Sir Crawford McCullagh was a Unionist politician and Belfast’s longest serving Lord Mayor.

Crawford, the son of Robert McCullagh of Fortland, Aghalee, Co. Antrim, was born on 14 December 1868. He came to Belfast aged fourteen and served an apprenticeship in the drapery trade. McCullagh opened his own drapery store and directed a number of other firms, including Maguire & Patterson match factory, and the Classic Cinema.

McCullagh entered the Belfast Corporation in 1906 as councillor for Cromac Ward and was appointed High Sheriff of Belfast in 1911. He occupied the position of Lord Mayor on seventeen separate occasions, more than any other individual.

McCullagh first served as Lord Mayor in 1914, and was re-elected in 1915 and 1916. He returned to the position in 1931 and was re-elected for eleven consecutive years. When George R. Black died in post during 1942, McCullagh was again chosen as Lord Mayor and continued in the position until the end of 1945.

McCullagh was elected as a member of the Northern Ireland Parliament in 1921. As Lord Mayor he was made an ex offico member of the Senate of Northern Ireland.

He was granted a knighthood in 1915 and a baronetcy in 1935. In the King’s Birthday Honours of 1941, McCullagh was created a Privy Councillor.