Explorer’s life and adventures topic of talk

The life and discoveries of Scottish polar explorer John Rae will be discussed in the Fair City later this month.

Canadian author Ken McGoogan will host a celebration of the achievements of the intrepid Victorian adventurer at a meeting of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) on May 17.

Born in Orkney, the intrepid Dr John Rae solved two of the great mysterious of the 19th Century in one single overland trip to Arctic Canada in 1854.

By befriending native Inuk and Ojibway peoples, Rae discovered the final link in the first navigable Northwest Passage.

He aso uncovered the most crucial facts about the infamous Franklin expedition that had disappeared into the Arctic after setting sail in 1845.

RSGS chief executive Mike Robinson said it promised to be a fascinating evening.

“John Rae is one of Scotland’s greatest explorers,” he said.

“We are delighted, therefore, that Ken will be shining a light on his little-known but remarkable achievements in the Canadian Arctic.”

The evening will take place at RSGS HQ, Lord John Murray House, at 15-19 North Port, Perth. It will begin at 6pm and includes chance to meet the speaker.

Tickets are available online until 5pm on the day via eventbrite.co.uk, priced £7 for members and £10 for visitors.