With huge thanks and delight we are pleased to report another £3,000 donation to The Road To The Arctic fund, taking us to more than £60, 000 of the £150,000 ambition.

This latest anonymous donation from Canada comes hot on the heels of a $15,000 donation to the fund, again anonymous, from the US.

John Rae Society President Andrew Appleby said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive these kind and much-needed donations. They will allow us to realise the first part of our urgent scheme to save the Hall, John Rae’s birthplace, from further deterioration.”

The Road to the Arctic Fund aims to raise £150,000 to put in the essential access road down to the hall, allowing for heavy machinery to be able to carry out the essential work. 

“The board would like to publicly thank all our donors for their continued support and belief in our project. We are determined to save the hall and create a legacy for the life achievements of John Rae as one of our Great Scots.”

Work is ongoing to secure funds for a two-stage plan to first save the hall by making it wind and watertight and carrying out essential repairs, and then to develop it as a visitor and community resource.

If you are interested in finding out more, please get in touch with our project manager genna.adkins@johnraesociety.com