Seven-week epic trek through desert sands
Tribute to daring 1930s exploit
The story of a desert adventure is being told in Perth.
The Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) is holding an exhibtion called ‘Crossing the Empty Quarter’ at its visitor centre in The Fair Maid’s House.
The colourful exhibition details Mark Evans’s crossing of the largest sand desert in the world, The Rub’ al Khali or Empty Quarter in Oman.
This mammoth trek, which took 49 days, was inspired by desert pioneer Bertram Thomas, the first man to complete a successful crossing of this arid but beautiful landscape in 1931.
Mark Evans was at the opening of the exhibition along with Taeeb Alim Al Alawi, deputy head of mission at the Omani Embassy.
During the ceremony Mark accepted an honorary fellowship of the RSGS for his work in exploration and his commitment to youth engagement and outdoor education.
As well as being an explorer he is executive director of Outward Bound Oman, the only school of its kind in the Arabic-speaking world.
Mark helped to establish the Connecting Cultures initiative, which brings together young global leaders from 18 nations for a powerful five-day experience in the desert of Oman.
It has has been recognised by the UN as one of the world’s leading civil society initiatives.
As a result of the partnership between the RSGS and Outward Bound Oman, Bryony Dillon was offered a place on a Connecting Cultures course last year.
Bryony, who is studying for an honours degree in outdoor education and learning at Perth UHI, told the exhibition opening about her five-day desert journey.
She said: “The experience I had in the desert was absolutely unique, spending hours debating, challenging and conversing. It has definitely contributed to my development as a person.”
Mark Evans announced that three more places will be made available for exceptional young Scots to take part in Connecting Cultures courses this winter.
RSGS chief executive Mike Robinson said: “Oman has a strong link with Scotland that extends well beyond oil.
“Indeed, the current Sultan
Bryony Dillon, Taeeb Salim Al Alawi, Mike Robinson and Mark Evans MBE of Oman was posted with The Scottish Rifles on completion of his training at Sandhurst and since then he has held a deep affection for Scotland.
“Through our work with Mark Evans FRSGS and Outward Bound Oman we look forward to continue developing relations with Oman.”
The Oman exhibition is free to see at the Fair Maid’s House and runs until June 30.