Voyage of the Scotia 1902-04

The Ship

The Scotia at sea

The Scotia was the former Norwegian whaler Hekla, acquired by William S Bruce and converted for use as the exploration ship on the 1902-1904 Scottish National Antarctic Expedition, organised and led by Bruce himself.

The original caption describes the ship as being "at sea", but it is a very calm sea and she shows little sign of motion under sail or steam. The anchor is not however lowered and there are signs of activity on deck towards the stern.

The photograph appears to have been taken from a raised position, such as another ship or a pier, rather than from one of her own boats.