Tartan Army supporter Craig Ferguson reaches Dunnet Head to complete 400-mile walk in support of men’s mental health charity
A member of Scotland’s Tartan Army has reached the end of a 400-mile journey across the country, arriving at Dunnet Head on Monday afternoon after 16 days on foot in support of men’s mental health charity “Brothers in Arms”.
Craig Ferguson began his fundraising walk at the Mull of Galloway on June 14, covering the full length of the country over challenging routes that included the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way.
Building on the success of a previous trek from Glasgow to Munich ahead of the Euros in 2023, the 22-year-old from Paisley took on this latest challenge to raise funds and start conversations around mental health support for men.
His arrival at Dunnet Head – the most northerly point of mainland Britain – was met with warm applause from a group of friends, family and supporters, as well as Thurso piper Lewis MacLeod, who led him to the finish.
So far, the campaign has raised just over £5200 for Brothers in Arms, a charity focused on suicide prevention and mental health support for men across Scotland.
Despite the walk being a shorter distance than his 1000-mile Munich effort, Craig admits this journey has proved the more difficult of the two, owing to the unforgiving terrain and the extremes of weather encountered on the route.
The physical and mental demands of the walk have tested him daily as he records his progress on his social media channels.
A passionate member of the Tartan Army (fans of Scotland’s national football team), Craig says his motivation lies in encouraging young men to speak openly about their mental health struggles – an issue he believes still carries too much stigma.
“While this is a fun challenge to keep me fit and ready for the World Cup, the deeper message again this year is to raise as much money and awareness as possible for men’s mental health and to show people who are suffering out there they are not along in their personal fights,” he added.
“Words can’t describe how grateful I am to everyone who helped me along the way, supported online and especially the amazing people who donated money to Brothers In Arms Scotland.”
Craig has hinted that another challenge may now lie ahead, depending on whether Scotland can qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Over to you, Steve Clarke!
