TWO Irvine clergymen have been honoured by anti-sectarianism campaign group Nil By Mouth for their efforts to build bridges between religions, writes Derek Murdoch.

Rev Neil Urquhart of Fullarton Parish Church and Fr Willie Boyd on St Mary’s R.C. Chapel have formed a double act known as “The Shoes Brothers”, making a series of films over the past five years focusing on what people can achieve by working together.

And now the group have honoured them with a “Champions for Change” award in recognition of their efforts.

In the past five years the duo have:

  • Made several films which attracted tens of thousands of hits on YouTube
  • Recorded a Christmas single
  • Delivered workshops to hundreds of pupils across Ayrshire
  • Brought together fans of rival football clubs to perform “the dance”
  • Created a film with prisoners of Greenock Jail
  • Assembled a flashmob of MSPs to dance outside Parliament.

Rev Neil Urquhart said: “Willie and I have been friends for nearly 20 years and the ‘Shoes Brothers’ has always been all about respecting differences, building bridges and celebrating community and the much we have in common not least the ability to laugh at ourselves.

“Faith shouldn’t be something which divides people. During our work we found a wealth of goodwill and willingness to join in with our campaigns. Deep down people want to get on with each other and an appetite to delight in diversity and celebrate what we have in common with each other.”

Nil by Mouth Campaign Director Dave Scott said: “The Shoes Brothers are two of the best people you could ever wish to meet and we have been blown away by the quality of their work and commitment to celebrating community.

“We can’t wait to see this year’s film next month!”