Newtonmore environmental campaigner joins illustrious ranks
A Newtonmore-based environmental campaigner has joined a select few in being awarded a prestigious geography honour recognising his contribution out in the field.
Dave Morris is just one of two recipients for 2020 of an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society – the other is the BBC's Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen.
It is given in recognition of services to the society and to the wider discipline of geography and was first awarded in 1888.
Other recent recipients include former governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney and Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
Also on the list are astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon; TV wildlife presenter David Attenborough; and the famed explorers Ernest Shackleton and Roald Amundsen.
Mr Morris – who can now carry the title FRSGS by his name – accepted his prestigious accolade at the RSGS’ #InspiringPeopleAtHome event earlier this week.
He told the virtual audience it was a great pleasure to be invited to join the illustrious band of RSGS honorary fellows.
Mr Morris said: “I never expected to receive such an accolade and I thank those who have spoken about me this evening for their very kind words.
“But I must emphasise that this has not been a lone journey.
"I have stood on many broad shoulders to reach this high point and, in accepting the award, I must give due recognition to all those former colleagues in the Ramblers and Nature Conservancy Council, as well as those in other voluntary and governmental organisations, both in Scotland and further afield, who have been vital fellow travellers.”
Mr Morris came to work in Aviemore for the Nature Conservancy Council in 1973 and soon after established a home in Newtonmore.
From 1989 to 2014, he led the operations of the Ramblers in Scotland, helping to create the Scottish national parks system and pioneering the ‘Right to Roam’ legislation.
He has been involved in many campaigns to protect wild land both in Scotland including the Lurchers Gully battle and further afield with international mountaineering and conservation organisations.
A society spokesperson said: “Dave Morris was one of the most important voices in developing Scotland’s world-leading access legislation.
"It allows walkers, cyclists, canoeists and horse riders to cross most land and water, camp freely, and enjoy Scotland’s landscapes provided it is done in a considerate, responsible way... We look forward to working with him in the future.”
Dave's wife Anne Macintyre has family connections to Newtonmore and their daughter Esme, who sadly passed away at the age of 18 after a seven year battle with a brain tumour, lies at rest in Banchor Cemetery.
Their son Calum lives in Norway and is a keen snowboarder and activist on climate change issues.
All the family have been strong supporters and fund raisers for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
