IT'S TIME TO MAKE SCOTLAND PROUD

Mental health campaigner Craig Ferguson was welcomed to Bute House just days before setting off on the ultimate endurance challenge.

- EDEL KENEALY

Craig travelled to the official residence of Scotland's First Minister for a reception hosted by John Swinney.

The event was special recognition of Craig's challenge which will see him embark on a 3,000-mile trek across the United States of America.

Craig, from Paisley, flew out to Los Angeles on Saturday and embarks on his first marathon walk today.

It will be the first of many as he has pledged to walk a marathon a day for 104 consecutive days, covering 3,000 miles from the Pacific to the Atlantic.

The trek will culminate in Boston where Scotland will take on Haiti in the nation's first world cup appearance in 28 years.

It's hoped the challenge - dubbed the Tartan Trek - will raise £1 million for the Paisley-based charity SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) which delivers mental health services across the country.

Speaking following the reception at Bute House, Craig said: "The Tartan Trek is about more than miles - it's about starting conversations. Mental health affects every family, every community, and I'm determined to do something bold to help raise the funds SAMH urgently needs.