Scots Head for the Pole…via Greenland
April 2004 saw Tunu in Greenland with Craig Mathieson and Fiona Taylor of the Scot 100 South Pole Expedition. These daring Scottish accountants shall be skiing 730 miles to the South Pole on the centenary of the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition and raising more than £1 million for Cancer Research UK Scotland, Childline Scotland, Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland and the Scottish Huntingtons Association. Craig and Fiona are two ordinary people with an extraordinary dream and they can prove that with self-belief anything is possible and that the efforts of two can transform the future of many.

The Scot100 team contacted Tunu to take advantage of our expedition service and embark on the ultimate training program ahead of their departure for the Pole. This was to be the one and only chance that Craig and Fiona had to test themselves and their equipment in an environment that resembles the conditions they can expect to meet in the Antarctic. And so it was that the team (and an enormous heap of kit) met in Reykjavik with Tunu's guides Jon Russill and Matt Spenceley, ready for the flight to our logistical base in Kulusuk on the East Coast of Greenland.

No time was wasted and the team set out immediately onto the sea ice to establish their first camp. They were given a truly Arctic welcome to Greenland with a stunning sunset and a magnificent green and red display of the Northern Lights. This must have been a good omen as eight fabulous days were then spent hauling 150 lb sledges around the islands, glaciers and fjords that surround Kulusuk, staying under canvass and learning all the skills and tricks that are required to live and work in Polar regions. "I had never been to Greenland before and it really is an incredible place, even flying in from Iceland and seeing the frozen sea and icebergs from the aeroplane was amazing - so I can understand the love that Tunu's guides have of the country" said Fiona.

 

Sledge haulin' on the sea ice near Kulusuk
The trip was a huge success and Tunu's guides were delighted with the team's performance. "They seem exceptionally well informed and well prepared for their ambitious adventure to the Pole. We have seen that they work together superbly as a team, and both have exceptional levels of determination, courage, focus, stamina and humour" said Jon. "With these qualities there is no reason why they should not see in 2005 at the South Pole. We wish them the very best of luck". The team begins their trek in November 2004 and updates of their progress towards the Pole can be found at www.scot100.com
Camp on the sea ice