Minutes of meeting
Renfrewshire Council · 20 August 2026
Back to Council — 20 August 2026 and its agenda
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Minute of Special Meeting Council Date Time Venue Thursday, 20 August 2026 11:00 Council Chambers (Renfrewshire), Council Headquarters, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1AN Present: Councillor Jennifer Adam, Councillor Fiona Airlie-Nicolson, Councillor Stephen Burns, Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, Provost Lorraine Cameron, Councillor Michelle Campbell, Councillor Graeme Clark, Councillor Carolann Davidson, Councillor Eddie Devine, Councillor Audrey Doig, Councillor Chris Gilmour, Councillor Edward Grady, Councillor Gillian Graham, Councillor Neill Graham, Councillor Anne Hannigan, Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Councillor Robert Innes, Councillor Alec Leishman, Councillor Bruce MacFarlane, Councillor Kenny MacLaren, Councillor Mags MacLaren, Councillor Colin McCulloch, Councillor Janis McDonald, Councillor Cathy McEwan, Councillor David McGonigle, Councillor Jamie McGuire, Councillor Marie McGurk, Councillor Iain McMillan, Councillor John McNaughtan, Councillor Kevin Montgomery, Councillor Sam Mullin, Councillor Will Mylet, Councillor Iain Nicolson, Councillor Jim Paterson, Councillor Emma Rodden, Councillor John Shaw, Councillor Ben Smith, Councillor Andy Steel Chair Provost L Cameron, Convener, presided. In Attendance A Russell, Chief Executive; M Conaghan, Head of Corporate Governance, D Low, Democratic Services Manager and D Cunningham, Committee Services & Licensing Officer (all Finance & Resources). Webcasting of Council Meeting Prior to the commencement of the meeting, Provost Cameron intimated that this meeting would be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site. Apologies Councillors Ann-Dowling, Andy Doig and Hood.
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Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements There were no declarations of interest or transparency statements intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting. 1 Notice of Motion by Provost L Cameron and Councillor McMillan There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Provost L Cameron and Councillor McMillan in the following terms:- "Renfrewshire Council recognises the outstanding achievements of Renfrewshire resident Craig Ferguson in raising awareness of mental health issues. His efforts are supporting Scotland’s first ever network of walk-in mental health support hubs planned by SAMH, as well as funding, through mental health charity Brothers in Arms, the launch of Blethr, a free wellbeing app that acts as an AI companion which men can use to anonymously learn techniques to improve their mental health. Council further recognises the amount of money he has raised between his Euro 24 walk through Germany, his 2025 walk over Scotland, and his World Cup 26 walk through the USA. His incredible efforts have resulted in him raising over £1,300,000. In recognition of his philanthropy, compassion and civic responsibility, Council agrees to award Craig Ferguson the prestigious honour of the Freedom of Renfrewshire and associated civic recognition, and that it be delegated to the Director of Finance & Resources in consultation with the Provost to make the necessary arrangements.” Provost L Cameron, seconded by Councillor McMillan, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Renfrewshire Council recognises the outstanding achievements of Renfrewshire resident Craig Ferguson in raising awareness of mental health issues. His efforts are supporting Scotland’s first ever network of walk-in mental health support hubs planned by SAMH, as well as funding, through mental health charity Brothers in Arms, the launch of Blethr, a free wellbeing app that acts as an AI companion which men can use to anonymously learn techniques to improve their mental health. Council further recognises the amount of money he has raised between his Euro 24 walk through Germany, his 2025 walk over Scotland, and his World Cup 26 walk through the USA. His incredible efforts have resulted in him raising over £1,300,000. In recognition of his philanthropy, compassion and civic responsibility, Council agrees to award Craig Ferguson the prestigious honour of the Freedom of Renfrewshire and associated civic recognition, and that it be delegated to the Director of Finance & Resources in consultation with the Provost to make the necessary arrangements.