The polar explorers that helped to make Dundee famous around the world will play a starring role in Scotland’s Festival of Museums this month.
In 1901, Captain Robert Falcon Scott set sail in the tall ship RRS Discovery on a scientific mission to the uncharted wilderness of the South Pole.
He and his crew spent two long and harsh winters frozen into the crushing Antarctic ice, but once freed, Discovery returned home in 1904 to a hero’s welcome and a place in maritime history.
The opportunity to walk in Captain Scott’s footsteps and meet a polar explorer at Dundee’s RRS Discovery will be one of the festival highlights, from May 15 to 17.
The McManus, meanwhile, will explore some of the city’s most famous names and life in a Victorian city in an exhibition entitled From Shackleton to the Suffragettes: Dundee 1901-1919.
It will enable visitors to mingle with historical characters such as entrepreneur James Caird, artist Stewart Carmichael and leading suffragette, teacher and city councillor Lila Clunas.
There will also be the chance to “meet” legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton, who will discuss his ill-fated 1914-17 Trans-Antarctic expedition and a First World War soldier who will talk of a very different set of hardships.
Elsewhere, The Black Watch Museum and Castle in Perth will host a living history event looking at the history of the regiment from Waterloo to the world wars. Visitors will find a troop of Waterloo soldiers encamped in the castle grounds, ready to relive their experiences of the famous battle.
RAF Leuchars will host a family-friendly 1940s-themed gala to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, while an evening of music and entertainment will help Glenesk Folk Museum celebrate “Hearth and Home”.
“Festival of Museums is about igniting imaginations while celebrating Scotland’s wealth of culture,” said Joanne Orr, who is chief executive of festival organiser Museums Galleries Scotland.
“There is a packed programme this year with lots of extraordinary, surprising and exciting events over three fun-filled days.”