Church knitting project gets cross-party Parliament praise

A church-led project has been "commended" in the Scottish Parliament for the support it provides to Glasgow's most vulnerable residents.

Glasgow Close Knit is an initiative launched by the Church of Scotland's Presbytery of Glasgow and homeless charity, the Lodging House Mission, as part of the city's 850th anniversary celebrations.

Church-goers and others are being encouraged to knit or crochet wool squares which will be put together to create 850 blankets – matching the number of years since Glasgow was awarded a royal charter to become a burgh, establishing it as an important economic centre for the west of Scotland.

The blankets will then be distributed to those living in hostel accommodation or recently placed in housing across the city.

Glasgow Conservative MSP Sandesh Gulhane lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament, commending Glasgow presbytery and the Lodging House Mission on launching Glasgow Close Knit.

It congratulates all involved with the project, including the city's knitting and craft groups, for their efforts, and wishes them all the best in completing the challenge.

Dr Gulhane's motion was supported by almost 30 MSPs - Scottish Labour, SNP and Conservatives.

Among them are Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay and his predecessor Douglas Ross.

The Moderator of Glasgow Presbytery, Rev Janet Mathieson, said she was grateful to Dr Gulhane for highlighting the Glasgow Close Knit Project in the Scottish Parliament, and thanked him and the Parliament for their words of encouragement and congratulation.

She said: "Glasgow Close Knit takes inspiration from a Bible verse which speaks of ' being close knit together in love'.

"As Glasgow celebrates the 850th anniversary of the city becoming a Bishop's Burgh, I felt it was important to acknowledge and build on Glasgow's heritage as a caring and compassionate place in which people cared for each other, especially those in most need.

"Working with the Rev Peter Gardner, minister to the visual arts community, and Church of Scotland Deacon Claire Herbert, chaplain to the Lodging House Mission, Glasgow Close Knit was launched.

"Church and community groups are working hard at knitting and crocheting squares and at sewing these into blankets.

"To have 850 blankets completed by the end of 2025 may be a bit optimistic, but lots of blankets have already been completed with one congregation, at least, having crafted 15 blankets and still going strong.

"Lots of people are contributing to this project and some members of the Muslim community have recently expressed interest in becoming involved."

The completed blankets will be displayed as the works of art they are in the late summer or early autumn of 2025 in venues in and around the city before being distributed by the Lodging House Mission, and possibly other charities, to those in need.

Glasgow Close Knit has also hosted two "Knitting Together" days at the Wild Olive Cafe at St George's Tron Church in Buchanan Street where participants can pop in and knit or crochet and meet new friends at the same time.

Another Knitting Together day is planned for the same venue in April.

Dr Gulhane commented: "It's wonderful to hear about initiatives like the Glasgow Close Knit project, which mark Glasgow's 850th year by bringing communities together in a spirit of generosity and collaboration.

"Projects like this exemplify the best of our city, and I commend the Glasgow Presbytery of the Church of Scotland and the Lodging House Mission for their dedication to making a positive difference.

"These efforts truly showcase the strength and kindness of our communities."