A WOMAN who spent nearly 20 years helping asylum seekers and refugees adapt to life in Glasgow has retired.

Christine Murray has been hailed as the "voice of the voiceless" for her efforts as project manager of a community outreach scheme in St Rollox Church, Sighthill. 

Since 2002, she has helped people from war-torn countries such as Kosovo and Bosnia learn English, put clothes on their backs, food in their stomachs, and money in their pockets. 

The 66-year-old called time on her spell in the north of the city yesterday, leaving behind a "stunning legacy" of shaping the lives of thousands of "New Scots". 

Mrs Murray said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my role over the years, it has remained fresh, interesting, challenging, fun and humbling.

Glasgow Times: Some of the people who have been supported by Christine over the years Some of the people who have been supported by Christine over the years

“It has never been just a job for me though and it has been a privilege to be part of St Rollox which has impacted on the lives of thousands of people in some way over the years.”

Like other Church of Scotland buildings, the Fountainwell Road hub is temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

But Mrs Murray, who is married to Frank, a retired Baptist minister, said it has always been an “active, lively and vibrant place” that reaches out to people from all walks of life.

“Over the last 20 years, Glasgow has become a cosmopolitan city – a microcosm of the world in one place – because of the number of people from conflict zones around the world seeking refuge,” the mother-of-two said.

“At one point there were around 3,000 asylum seekers in the north Glasgow area.”

She added: “Glasgow’s reputation as the caring city is well earned but at first there was a bit of suspicion and unease as to why all these people were coming here.

“But as Glaswegians got to know their new neighbours and started to ask questions and got to hear their personal stories and the trauma they had endured, they began to understand what they had been through and wanted to help.”

Rev Jane Howitt, minister of St Rollox, said: “Over the years Christine has been a voice for the voiceless in the north of Glasgow, whether that has been for those seeking asylum or those whom poverty has disenfranchised. 

“Her name is synonymous with a listening ear and a practical, down-to-earth approach to providing the right kind of support at the right time. 

“She has been a lifeline to many who found themselves in the depths of despair.

“Her faith always shone through, as did her sense of humour and as a result she was able to hold together a wide ethnically diverse team of volunteers.

Glasgow Times:

“The work that she has led has ensured that many have been befriended, have found a place to belong and learn new skills. 

“Some of our clients have even referred to her as having saved their life - quite literally.”

Ms Howitt said the community outreach work at St Rollox will continue under the new leadership of Karen Prenty.