A devoted Scotland supporter has completed half of his epic 3,000-mile trek across the United States, wearing a kilt throughout the gruelling journey and is dreaming of a "nice cold pint" at the end.
Craig Ferguson, 22, from Paisley, hit the 1,500-mile milestone in Kansas yesterday after departing from Santa Monica pier in Los Angeles on February 22.
The young fan left his position at Nando's to pursue what he hopes will make him the first person to traverse America on foot while donning traditional Scottish attire.
His destination is Boston, Massachusetts, where he intends to arrive before Scotland face Haiti in their opening World Cup fixture.
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"It's a huge milestone to be honest," Mr Ferguson said. "It's been extremely difficult getting to here."
The fundraising effort aims to generate £1million for Scottish Action for Mental Health, with donations currently sitting just below £112,000.
Mr Ferguson's route has taken him through punishing weather conditions over more than 50 days of walking.
Kansas proved particularly dramatic, with him witnessing a tornado for the first time and having to take evasive action.
Craig Ferguson is halfway through his 3,000-mile undertaking to walk across the whole of the US
|PA
"You see a lot of strange things walking across any country," he said. "Seeing a tornado coming through Kansas and trying to avoid it was a strange one."
Despite the hardships, encounters with Americans along the way have lifted his spirits.
"In America, I've met a few characters, and for the most part people have been so friendly and supportive and it's these interactions along the way that continue to motivate me and keep me going," Mr Ferguson explained.
The challenge would not have been feasible without his childhood companion Matthew Allan, who has accompanied him throughout the expedition.
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The trek aims to generate £1million for Scottish Action for Mental Health
|PA
Mr Allan, whom Mr Ferguson met on their first day at primary school, has been operating a support vehicle providing sustenance, hydration and moral support when needed most.
"Matt asked me at the end of last year, if Scotland qualify, would I do another walking challenge like the one I did in Munich," Mr Ferguson said.
"He dropped everything, quit his job, and joined me on this challenge of a lifetime. It wouldn't be possible without him."
This is not Mr Ferguson's first endurance feat for charity. In 2024, he completed a walk from Glasgow to Munich to coincide with the European Championships, raising awareness for men's mental health.
Mr Ferguson's determination stems from his passion for experiencing the World Cup as an ordinary supporter once his walking is complete.
"As soon as I arrive at the end goal, I switch from being a walker to a Scotland fan who's there to witness the World Cup," he said.
"Other than that, the thought of a nice cold pint at the end, and the promise I’ve made myself that I’m going to be the first man in history to walk the entire length of America in a kilt.
"It's not just me I'm doing this for, it's every person that buys into it and donates to it, I wouldn't want to let anyone down," he added.
Regarding Scotland's tournament prospects, Mr Ferguson remains bullish: "I feel we've finally got that big major tournament monkey off our backs now, I'm confident we can kick on."
Those wishing to support the Tartan Trek can go to the website and donate.
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