The family of an Antarctic researcher who died in a tragic snowmobile accident have spoken of his love of Dundee.
Dr Gordon Hamilton, 50, was killed when his snowmobile fell into a crevasse while on a remote expedition in the Ross archipelago of Antarctica.
His family have now shared memories of the Dundee-born scientist, describing his affection for the city and, in particular, Dundee FC and Oor Wullie.
They said: “Gordon was born in Dundee in 1966 and attended Ancrum Road Primary School and Harris Academy.
“It was at Harris Academy that his interest in geography developed and was nurtured.
“He was involved in rugby at school and was musical, playing the clarinet and singing. However, it was his participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme at Harris Academy that fed Gordon’s spirit of adventure. He loved the outdoors and relished undertaking challenges as part of a team.”
After leaving school, Dr Hamilton attended Aberdeen University and gained a PhD from Cambridge University.
It was during this time he had his first experiences of polar exploration — something that would go on to play a major role in his life and career.
The family continued: “Although Gordon had worked abroad in Norway and the USA for more than 20 years, he maintained a love of Scotland, always eager to find out the Dundee FC score or to hear how the Scotland rugby team was getting on.
“His love of Scottish music endured and his most recent visit with his family to Scotland in July this year to celebrate his 50th birthday included a trip to Stornaway to see Runrig, a band he had followed since his time at school.
“Every Christmas, the Broons or Oor Wullie annual made its way across the Atlantic and he even managed to take in some of the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail when he was in Dundee in the summer.”
Dr Hamilton is survived by his wife Fiona and children Martin and Calum in America, where he worked at Maine University. His family and friends in the UK and throughout the world have been left devastated by his death.
The family added they were immensely proud of all he achieved.
