Voyage of the Scotia 1902-04

People of the Expedition

Menu for 1904 Royal Scottish Geographical Society anniversary banquet

On 12 November 1904 at the North British Station Hotel in Edinburgh the Twentieth Anniversary Banquet of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society celebrated the successes of both the 1901-1904 British Antarctic Expedition led by Captain Robert F Scott and the 1902-1904 Scottish National Antarctic Expedition led by William S Bruce.

The presence of both leaders doubtless encouraged some rivalry, which hopefully remained fairly friendly, under the influence of Messrs Paterson and Sons Salon Orchestra.

Another guest of honour was Sir Clements Markham of the Royal Geographical Society of London, who prior to the departure of the Expeditions had made some intemperate remarks (for which he later apologised) about Bruce's "mischievous" motivation.