A Superb Evening

Last weekend we held our first Explorers’ Table evening. 

Typically, real exploration doesn't feature gourmet dining. On the ice, my meals are usually super freeze-dried, paired with frozen Snickers, cashew nuts, and a brew! However, the evening was a delightful exception as I collaborated with the talented chef Sean Kelly to create a modern twist on traditional exploration foods like pemmican, alongside sustainability advocate and hotelier, Caroline Gregory FIH MI, at The Lovat Hotel, Fort Augustus.

The food was outstanding, worthy of London's finest restaurants, and I've tried quite a few. The audience, ranging from ages two to over eighty, came from near and far, and was one of the most engaged groups I've ever addressed.

The setting was perfect, with 19th and 20th-century exploration artifacts and gentle lighting creating a relaxed atmosphere. Local musicians enhanced the mood, Carys on the Scottish harp (clarsach) and Sophie on the fiddle.

There were loads of questions and lively discussions, and I was encouraged by the genuine concern expressed about the decline of our polar regions.

I also enjoyed speaking about the remarkable yet often overlooked Scottish explorer Dr. John Rae, whose ability to learn from and collaborate with Indigenous communities remains a true inspiration to me.

The next Explorers’ Table is scheduled for 28 November 2026, focusing on another deserving Scottish explorer, William Speirs Bruce. 

Many thanks to Allsopps Arctic Ale and Dalwhinnie’s Winters Gold for their generous contributions!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/31a72d_707fd2dce3094fdd9dd7b4f946d05027/480p/mp4/file.mp4