Explorer will be recounting tales of Everest and Antarctic exploits

An adventurer who scaled the highest peak on Earth and the icy mountains at the bottom of the world will share his stories with an audience in Perth.

Stephen Venables made history when he opened a new route up Mount Everest, becoming the first to summit via the gigantic Kangshung Face.

The Edinburgh-based explorer has now turned his attention to the Antarctic Circle, where the challenges are every bit as testing.

He gives the next Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) Inspiring People talk in the Salutation Hotel on December 11.

His presentation will span the highs of climbing Everest and his new focus on the first ascents on the remote mountains of Tierra del Fuego, the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia.

Mike Robinson, chief executive of the RSGS, said: “The RSGS has played host to many of the great mountaineers of the past 100 years – Eric Shipton, Edmund Hillary and George Mallory to modern-day greats such as Chris Bonington and Leo Holding. It’s a great privilege, therefore, to be once again hosting Stephen in our talks programme and continuing this enviable tradition.

“I hope Stephen’s talk inspires those in attendance to get outside and conquer their own unclimbed summits, however big or small.”

Tuesday’s talk begins at 7.30pm. Tickets will be available on the door or online via Eventbrite until noon the day before. They cost £10, or £8 for Tiso Outdoor Experience Cardholders, and are free for RSGS members, students and under-18s.