Revealed on 19 March 2025
3 minutes learn
A church-led venture has been “recommended” within the Scottish Parliament for the assist it supplies to Glasgow’s most weak residents.
Glasgow Shut Knit is an initiative launched by the Church of Scotland’s Presbytery of Glasgow and homeless charity, the Lodging Home Mission, as a part of the town’s 850th anniversary celebrations.
Church-goers and others are being inspired to knit or crochet wool squares which will likely be put collectively to create 850 blankets – matching the variety of years since Glasgow was awarded a royal constitution to change into a burgh, establishing it as an essential financial centre for the west of Scotland.
The blankets will then be distributed to these dwelling in hostel lodging or just lately positioned in housing throughout the town.
Glasgow Conservative MSP Sandesh Gulhane lodged a movement within the Scottish Parliament, commending Glasgow presbytery and the Lodging Home Mission on launching Glasgow Shut Knit.
It congratulates all concerned with the venture, together with the town’s knitting and craft teams, for his or her efforts, and desires all of them the most effective in finishing the problem.
Dr Gulhane’s movement was supported by nearly 30 MSPs – Scottish Labour, SNP and Conservatives.
Amongst them are Scottish Conservative chief Russell Findlay and his predecessor Douglas Ross.
The Moderator of Glasgow Presbytery, Rev Janet Mathieson, mentioned she was grateful to Dr Gulhane for highlighting the Glasgow Shut Knit Venture within the Scottish Parliament, and thanked him and the Parliament for his or her phrases of encouragement and congratulation.
She mentioned: “Glasgow Shut Knit takes inspiration from a Bible verse which speaks of ‘ being shut knit collectively in love’.
“As Glasgow celebrates the 850th anniversary of the town turning into a Bishop’s Burgh, I felt it was essential to acknowledge and construct on Glasgow’s heritage as a caring and compassionate place during which folks cared for one another, particularly these in most want.
“Working with the Rev Peter Gardner, minister to the visible arts neighborhood, and Church of Scotland Deacon Claire Herbert, chaplain to the Lodging Home Mission, Glasgow Shut Knit was launched.
“Church and neighborhood teams are working exhausting at knitting and crocheting squares and at stitching these into blankets.
“To have 850 blankets accomplished by the top of 2025 could also be a bit optimistic, however a number of blankets have already been accomplished with one congregation, at the least, having crafted 15 blankets and nonetheless going sturdy.
“Plenty of individuals are contributing to this venture and a few members of the Muslim neighborhood have just lately expressed curiosity in turning into concerned.”
The finished blankets will likely be displayed because the artistic endeavors they’re within the late summer time or early autumn of 2025 in venues in and across the metropolis earlier than being distributed by the Lodging Home Mission, and presumably different charities, to these in want.
Glasgow Shut Knit has additionally hosted two “Knitting Collectively” days on the Wild Olive Cafe at St George’s Tron Church in Buchanan Road the place members can pop in and knit or crochet and meet new mates on the similar time.
One other Knitting Collectively day is deliberate for a similar venue in April.
Dr Gulhane commented: “It is great to listen to about initiatives just like the Glasgow Shut Knit venture, which mark Glasgow’s 850th 12 months by bringing communities collectively in a spirit of generosity and collaboration.
“Tasks like this exemplify the most effective of our metropolis, and I commend the Glasgow Presbytery of the Church of Scotland and the Lodging Home Mission for his or her dedication to creating a optimistic distinction.
“These efforts actually showcase the energy and kindness of our communities.”
