Ice_Warrior_2011_Expeditions

In early 2011 Jim led a fascinating expedition to Antarctica with BBC Scotland on board the yacht Pelagic with presenter Neil Oliver

The aim of the expedition was to follow in the footsteps of Williams Speirs Bruce, leader of the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition.

After a rugged four day sail down, the team spent 8 days filming at both the British Antarctic Survey Field station on Signy Island and also at the Argentine Base Orcadas on Laurie Island where Bruce’s ship the Scotia was beset in the ice (unplanned) prompting the team to set up a monitoring station on shore.

This base was handed over to the Argentines in 1904 so that the scientific experiments Bruce’s expedition initiated would continue - which had the knock on effect of setting set up Argentina’s present territorial claim. Base Orcadas has the distinction of being the longest fully manned station in the Antarctic.

A six day return voyage in fresh conditions will not easily be forgotten by this land lubbing film crew, but their experience and hardship will only enhance the editing of the film! And the wrap party after arriving in Stanley was a major! BBC2 will air this film within their Explorers Series, sometime in November.