Finlay Raffle

Born and raised in Dundee, the city of RRS Discovery, Finlay developed a passion for maritime and polar history from a young age. After obtaining an undergraduate degree in History at the University of Glasgow and then a postgraduate degree in Museum and Gallery Studies at the University of St Andrews, he went on to work for several years in curatorial and educational posts at different museums around Scotland. He has undertaken projects with Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Fisheries Museum, and published articles on the history of the Royal Navy. His primary areas of interest are in maritime and naval history as well as the early history of polar exploration.

He had the privilege of working for the South Georgia Heritage Trust as the curator of the South Georgia Museum on the sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia. Living and working in Grytviken, one of the island’s former whaling stations, he was able to give tours of the island for expedition ships as well as create exhibitions related to the museum’s incredible collection of artefacts on Ernest Shackleton and the “Endurance” Expedition. This experience in South Georgia really sparked his interest in working aboard Expedition ships and helping people to explore unique, historical sites. Finlay joined Noble Caledonia in 2023 as part of the field staff team and is excited to share his passion for the stories and history of both Scotland and other amazing places around the world. When back home in Scotland, Finlay enjoys playing the pipe organ, hiking in the Cairngorms, and helping to provide boat trips on the River Tay.