Meet the winner of the Arts &Heritage Champion category of this year’s Provost’s Awards – Craig Taylor!
A valued member of the Friends of Campsie High Kirk, Craig was presented with his award at an important local event where the keys to the iconic High Kirk were handed to the community as part of a project to rescue it and bring it back to life.
Craig works tirelessly in his local community and it has been said that he ‘lit the spark to get the High Kirk in Lennoxtown group up and running’. He showed great determination and perseverance and ultimately garnered support from many different quarters and before long an established team took shape, encouraged by Craig’s enthusiasm and motivation.
The Friends of Campsie High Kirk group was born and the journey to gaining control of the High Kirk began with Craig very much being credited with ‘setting the ship on the right course’ in the early days.
When reading Craig’s nomination, both the Depute Provost and I could see immediately that we had a winner on our hands
"He works hard, he cares, he does what he can to build his community, he is determined, he is dedicated and he is committed. He is a shining example of how people can use the Community Empowerment Act to help deliver change. He is what our Awards are all about and is such a deserving winner.”
The big announcement was kept under wraps until Craig was surprised at the Campsie High Kirk key handover event, attended by dignitaries including the Depute Lord Lieutenant, the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer, the local MP and Councillors as well as dozens of local people, project partners and supporters.
Craig said, “I had no idea I had even been nominated for this award so it was a lovely surprise when the Provost called me on stage to present me with it.
“I love being part of the Friends of Campsie High Kirk and am very proud of what we have done so far. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve for the High Kirk and the wider community.”
Carig was nominated by Stuart Carr, Chair of Campsie Community Council. He added, “Craig’s example is exactly the kind of community spirit we need—not just in Lennoxtown or Campsie but across Scotland. He didn’t have all the answers but he had the instinct to act. He saw something worth saving and refused to let it slip away in silence. While some dismissed the idea or questioned the scale, Craig kept making the case - loudly, clearly, and persistently.
“That is why Craig was nominated by Campsie Community Council and that is resoundingly supported by Friends of Campsie High Kirk.”
