Campaign to raise funds for John Rae memorial plaque

After years of campaigning, a plaque commemorating Orcadian explorer Dr John Rae is to be installed at Westminster Abbey.

With the unveiling ceremony due to take place on September 30, a campaign to raise £5,000 for the plaque has been launched by Orkney’s John Rae Society.

Society president Andrew Appleby said: “Years of negotiations and wearing away at stone have, at last, been fruitful and we’ve got permission for the plaque to go beside Sir John Franklin’s in Westminster Abbey.

“We’re absolutely delighted and feel that it’s an immense move forward in getting recognition for John Rae.”

The society has set up an online donation system, which will be linked to their website.