‘Mother of Scottish Skiing’ Myrtle Simpson celebrates 95th birthday in Badenoch
Badenoch’s polar heroine Myrtle Simpson threw a little birthday party today - for 100 guests - as she celebrated 95 wonderful, eventful years.
Friends and family came from far and wide to her Kincraig home to wish her well - but nothing like as far or wide as she had travelled in a life which saw her claim the Polar Medal and the title of ‘The mother of Scottish skiing’.
Myrtle Lillias Simpson opened up the world of Scottish skiing to all, not just women, and emerged as the 13th woman to receive the Polar Medal - she was the first woman to ski across Greenland on an unsupported expedition and has told the story in many gripping accounts to rapt enthusiasts ever since.
She was president of the Scottish Ski Club in the 1970s and has written several books which have captured the essence of a life brilliantly well lived.
That’s what was celebrated this afternoon in her idyllic garden, where relatives from as far away as Boston, Mass joined friends from all four corners of Badenoch and beyond to hear a special rap in her honour.
What a legend:
“It began on a base, then off to India, colonial adventures and Rhaniet. Military pomp and mountain action, 10 years of empire then homeland Scotland - Myrtle Emslie, what a legend!
“Brother Hamish and sister Rosie, three were also on the journey. Life in Edinburgh and post-war blues - 18 schools and always adventure, sneaking out and climbing hills. Not much maths, but always learning. Myrtle Emslie what a legend…
“Then came Hugh and climbing mountains. Scotland, Peru and virgin peaks - the Highlands, the islands Iceland and Himalaya, Greenland too, and even the North Pole, nearly, but that’s another story…
“Then came Robin, Bruce and Rhona. Always camping, trekking, biking and canoeing always moving and always together.
Myrtle Simpson, what a legend!”
After being piped to the table which proudly contained a choice of birthday cakes, she told the Strathy that she had had a spell in hospital but was so happy to be home in time for her ‘super birthday treat’
“It’s great to have so many friends here, and some who are celebrating their birthdays too - there’s enough cake for us all, as you can see!”
