The Tartan Trek

The Tartan Trek was an extraordinary, record‑breaking fundraising challenge undertaken in aid of SAMH to shine a national spotlight on mental health. Over 100 days, Craig Ferguson walked more than 3,200 miles across the United States — the equivalent of 120 marathons — travelling from Los Angeles to Boston in time for Scotland’s opening match at the World Cup. His goal was simple but ambitious: to raise £1 million to support SAMH’s work and expand The Nook, our early‑intervention mental health hubs. The Trek captured the imagination of people across Scotland and far beyond. Craig shared daily updates with honesty, humour and vulnerability, creating a powerful sense of community around the challenge. Along the way, he met people from all walks of life who opened up about their own experiences of mental health, reinforcing the importance of accessible, compassionate support. The campaign achieved exceptional reach, securing widespread media coverage and inspiring tens of thousands of people to donate, share, and engage with SAMH’s mission. In recognition of the Trek’s national significance, the Scottish Government committed £400,000 towards the expansion of The Nook. The Tartan Trek stands as a remarkable example of how one person’s determination — combined with public generosity — can drive meaningful, lasting change for mental health in Scotland.