Voyage of the Scotia 1902-04

People of the Expedition

Ramsay's grave - Laurie Island

Allan George Ramsay was Chief Engineer on Scotia at the outset of the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition of 1902-04.

In the course of the outward voyage he began to suffer from a heart complaint, but made no mention of his illness for fear of being sent home at the first suitable opportunity, leaving the ship stranded. His condition gradually deteriorated until he had to be relieved of his duties, and he then spent most of his time lying on a deck-chair beside the cabin stove.

After several months in this state, he eventually succumbed to the increasing cold, and died on 6 August 1903. In a moving ceremony two days later he was buried on Laurie Island in the South Orkneys.