Festival dedicated to Orcadian explorer kicks off

Orkney’s inaugural John Rae Society Festival is to begin today, with a programme focused on the life, times and legacy of the Orcadian explorer.

The mini-festival, which runs from today, Friday, to Monday, May 8. It will see a series of events held around the Orkney mainland.

The festival will welcome two special guests to the county, with authors Dr Russell Potter, from the USA, and Jane Hamilton, from Canada, to talk about their research and new books.

Dr Potter recently released his book, Finding Franklin, in which there is a chapter about Dr John Rae, and Jane Hamilton, who is the great-great granddaughter of the explorer, recently launched her book Finding John Rae.

The John Rae Society will also be giving an update on their plans for the restoration of the birthplace of Dr Rae — the Hall of Clestrain, in Orphir.

The festival kicks off at the Stromness Hotel at 7.30 tonight, with a lecture by Dr Potter.

The festival’s full programme of events is available here.