A Newton Stewart man has helped organise a continent’s biggest ever Burns Supper.
Rob Kerr was one of around 140 people – including 50 Scots – at the British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station in Antarctica who celebrated the life of Robert Burns on Saturday at what is believed to be the world’s most southerly knees-up.
Haggis was transported aboard the UK’s state-of-the-art exploration ship RRS Sir David Attenborough to help mark the Bard’s birthday.
Thirty-three year old Rob, who donned a kilt for the occasion, was one of the organisers of the event and even played some traditional Scottish reels on his accordion to get the after-dinner ceilidh into full swing.
Site agent Rob said: “We might be in one of the remotest places on Earth but nothing can stop Scots from celebrating Burns Night.
“There are about 50 Scots on site and 140 people here in total. You’d be hard pushed to find a busier Burns Supper.
“My father is accordionist at Newton Stewart Burns Club and I am sure he will be proud of the continued family involvement in celebrating Burns.”
Dad-of-two Rob was deployed to Antarctica in November and felt the Burns Supper was the perfect morale booster for those spending long periods away from loved ones.
He said: “It’s been strange being away for Christmas and New Year. It was a bitter-sweet experience because it’s amazing to get a chance to work in a place like this.
“Events like this are so important because they help break up the long season into wee milestones to look forward to.
“Rothera has a diverse culture, and it is nice to share these traditions with those who have not experienced it before.
“People were really looking forward to this, although they probably changed their mind when they heard me on the accordion.
“I was proud to be wearing my kilt, although I’ll be staying indoors as much as possible as it can be a bit nippy outside.”
Rothera Research Station is part of a UK Government polar infrastructure investment programme which is keeping Britain at the forefront of world-leading climate change research in Antarctica and the Arctic.
Last week also marked the 250th anniversary of British polar exploration, after Captain James Cook on HMS Resolution became the first ship to cross the Antarctic Circle in 1773.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “I’d like to toast Scots celebrating Burns Night across the world, even in Antarctica.
“Our ongoing investment in science demonstrates our determination to build on the legacy of COP26 in Glasgow to drive forward a greener future to save our planet.”
