John Rae Society on the cards

The formation of a John Rae Society will be the topic of discussion at a public meeting in Stromness on Tuesday evening, April 30.

The meeting, which will be held in the meeting room in the Royal Hotel at 7.30pm, will serve to open up discussion regarding the establishment of a committee and goals for the society dedicated to the famous explorer.

Andrew Appleby, the former chairman of the Friends of the Orkney Boat Museum, said: “I think this could be a very vibrant thing, and I’m sure there are lots of great people around who would wish to belong to the new society and work with it. If they could come along and lend their support, it would be great.

“We are looking to form a society which will further enhance the reputation of and knowledge about Dr John Rae, and create world-wide links with people who share these interests.”