An epic walk across America has been named Fundraising Campaign of the Year at the Third Sector Awards 2026.

The Tartan Trek, led by Scottish mental health campaigner Craig Ferguson in support of SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), raised more than £1.4 million and caught the public's attention with its scale and ambition.

Craig and the SAMH team accepted the award on Friday 11 September at a ceremony at the Hilton London Park Lane, which celebrates achievements across the charity and not-for-profit sector.

'Blown Away' by the Recognition

Craig Ferguson's Tartan Trek Named Fundraising Campaign of the Year

Speaking after the win, Craig said: "I'm honestly blown away to see the Tartan Trek recognised in this way.

"What started as a wild idea to walk across America became something so much bigger, thanks to every single person who supported it, shared it, donated and believed in what we were trying to achieve."

He added: "Walking more than 3300 miles was tough, but knowing every step was helping to raise money for SAMH and start conversations about mental health made it worthwhile. To have now raised more than £1.4m is something I'm incredibly proud of."

Craig said the award "belongs to everyone who played a part in the journey — the SAMH team, my family, the wider campaign team, our supporters and everyone who walked a mile with me, donated or simply shared the story".

3,300 Miles in 108 Days

The Tartan Trek began on 24 February, with Craig walking from Santa Monica in California to Boston, Massachusetts, in just 108 days. He covered a marathon distance each day and wore the same kilt throughout.

Along the route he faced desert heat, snowstorms, torrential rain and high winds.

He reached Boston on 12 June, where he was met by family, friends, supporters and members of the Tartan Army. At that point the campaign had already passed £1 million; the total has since grown beyond £1.4 million.

The money will support SAMH's work providing mental health services across Scotland.

'Nothing Short of Extraordinary'

Hazel McIlwraith, director of fundraising and major appeals at SAMH, said: "Craig's Tartan Trek has been nothing short of extraordinary.

"What he has achieved physically, emotionally and in terms of the funds raised for SAMH is incredible, and we are so proud to see the campaign recognised by the Third Sector Awards."

She added: "More than £1.4m will make a huge difference to our ability to support people across Scotland with their mental health, while Craig's openness and determination have helped to create countless conversations about mental health along the way."

The Team Behind the Trek

The campaign was supported by a wider team including Chloe Watson and Lynn Hepburn from SAMH, along with Victoria Halliday, Adam Stewart and Megan Cunningham, who led marketing and PR.

Broadcaster Gordon Smart, a long-time supporter of the Tartan Trek, attended the awards and recently hosted Craig's homecoming celebration. Singer Natalie James also joined the celebrations, having recorded a special version of The Proclaimers' 500 Miles to mark the journey.

The Tartan Trek was inspired by Craig's commitment to breaking down the stigma around mental health and encouraging open conversations. Though the walk is complete, its impact continues through the funds raised and the awareness sparked across Scotland, the UK and America.

Sources