Perth duo land RSGS awards

Dec 15 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A PERTH medic and teacher were yesterday praised for their contributions to geography after picking up prestigious awards.

Dr William Gray and Kenneth Maclean, both retired, were presented with honorary fellowships by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS).

Dr Gray was the society’s chairman in Perth from 2004 to 2008 and is a long-standing RSGS member. As well as serving the Fair City over many years in a medical capacity, he is also regarded as a font of local knowledge about its historic landscape.

Retired Perth Academy teacher Kenneth Maclean volunteered for the RSGS in Edinburgh while he was still a student.

As a head of department in geography he demanded high standards from his pupils, many of whom later gained degrees in the subject.

Renowned arctic explorer Pen Hadow was also presented with a fellowship from RSGS. Originally from Perthshire, Mr Hadow received the award after talking in Glasgow about his experiences in the North Pole and how his discoveries have added to the climate change debate.

RSGS chairman Barrie Brown said: “After so many years of dedicated service to the society, it was only fitting that William and Kenneth be awarded fellowships as a sign of our gratitude for their continued support.”

Others who have received the same accolade in recent years include Scottish climber and writer Tom Weir, Princess Anne and explorer Hamish McInnes.

Fellows make up a distinguished list, including many of the most inspiring academics, explorers and adventurers of the last 125 years.