Exploration of archives reveals amazing tales

Perth: Author finds tales of unheralded explorers in Fair City for latest book

A remarkable Perth-based archive was the source for a new book of inspiring tales about the world’s bravest explorers.

In The Great Horizon by Jo Woolf, the writer-in-residence with the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS), recounts some of the most exceptional tales of “derring-do” from the last 300 years.

Featured in the book are stories about some of the world’s most famous explorers, such as Sir Ernest Shackleton and Sir Ranulph Fiennes, as well as lesser known feats of grand adventure from the likes of Isobel Wylie Hutchison, Karen Darke and Hubert Wilkins.

Also included is a feature on Craig Mathieson, one of the RSGS explorersin-residence who, in 2004, led the first dedicated Scottish expedition to the South Pole, man-hauling his sledge 730 miles over the Antarctic continent.

Returning to RSGS headquarters in Perth for the launch of the book, Ms Woolf said: “I have been repeatedly amazed, moved, entertained, and uplifted by these stories.

“The definition of exploration itself may have been reshaped somewhat over the decades, but the courage and enduring spirit of explorers is still the same.”

Mike Robinson, RSGS chief executive, told the audience at the launch: “Jo has dug deep into the RSGS archives, unearthing some truly fascinating stories from some of the world’s most famous explorers. However, perhaps some of the most remarkable tales – verging on unbelievable – come from those who you may have never heard of.”

The Great Horizon is published by Sandstone Press.

rburdge@thecourier.co.uk

Author Jo Woolf found some amazing stories in the archive of the Perth-based Royal Geographical Society.