Orcadian Arctic explorer is remembered
(Picture: www.theorcadianphotos.co.uk)
A graveside service took place in the shadow of Magnus Cathedral this afternoon, at the final resting place of Arctic explorer Dr John Rae.
The event in Kirkwall, followed by a service inside the cathedral, was held at the same time a plaque marking the exploits of the Orcadian explorer Dr John Rae was set to unveiled in Westminster Abbey, 201 years since the birth of the explorer at the Hall of Clestrain in Orphir.
In Kirkwall a crowd of around 50 people were piped to the graveside by pipers from Rendall Pipe Band, before being welcomed by Norman Shearer, treasurer of the John Rae Society.
Tributes to Dr Rae were then paid by Orkney Islands Council convener Steven Heddle, who said that he hoped that 121 years after the death of the explorer, he hoped that Dr Rae would now become as celebrated for his achievements as he deserved to be in his lifetime.
He added: “Gathered here today we agree that Dr John Rae deserves greater reknown, and we are fortunate that the John Rae Society exists to take this forward.”
Tom Muir from the museum service of the council also addressed those gathered, and paid tribute to Dr Rae’s achievements in Arctic exploration, recounting tales of how Dr Rae listened to the native people, and learned how to survive in such a harsh environment.
The plaque in Westminster Abbey to recognise the achievements of Dr Rae has been described as “overdue but welcome” by Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael.
The event in the Abbey was attended by, among others, descendants of John Rae and Sir John Franklin, while television presenter Ray Mears and author Ken McGoogan were also in attendance.
