Video — John Rae awarded Freedom of Orkney

A ceremony was held in Stromness on Saturday morning to bestow the Freedom of Orkney upon explorer Dr John Rae.

The posthumous award was accepted by his great-great-great niece, Ruth Matches.

Council convener Harvey Johnston and the council’s leader James Stockan conferred the honour at the John Rae statue at Stromness Pierhead at 9.30am.

As part of the proceedings local musician Jennifer Wrigley played a specially composed piece on John Rae’s fiddle.

Orkney Islands Council agreed at a meeting of the full council in July to posthumously confer the Freedom of Orkney upon the late Dr Rae. This is in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a world renowned explorer including discovery of the final portion of the Northwest Passage, Canada, also known as the Rae Strait.

Ten such awards have been presented in Orkney since 1948. The nomination for Dr Rae was made by Councillor James Stockan, supported by six other elected members.

John Rae awarded freedom of Orkney from The Orcadian on Vimeo.