Scotland supporter Craig Ferguson has been awarded the Freedom of Renfrewshire, the region's highest civic honour, after raising more than £1.4 million for mental health charity Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).
The 23-year-old from Paisley, known as the Tartan Army hero, spent over 100 days walking across the US in his fundraising drive. He arrived back at Glasgow Airport in July after becoming the first person in history to walk from LA to Boston wearing a kilt.
Ferguson received the honour at a reception in Paisley Town Hall on Thursday, making him the youngest ever recipient of the Freedom of Renfrewshire.
Emotional response to honour
In an emotional statement on social media, Craig wrote: "Not really sure where to start with this honour, other than saying I’m incredibly humbled. I’ve always been brought up to be incredibly proud of our town and my roots in Renfrewshire, and I’ve carried that with me through every step in life."
He added: "I was just a young lad born and raised in Renfrewshire, who has a crazy ambition and passion to make just a small difference in this world and to try and showcase to people, yet again, like so many before me have, just what this town is all about."
"Paisley and Renfrewshire have always been in my blood and at the core of every single achievement in my life. To say that at 23 years old I’ve been awarded the Freedom of Renfrewshire doesn’t quite feel real, but it’s a title I’ll take with immense pride."
Walk across the US
The mental health campaigner left Santa Monica pier in California on February 24 before reaching Boston Common on June 12 ahead of Scotland's opening World Cup fixture against Haiti.
Along the way, he received support from high-profile Scots including Lewis Capaldi, Ross King MBE, The Proclaimers, Craig Gordon, Sir Kenny Dalglish and his namesake, broadcaster Craig Ferguson. In the final week of his trek, the Scottish Government announced a £400,000 donation to SAMH as part of the campaign.
Rare civic honour
The Freedom of Renfrewshire has only been awarded six times previously, the most recent being to the late artist, playwright and designer John Byrne.
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."
"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."
