Guess what’s on my radar for June? Mark your calendars because the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) is bringing a truly unmissable festival to Dundee, Scotland, from June 26th to 29th, 2025! Get ready for the “Whale of a Weekend” – and trust me, it’s going to be epic.
You know how passionate I am about our planet, its incredible wildlife, and particularly the spectacular island of South Georgia – this event ticks all the boxes. It won’t be just a fun day out but a deep dive into the fascinating, and sometimes heartbreaking history of South Georgia, polar exploration and science and a beacon of hope for wildlife conservation.
Dundee, a city with its own rich maritime heritage, is going to be transformed into a hub for all things South Georgia. The SGHT, who do incredible work running the museum at Grytviken and helping to protect South Georgia’s wildlife and heritage, are pulling out all the stops. Supported by partners, the Dundee Heritage Trust, V&A Dundee and the Dundee council, the waterfront will be the place to be!
What can you expect? Well, for starters, there’s going to be the unveiling of the Key Table sculpture commissioned by the Trust, that is central to the whale memorial titled “Commensalis,” by Scottish artist Michael Visocchi. It’s a powerful tribute to the story of the whale – a creature we pushed to the brink, now thankfully making a comeback. Using original rivets from the Stromness Whaling Station, a Nightingale Chart will represent the 175,250 whales that were processed during 1904 and 1966 in South Georgia. Each rivet represents 50 whales, organised to reflect each different whale species that was hunted and processed. How cool is that? Now I don’t want to spoil the surprise any further BUT if you want to know a little bit more then my earlier article HERE might help.
But it’s not just about art. This is where it gets really interesting for those of us who love a good story. The South Georgia Museum team have been working on something called the “Whalers’ Memory Bank.” Imagine, a living, growing digital time capsule filled with the untold stories of Scottish whalers and their families who left these shores for the wild, remote island of South Georgia. It’s a chance to connect with a significant, and often hidden, part of Scottish history. We’ll be able to hear first hand tales of adventure, hardship, and life for these men and often their families too, on the other side of the world. It’s crucial that we remember how many whales were processed at South Georgia at that time – a stark reminder of humanity’s impact, but also of the resilience of nature. It’s also crucial to ensure these extraordinary personal testimonies from a forgotten age are preserved and heard, resonating far into the future.
Speaking of nature, this event is a huge deal for wildlife conservation. South Georgia, once the epicentre of the whaling industry, is now a beacon of hope. Thanks to amazing efforts like the SGHT’s Habitat Restoration Project, which declared the island rodent-free in 2018 (an undertaking eight times larger than any other rodent eradication in the world!), the native bird populations are booming. And the whales? They are finally returning to those very waters that were once their hunting ground. When we reverse the human damage inflicted on a place, nature restores and rebalances – I believe that’s the true meaning of ‘sustainability’ and in its essence, is what this weekend is celebrating.
You’ll get to meet world-leading scientists and conservationists from places like the Natural History Museum and the British Antarctic Survey who are actively researching whale populations, climate change, and how lessons from history can guide our future conservation efforts. I’m so excited about the chance to hear directly from these brilliant minds! Oh, and before I forget, historian and television presenter Dan Snow will introduce the Whalers’ Memory Bank on Friday 27th.
There will also be family-friendly art and puppet workshops – perfect for inspiring the next generation of conservationists! – exclusive talks from explorers, and a screening of the Endurance film – you know how much I admire Sir Ernest Shackleton’s story. Friday’s screening is followed by a special Q&A by Expedition Leader Dr John Shears and Expedition Sub-Sea Manager Nico Vincent – that’s one not to miss.
This “Whale of a Weekend” is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Scotland’s deep ties to South Georgia, a poignant look back at its whaling past, and a powerful statement about the importance of protecting our marine life. It’s about understanding where we’ve been to better inform where we need to go.
Thanks to donations and support from individuals – that’s you and I readers – corporations, grants and trusts, SGHT are able to build upon their efforts to protect the natural wonder of South Georgia, ultimately allowing more people to experience and appreciate its beauty through their new digital initiatives such as the South Georgia Museum’s new website and the soon to be launched, Whalers’ Memory Bank.
So, if you’re looking for something truly meaningful and inspiring to participate in, pop Dundee on your map. It’s an opportunity to connect with history, celebrate incredible conservation successes, and be part of a bigger conversation about our planet’s future. I’m already counting down the days!
Links:
Whale of a Weekend programme and booking HERE
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