One-off event with explore legend

One of the UK’s most experienced explorers has given a compelling interview to the Perth-based Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS).

The RSGS arranged an in-person interview between legendary explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell and Dr Vanessa Collingridge.

The result was broadcasting gold dust: a hilariously funny, inspiring and at some points, almost unbelievable series of tales.

The RSGS is now screening this interview and following it with a live Q&A with the man himself at a special one-off online Zoom event‘An Evening with Colonel John Blashford-Snell’on Wednesday, September 15 at 7.30pm.

The colonel, honoured with an MBE and CBE from the Queen, founded Raleigh International and can be credited with inventing white-water rafting.

During a long life of adventure, he undertook high profile expeditions such as the 1968 descent of the Blue Nile and transported a grand piano through the jungle as a gift to the musical Wai Wai tribe in Guyana.

One of the many adventures discussed in his interview was the rediscovery of the Double Nosed Andean Tiger Hound.

Another was a run-in with an amorous gorilla.

In one recollection, Col Blashford-Snell - now aged 84 - described the hazards of a particular expedition:“The one thing they said was, do not go near hippopotamus in the mating season and so I said‘well, when is the mating season?’and they said‘well we’re not too sure about that but perhaps when you come back you can tell us.’”

In 1993 the Royal Geographical Society presented him with its Patron’s Medal for “encouragement of explorations by young people”in consideration of the many opportunities he has created.

RSGS urges booking in advance to secure a ticket for what promises to be a very popular one-off event.

Tickets are £5 for RSGS members, £8 for general admission, free for students and U18s and can be purchased from the RSGS website at www.rsgs.org/ Events