Scotland fan to walk 3,000 miles in kilt across US for mental health charity before World Cup

A Scotland fan is to take on a gruelling challenge of a 3,000-mile walk across America to raise funds for mental health before the World Cup.

Craig Ferguson from Paisley will walk from Los Angeles to Boston this summer, completing a full marathon every day for 104 consecutive days.

Starting his journey on February 23, Craig aims to be in Boston for Scotland’s World Cup group campaign opener against Haiti on June 14.

The mental health advocate previously trekked 1,000 miles from Glasgow to Munich ahead of the Euros in 2024, passing through six countries and raising more than £70,000 for charity.

Craig Ferguson is to walk thousands of miles in the summer. Supplied

This time, the Tartan Army loyal hopes to raise £1m of vital funding for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health).

In training for his “Tartan Trek”, Craig has covered between 100 and 120 kilometres each week, alongside gym sessions of up to four days a week, as he prepares to brave the elements in his kilt.

Craig aims to walk around 30 miles each day, but says terrain and weather could play a factor.

The Tartan Army loyal is also in the same pickle as the majority of Scotland fans – he doesn’t have a ticket for any of the group games yet.

He told STV News: “The challenge for the Euros was incredible and will always have a special place in my heart, but I would be lying if I said there wasn’t a lot of go with the flow mentality.

“This time around, with the scale of America and the logistical issues we’ve encountered, we’ve had to really look at this with this challenge.

“Taking on something this big, it’s really important to have everything crossed off to complete it.”

He added: “My focus this time is obviously being in Boston to soak in the atmosphere of the World Cup, but also crucially on the fundraising and making sure we raise as much as we can for SAMH.

“I don’t currently have a ticket. But to me if I get one along the way, that would be amazing.”

Craig will be walking with all the motivation of the Proclaimers in his head, channelling the words of the iconic 500 Miles hit song.

He said: “Walking in the kilt is so Scottish, it feels very fitting, and of course it goes with the iconic song with the distance.

“I’ve walked with that song – no pun intended – and it’s my unofficial anthem at this point.”

He added: “All along the way, everyone I’ve met through these challenges has a story with mental health. That is what has solidified to me why I’m doing this.

“It hammered the message home for me. There’s such a need for advocacy for mental health.”

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 and 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.”