Renowned Historian Dr. Rosalind Rawnsley to give two public lectures in Orkney
- 4th September 2025
The John Rae Society is delighted to welcome back to Orkney acclaimed historian Dr. Rosalind Rawnsley this September. During her visit, Dr. Rawnsley will provide two public lectures and take part in a special ceremony at John Rae’s graveside.
📅 Monday 29th September, 7pm
EMEC Media Centre, Charles Clouston Building, Old Academy, Stromness
A short musical introduction by Gemma McGregor, will be followed by Dr. Rawnsley’s talk
“Franklin, Rae and the Northwest Passage – The Historical Background”, exploring the fascinating subject of Arctic exploration before 1815.
📅 Tuesday 30th September, 11.30am
St Magnus Cathedral Kirkyard, Kirkwall
Everyone is welcome to gather at St Magnus Cathedral Kirkyard for a ceremony at John Rae’s grave. Led by a piper, the procession will conclude with a short oration and libation given by Dr. Rawnsley.
📅 Tuesday 30th September, 7pm
King Street Halls, Kirkwall
Dr. Rawnsley will give her second talk “John Rae and Sir John Franklin”, looking closely at the friendship and later myths associated with these two arctic explorers. The event will begin with a musical introduction by Fionn McArthur, performing Farewell to Stromness.
🎟️ Tickets
£5.00 per lecture (in person)
£3.00 (online attendance) tickets can be found in our shop here – https://www.johnraesociety.com/product-category/tickets/
Both lectures will include refreshments and a raffle. All are warmly invited to join us for these special events celebrating Orkney’s most famous Arctic explorer.