Sir Peter Scott (1982 – 1989)
The Society was honoured to have Sir Peter Scott as its first president from 1982 until 1989. The only son of Robert Falcon Scott, Sir Peter Markham Scott was a British naturalist, conservationist, artist, and author. He was a founder of both the Severn Wildfowl Trust (1946, now renamed as the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust) and the World Wildlife Fund. From 1953 to 1970 he hosted the environmental television series Look for the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Sir Vivian Fuchs FRS (1989–1999)
Sir Vivian Fuchs graced the Society with his very active Presidency from 1990 until his death in 1999. A geologist and polar explorer, he was the Director of the British Antarctic Survey, 1958-73. In 1947, he was appointed leader of the Falklands Islands Dependencies Survey (which became the British Antarctic Survey in 1961). The team had no mechanised transport and was entirely dependent on dogs. Exceptionally severe ice conditions in 1949-50 kept them in the Antarctic without relief for two seasons. Together with Sir Edmund Hillary, Sir Vivian led The Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1956-58, successfully completing a two pronged Antarctic crossing and scientific survey. He was President of the British Association for the Advancement of Science in 1971, and in 1974 was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. He was President of the Royal Geographical Society from 1982 to 1984. He published his autobiography in 1985. Shortly after accepting the Presidency of the Captain Scott Society, Sir Vivian inspired and donated the initial funds for the establishment of the Youth Award that bears his name.
Professor Robert Swan OBE (1999-2017)
Robert Swan, is a polar explorer and environmentalist and is the first man ever to walk unsupported to both the North and South Poles. He is an exceptionally gifted communicator and is regarded as one of the world’s top motivational speakers. In 1986, along with companions Roger Mear and Gareth Wood, Robert Swan arrived at the South Pole after travelling 883 miles without radios or assistance of any kind. In 1988 Robert was awarded the Polar Medal by the Queen for completing the longest unassisted march in history. On the 14th May 1989, Robert successfully reached the North Pole and so became the first person to have walked to both Poles. In 1992 he was invited to be a keynote speaker at the Rio Earth Summit where Robert’s message was a universal one: that it is possible to achieve your goals and fulfil your ambitions in both your personal and professional life. His contribution to education and the environment have been recognised through his appointment as UN Goodwill Ambassador for Youth. He is also a Visiting Professor of the School of Environment at Leeds University. In 1994 he became Special Envoy to the Director General of UNESCO. He was awarded the OBE in 1995. In 1996/7 Robert organised Tandem One Step Beyond – The South Pole Challenge where he led 35 young explorers from 25 nations in Antarctica. Robert speaks all over the world on motivation, leadership and team work.
The Lord Mountevans, Jeffrey Evans (2017 – present )
Jeffrey Richard de Corban Evans, 4th Baron Mountevans, JP (born 13 May 1948) is a direct descendant of Admiral Edward (Teddy) Evans, 1st Baron Mountevans who, as a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, was second in command to Captain Scott on the British Antarctic Expedition, 1910. Lord Mount Evans is a London shipbroker who served as Lord Mayor of London from 2015 to 2016. He sits in the House of Lords as an hereditary peer. Lord Mountevans is a director of gas chartering at Clarkson plc and a member of the Baltic Exchange. He served as Prime Warden of the Shipwrights’ Company for 2006–07 before his election as Alderman for the City Ward of Cheap in 2007 and was Sheriff of London for 2012–13. He is a liveryman of the Goldsmiths’ and World Traders’ Companies. His many charitable involvements include being a Trustee of Seafarers UK, President of the City of London Sea Cadets and a Council Member of the White Ensign Association, which offers advice to all ranks of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines on employment, pensions and other financial matters.