in Renfrewshire and far beyond.

“Through his determination, resilience and compassion, he has started important conversations, raised significant funds for charity, and shown that one person really can make a difference. I am incredibly proud to award him the Freedom of Renfrewshire in recognition of his outstanding achievements and the positive difference he continues to make to people’s lives.”
Provost Cameron also awarded a Provost’s Distinction Certificate to Matthew Allan who supported Craig throughout his time in the USA.

She added: “While Craig was walking across the country, Matthew was by his side every step of the way, providing a home on wheels and ensuring he had the food, rest and support needed to take on a challenge of this scale. Craig’s journey has always been about helping others and showing the importance of connection and support, and Matthew’s friendship and commitment were an essential part of making that journey possible.”

Craig Ferguson said: “Growing up I was taught that having pride in where you come from is important and I’m immensely proud to be from Paisley and Renfrewshire. 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.

“This all started with a boy who had a dream that he could make a difference, but there’s so many people behind the scenes who helped make the challenges happen and I want to thank my family and friends for their support throughout.

“I am deeply grateful for this recognition and will continue to champion Paisley and Renfrewshire wherever I can.”

Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), said: “What Craig has achieved is nothing short of extraordinary. Through all kinds of weather and conditions, he kept going with one goal in mind: to make a positive contribution to Scotland’s mental health. The courage, commitment and resilience he showed to be able to walk all the way across America was amazing and we are deeply grateful to him, and to everyone that supported him along the way.

“The money he raised will make a real difference by supporting The Nook, our national network of walk-in community mental health hubs. The Nook means that people with mental health problems can ask once and get help fast. No waiting lists, no referrals, no stigma – just a safe, welcoming place to start getting help straightaway. That’s the legacy of Craig’s Tartan Trek.”

Provost Lorraine Cameron previously awarded the Freedom of Renfrewshire to late Paisley playwright John Byrne in 2022.
Find out more about the Freedom of Renfrewshire at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/freedomofrenfrewshire.