By Bernie Bell
Here on Orkney, we are very well aware of John Rae’s achievements and abilities. Thankfully, others are gradually coming to recognize him as what he was, a truly exceptional person, in many ‘fields’.
I am a member of the John Rae Society https://www.johnraesociety.com/ and so, received an email, with a link telling of how the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), has honoured John Rae, and have included him amongst their greatest surveyors of all time to mark 150 years of RICS.
They are inviting people to vote for their favourite in a number of categories. If you would like to read of this recent honour for Dr. Rae, and maybe spread the word amongst his supporters and admirers, the link is here: https://www.rics.org/uk/news-insight/topics-trends/rics-150th-anniversary/pride-in-the-profession/dr-john-rae-honorary-chartered-surveyor/
The poll for voting for your favourite surveyor, closes on 1 February.

Handing over the keys (B Bell) The Hall of Clestrain, Orphir, Orkney – home of John Rae and his family, now undergoing restoration.
Categories: Uncategorized
Andrew Appleby – Chair of the John Rae Society – has just sent me this…………
“Here is a new link for The Orkney News!
Are you a Coop member? If so you can choose for 1% of the money you spend to
go to the John Rae Society. Just register at
https://www.coop.co.uk/membership
This is terrific for us! Already money is coming in so we can create an interim Visitor Cabin and exhibition space at The Hall of Clestrain. This will enable us to have more open days and take groups round The Hall. It will be a great boost for Orkney and our aims as a society. And of course the cause of painting John Rae back into his rightful place in History!”
I just received this from The John Rae Society….
HURRAH!
“Dear members
RICS have informed us that John Rae topped the vote in the Pride of the Profession Mappers category.
Thank you to everyone who voted for him: you are helping to rewrite history!
The link is:
ttps://www.rics.org/uk/news-insight/latest-news/rics-150th-anniversary/pride-in-the-profession-vote/the-mappers/
Fiona Gould
Membership Secretary”