Craig Ferguson takes on 3,000-mile ‘Tartan Trek’ across USA
20th January 2026
A Scottish charity campaigner is preparing to undertake an extraordinary 3,000-mile endurance challenge across the United States to raise funds and awareness for mental health support in Scotland.
Craig Ferguson, a Paisley-based mental health advocate, will walk from Los Angeles to Boston, completing a full marathon every day for 104 consecutive days, aligned with the upcoming Fifa World Cup 2026.
Kicking off on Monday 23 February, this awe-inspiring pursuit will see Craig cover the equivalent of more than three thousand miles on foot, with the aim of reaching Boston in time for the Scottish national football team’s opening World Cup match on 14 June.
He was inspired to undertake this journey following his own experience of mental health challenges, and in tribute to friends and loved ones in his life who have been affected. Through this effort, he hopes to shine a spotlight on mental health, and to raise £1 million pounds of vital funding for SAMH.
Craig is no stranger to ambitious endurance fundraising. In 2024, he completed a remarkable 1,000-mile walk from Glasgow to Munich ahead of the UEFA European Football Championship 2024, passing through six countries and raising more than £70,000 for the Brothers in Arms men’s mental health charity, before being greeted by cheering fans on arrival in Germany.
Training for the “Tartan Trek” has been intensive, with Craig covering between 100 and 120 kilometres each week, alongside gym sessions of up to four days a week, as he prepares to brave the elements. He will complete the entire walk wearing a kilt - a powerful symbol of his connection to Scotland which, Craig says, also gives him a strong sense of motivation and personal empowerment.
Craig hopes to be welcomed at the finish line by family and friends, as well as members of the Tartan Army, echoing the scenes in Munich where supporters gathered to celebrate the completion of his first endurance challenge in 2024. Like many Scottish football fans, he is also hoping to secure a ticket to watch his national team compete during the tournament.
Craig shared his thoughts on the upcoming “Tartan Trek” in a discussion with Scottish presenter, Adam Stewart, who described the challenge as: “not just a test of endurance but a journey of vulnerability, identity and what can happen when one person turns a walk into a conversation that the world cannot ignore.”
When asked about the upcoming journey, Craig 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.”
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, including through initiatives like The Nook. 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”.
Funds raised through the “Tartan Trek” will support SAMH’s nationwide services, which provide practical, emotional and social support to thousands of people experiencing mental health challenges each year. This includes adding to its national network of Nooks - welcoming, walk-in, barrier-free mental health support hubs available across Scotland.
Hazel McIlwraith, Director of Fundraising & Major Appeal at SAMH, added: “Craig’s Tartan Trek is one of the most extraordinary fundraising challenges we’ve ever been part of. Walking more than 3,000 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.”
For more information on the “Tartan Trek” or to support Craig’s journey, visit: http://thetartantrek.co.uk/
