Celebrated polar explorer passes away aged 89
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A celebrated polar explorer and pioneer of breast cancer research is to be laid to rest this weekend near his home.
Professor Hugh Simpson, of Farletter, Insh, by Kincraig, has died at 89.
Rory Simpson told the Strathy his father had died peacefully last Wednesday (November 18) in the excellent care of The Mains in Newtonmore.
He leaves behind his wife of 60 years and fellow polar explorer Myrtle, four children Robin, Bruce, Rona and Rory, sister Faith, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Hugh was an explorer, mountaineer, accomplished skier, photographer, pioneer of breast cancer research and renowned global lecturer.
His was from a medical family – his mother one of the first women doctors and his great grand uncle Sir James Young Simpson, the famous obstetrician.
In 1955 he secured the role as medical officer for the Falkland Islands Dependency Survey and spent four years in the Antarctic, with more than 4000 miles dog-sledged.
A mountain there is named after him, the Simpson Nunatak.
He was the holder of the Polar Medal which is awarded to those who have personally made conspicuous contributions to the knowledge of Polar regions.
The Mungo Park Medals is a Royal Scottish Geographical Society honour in recognition of outstanding contributions to geographical knowledge through exploration and/or research, and/or work of a practical nature of benefit to humanity in potentially hazardous physical environments.
The Pery Medal is awarded by the Council of the Ski Club of Great Britain to a skier, individual or organisation for an outstanding contribution to snowsports.
Hugh will be laid to rest at Insh Cemetery, Kincraig, on Saturday morning after a private family service at Kingussie Parish Church.
Read a full tribute to Professor Simpson in today's Strathy now on sale.
