Aberdour man joins star recipient list of honorary fellowship

Former education manager awarded prestigious prize earned by Sir David Attenborough and Neil Armstrong

A Fife man has followed in the esteemed footsteps of Sir David Attenborough, Neil Armstrong and Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Alister Hendrie, a former Fife education manager from Aberdour, has been awarded an honorary fellowship by the Perth-based Royal Scottish Geographic Society for his longstanding role as chairman of the Dunfermline local group.

In particular, he was recognised for boosting attendance at the regular Inspiring People talks held in Dunfermline High School and for turning them into an exciting part of the community calendar.

Alister was quick to acknowledge these successes have been a team effort.

“The award of this fellowship is not just for me, it is in recognition of all the hard work done by the Dunfermline local group who have, time and time again, volunteered with enthusiasm to help build up such a professional and popular series of talks in the area.

“If we are managing to share our love of geography more widely, we are succeeding in our quest.”

Alister’s value to the RSGS has not just been at a local level.

The dedicated volunteer has used his varied career experience to advise on the strategic direction of the society at national level, acting now as vicechairman.

RSGS chief executive Mike Robinson said: “Alister is a true diplomat.

“He is a trusted and highly regarded advisor and I have greatly valued his wise counsel over the past six years.

“In short, Alister is well-liked and a safe pair of hands – and all who work closely with the RSGS see this in abundance.”

With the title of honorary fellow, Alister’s name has been added to a long list of previous recipients including Sir Ernest Shackleton, Neil Armstrong, Sir David Attenborough, Annie Lennox and Karen Darke.

“To join such illustrious company is a great honour.

“But more than anything, I’m delighted my voluntary work on behalf of the RSGS has allowed me to give something back to the subject I love.”

Alister Hendrie, a former Fife education manager from Aberdour, has been awarded an honorary fellowship.