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Extraordinary expedition

The Antarctic expedition of the Scotia

Christmas card from 1903

Design for a Christmas card from 1903 by William Martin whilst on Laurie Island. Martin started as a member of the crew and later became part of the scientific team.

Intrepid explorer

Emperor penguin from Antarctica William Speirs Bruce (1867-1921) was one of the most experienced polar explorers of his generation. In a career spanning 28 years he participated in two Antarctic and eleven Arctic expeditions. His greatest achievement was his leadership of the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition (1902-1904) aboard the ship Scotia. The expedition was organised and financed almost entirely from Scotland – it was a ‘private’ expedition which received no British government funding.

Bruce explained:

‘While ‘Science’ was the talisman of the Expedition, ‘Scotland’ was emblazoned on its flag: and it may be that, in endeavouring to serve humanity by adding another link to the golden chain of science, we have also shown that the nationality of Scotland is a power that must be reckoned with.’

Serious scientist

Unlike his contemporaries, Robert Falcon Scott or Roald Amundsen, Bruce was not a daring adventurer:

‘To reach the North Pole or South Pole is an athletic feat which may be put on the same level as an olympic race or gymnastic performance. It is not serious scientific work and can not in itself benefit mankind.’

It was in this very museum, in 1903, that he exhibited the state-of-the-art clothing and equipment he was planning to use on the expedition. After his death, we acquired many of the biological and zoological specimens that he collected.