Wednesday 30 September was the anniversary of the birth of the Arctic explorer, Dr John Rae. Every year the John Rae Society (JRS) commemorates his birth in 1813 with a short ceremony at his graveside in St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall.

Led by a piper a group of members and supporters of the JRS walked from the War Memorial to John Rae’s graveside where Cerys Matthews delivered the toast to this great man.

Cerys Matthews read ‘Invictus’ by William Ernest Henley.

Out of the night that covers me,   
   Black as the Pit from pole to pole,   
I thank whatever gods may be   
   For my unconquerable soul.   

In the fell clutch of circumstance 
   I have not winced nor cried aloud.   
Under the bludgeonings of chance   
   My head is bloody, but unbowed.   

Beyond this place of wrath and tears   
   Looms but the Horror of the shade, 
And yet the menace of the years   
   Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.   

It matters not how strait the gate,   
   How charged with punishments the scroll,   
I am the master of my fate:
   I am the captain of my soul.

Before pouring a libation of Long Strides Ale over the grave, Cerys Matthews had a surprise for the JRS. She has been collecting the signatures of some of the greatest rock musicians for over 20 years on a ukulele. Her intention is to eventually auction the instrument off and donate the proceeds to the restoration of John Rae’s childhood home, the Hall of Clestrain.

The JRS has ambitious plan for the Hall of Clestrain, including restoring it and creating a place where people can find out more about John Rae, and Orkney’s links with the Arctic north.

You can find a full video of the commemoration on The Orkney News YouTube channel.

Fiona Grahame

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