Orkney’s Andrew Appleby was one of 2000 attendees at the 2022 Arctic Assembly held in Reykjavík, Iceland on 13-16 October.

The Arctic Circle Assembly is a place where a whole range of people, organisations and governments can come together to discuss in detail issues affecting the region. The Arctic Circle is a not for profit organisation with its headquarters in Iceland. The Assembly is its annual get together.

Andrew Appleby attended in his role as President of the John Rae Society.

Commenting on the event Andrew said:

“There were just over two thousand delegates in the New Harpa Centre and the first pre-event on the evening of the 12th was the opening of an exhibition, ‘Art and The Arctic: A Celebration’. This indeed was a most stunning display of installations, major artworks and extreme talent that The Arctic communities have to offer.

“Representatives from over 60 countries with more than 600 speakers made this event a most amazing and stimulating conference. Each evening there was a reception for people to mingle and mix. At these, amazing Arctic cuisine was offered.

“My original intention was to have offered a presentation on John Rae and our proposed developments at The Hall of Clestrain. I am glad that this time I didn’t. Here was a chance to observe and experience the format.

“Now I have done this, I can see just how our John Rae Society can make its international presence felt.”