Our Story
Founded by Sir Alistair Murray as the ‘Glasgow Council on Alcoholism’ later becoming Glasgow Council on Alcohol.
We have evolved from a specialist alcohol service to supporting those affected by drugs, trauma and related harms. We deliver frontline services, accredited training and strategic advocacy to drive systemic change towards healthier, more resilient communities nationwide.
Today, we continue Sir Alistair’s legacy by delivering a range of interventions including group work and employability support as well as a number of holistic and inclusive services, such as a Women’s Service for survivors of gender-based violence, Young Person’s Peer Education Service, LGBTQ+ support and tailored wellbeing programmes. We have extensive experience in working in partnership with both statutory and third sector organisations.
Murray’s Initiative is also a recognised provider of professional development, offering a comprehensive training portfolio including education aimed at increasing awareness of alcohol use and promoting healthier lifestyles, COSCA Counselling Skills and a Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.
1965:
Bold Beginnings
The charity began with an unlikely radio broadcast in 1965 when Sir Alistair Murray, a prominent Glasgow business man, publicly declaring to the nation in his own words “I am an alcoholic”.
Seeking help, he travelled to New York and London, working with Marty Mann who was a pioneering figure in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and one of the first women to achieve long-term sobriety through the programme.
So when Sir Alistair returned to Glasgow he set up as a breakaway group from AA primarily as an educational organisation inspired by New York’s Council on Alcohol.
1970s: Challenging Convention
The 1970s brought a seismic shift: we pioneered one to one counselling and the radical idea of “controlled drinking” alongside total abstinence - a first in Scotland. Alongside, the organisation introduced workplace programmes to help employees struggling with alcohol. The volunteer-led model expanded and the mission grew stronger.
1980s: Expanding Outreach
During the 1980s, we entered a significant phase of growth and transformation, marked by its registration as a charity and a strong focus on expanding its outreach across diverse communities. This decade saw the organisation diversify its services to meet the evolving needs of people affected by addiction and related challenges.
One of the most notable developments was the introduction of counselling services within Scotland’s largest prison, HMP Barlinnie, providing vital support to inmates struggling with substance use and mental health issues. The charity also extended its work to support homeless individuals through initiatives based in hostels, recognising the close link between homelessness and addiction. In partnership with GP surgeries, the organisation helped integrate addiction support within primary healthcare settings, making services more accessible to those in need.
Additionally, we established community-based drug advice programmes, bringing education, guidance and early intervention directly into local neighbourhoods. This period laid the foundation for our ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusivity and holistic care across Scotland.
1990s: Raising Standards
Significant steps were taken in ensuring a quality service. As the first ever organisation member of COSCA – Scotland’s professional body for counselling and psychotherapy – we trained all volunteers to accreditation standard and hired full-time professional Counsellors.
Despite funding cuts which transferred the prison and the homeless projects to statutory bodies – the core counselling service thrived.
The 2000s marked a period of significant expansion and innovation, as the organisation broadened both its range of services and its geographical reach. During this time, Alcohol Brief Interventions were introduced to promote early intervention and encourage healthier relationships with alcohol.
A strong emphasis was also placed on prevention and education programmes, aiming to raise awareness and reduce the harms associated with substance use. We further strengthened our commitment to rehabilitation through community justice groupwork and support, helping individuals reintegrate into society and make positive life changes.
The organisation also enhanced its professional training provision by expanding its COSCA-accredited programmes to include Counselling Group Work and Behavioural Change, ensuring practitioners were well-equipped to meet complex client needs. A major innovation of this era was the introduction of the SOS Bus, which provided a safe and supportive space for individuals engaging in Glasgow’s nighttime economy, offering first aid, emotional support and crisis intervention. Additionally, we extended our counselling services beyond Glasgow, reaching communities in East Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire, further demonstrating its commitment to accessibility and regional support.
2000s: Expansion of Services and Area
2010s:
Inclusion & Diversity
From the 2010s to the present day, there has been a strong focus on inclusion and diversity, with a range of initiatives designed to support individuals from all backgrounds. Employability programmes have been introduced to help people gain the skills and confidence needed to enter or re-enter the workforce.
Tailored wellbeing programmes have been developed to support the LGBTQI+ community, while specialist women’s services have been established to assist survivors of gender-based violence. For young people, peer education and multiple risk services have been created to provide guidance, support and early intervention. The organisation has also embraced a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that services are delivered with empathy and understanding.
A comprehensive training portfolio has been developed, including educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness of alcohol use and promoting healthier lifestyles. In addition, the development of the Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy has further strengthened professional training and service quality in this field.
2025:
A New Chapter
In 2025, we became Murray’s Initiative – honouring our heritage and our continuing growth, making a positive impact through several key achievements and developments. A new drug counselling service was launched, expanding support for individuals affected by substance use.
Our commitment to excellence has been recognised through several prestigious awards, including being named Employer of the Year for First Aid Excellence at the Scottish First Aid Awards 2025, hosted by St Andrew’s First Aid and receiving the 850 Legacy Award at the Inspiring City Awards 2025.
In addition to these accomplishments, we have expanded our reach into North Lanarkshire, further strengthening its presence and ability to deliver vital services across a wider area.