Stromness Museum’s free open day celebrates Sandwick scientist

The Stromness Museum is hosting a free open day tomorrow, Sunday, as part of the nationwide Festival of Museums weekend.

The day’s activities will be focused on an afternoon of talks to celebrate the Rev Dr Charles Clouston — thanks to funding from the Royal Society Local Heroes scheme.

The museum is one of 15 in the UK to receive funding from the scheme, which supports accredited museums in celebrating local scientific heroes.

Dr Antonia Thomas, Stromness Museum trustee, nominated Charles Clouston, a key figure in the founding of the Orkney Natural History Society and Stromness Museum in 1837, for the award.

She said: “Charles Clouston was a true local hero who excelled in many areas of scientific research, including meteorology, archaeology, geology and botany.

“Born in Sandwick in 1800, he was also a dedicated minister who worked tirelessly for his parishioners and he was widely respected both in Orkney and further afield.”

Inspired by Clouston’s interests, the speakers include Dr Hugo Anderson-Whymark, who will give an overview of Clouston the polymath, and Dr John Flett Brown will discuss the mineral named in the minister’s honour.

Dr Andrew Want will investigate the seaweed which took his name, while Tom Muir will read from Orkney’s first guide book, which was written by Clouston. Rebecca Marr will explore his collection of weather lore.

To underscore Clouston’s interest in meteorology and cloud-watching, the day will culminate with the launch of a year-long cloud photography competition.

Judged by the Cloud Appreciation Society, its founder, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, will launch the competition by video link, which runs until May, 2018.

The Open Day is from 10am until 5pm, with talks starting at 2pm.