Explorers in residence take up appointment
Royal Scottish Geographical Society welcomes pair
The Royal Scottish Geographical Society has announced it has appointed two explorers in residence.
The Perth-based society welcomed Luke and Hazel Robertson on Thursday last week.
The pair will join current explorer Craig Mathieson as the society’s explorers in residence.
In a joint statement, Luke and Hazel said: “We feel truly honoured and humbled to be named as explorers in residence for the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
“It’s a title that has much weight and significance given the staggering history of the organisation and the centuries of explorers who have shaped it.
“Built in to every one of us is the curiosity associated with human nature and we truly believe we are all explorers.
“Through this partnership, we’re aiming to inspire people through exciting learning and engage with anyone who has an interest in the world around us.
“Promoting science and encouraging participating in outdoor activities is one of many goals we share with the society and we want as many people as possible to explore the natural environment and the human societies who call it home.”
The new explorers in residence are currently getting reading for their next expedition, Due North:Alaska, on Saturday, May 6.
They will travel the length of Alaska using only their own power in a world first.
The residency role was introduced in 2014 by the society’s chief executive, Mike Robinson, to recognise the country’s best young explorers and to encourage other young people to get excited about physical and cultural activity.
Mike said: “The Royal Scottish Geographical Society has an incredibly rich history of association with many of the most influential names in exploration of the last 150 years.
“We were founded by David Livingstone’s daughter, Agnes. Ernest Shackleton worked for the society, and William Speirs Bruce, who was a council member, led the first Scottish Antarctic expedition in 1902. In addition we have hosted most of the leading lights in exploration of the last 130 years including Hillary, Amundsen, Scott, Stark, Mallory, Shipton, Kingsley, Bird, Nansen, Armstrong, Heyerdahl and many, many others.
“However this is not an historical role as we continue to play host to most of the leading contemporary explorers and adventurers.
“I am delighted to welcome Luke and Hazel Robertson on board as our latest explorers in residence.
“They have a world around them. I look forward to helping Luke and Hazel accomplish much more and wish them the best of luck as we follow them, albeit remotely, on their Alaskan adventure.” Luke and Hazel Robertson