A Scottish charity campaigner is preparing to walk 3000 miles across the United States.
Craig Ferguson, a mental health advocate from Paisley, will walk from Los Angeles to Boston to raise funds and awareness for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).
The journey, known as the Tartan Trek, begins on February 23 and will see Craig walk the equivalent of a marathon every day for 104 consecutive days, finishing in time for Scotland’s opening match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Boston on June 14.
Craig, who plans to complete the entire Tartan Trek wearing a kilt, hopes to raise £1 million to support SAMH in delivering life-changing mental health services across Scotland.
He said: “I’d be naïve to think this is going to be a walk in the park.
“This challenge is three times the size of anything I’ve taken on before, physically and mentally, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.
“For me, it’s about pushing through, overcoming the challenge, and making it to the finish line in one piece.
“I chose to support SAMH because mental health causes are incredibly important to me, and I wanted to open up the conversation on a much bigger scale.
“We see the impact of mental health across Scotland and around the world, and SAMH are leading the way by breaking down barriers and making support accessible to all.
“I’m incredibly proud to be backing their life-changing work.”
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"Craig has trained intensively for the trek, covering 100 to 120 kilometres per week alongside regular gym sessions.
The challenge follows Craig’s 2024 fundraising trek from Glasgow to Munich ahead of the UEFA European Football Championship.
That journey covered 1000 miles across six countries and raised more than £70,000 for the men’s mental health charity Brothers in Arms.
Billy Watson, chief executive at SAMH, said: “Craig’s Tartan Trek captures exactly what SAMH stands for; courage, compassion and taking action when it matters most.
“Mental health challenges affect people in every community, and early support can make the difference between coping and crisis.
“The funds raised through this challenge will help us continue to provide accessible, community-based mental health support across Scotland.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Craig for taking on this remarkable challenge and for helping ensure that no one has to face mental health problems alone.”
The money raised will support SAMH’s nationwide services, including its growing network of Nook hubs. The Nook hubs offer free, walk-in mental health support across Scotland and are designed to remove barriers for people seeking help.
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Hazel McIlwraith, director of fundraising and major appeal at SAMH, said: “Craig’s Tartan Trek is one of the most extraordinary fundraising challenges we’ve ever been part of.
“Walking more than 3000 miles coast to coast across the United States – a marathon a day for over 100 days – is an incredible physical feat, but what truly matters is why he’s doing it.
“Craig is using this challenge to shine a light on mental health, to show people that it’s okay to ask for help, and to raise vital funds that will directly support our life-saving services across Scotland.
“We are immensely proud to support him on this journey and grateful for his honesty, courage and determination.”
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