020 8914 8966
020 8914 8966
Craig Mathieson is a Polar explorer. He is the star of BBC’s Arctic Academy documentary and founder of the most unique children’s charity in the UK, Craig Mathieson has completed expeditions to both the South and North Poles. He is Scotland’s Explorer In Residence at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
In 2004 Craig skied to the South Pole as part of the Scot100 expedition, the first dedicated Scottish expedition to the South Pole. The route of the Scot100 Expedition started at the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole, hauling a sledge for 56 days over a total distance of 730 miles in temperatures below -55°C.
His talks focus on fulfilling ambitions, resilience, physical and mental strength, changing career path, inspiring and motivating young people whilst sourcing funding for passion projects.
Craig knew he wanted to be an explorer since the age of 12 years old, having read so many fascinating stories of adventure and history books, but his school teachers did not reassure this deep-rooted ambition. Ignoring the lack of encouragement from school, his own mental determination allowed him to make it happen as he followed in the footsteps of his heroes.
Recognising a real need Craig establish the children’s charity, The Polar Academy in 2013. At its heart is the objective of positively turning around the lives of 13-17-year-old youths whose self-esteem and self-confidence has been crushed by personal circumstances at home and / or school. Many suffer from mental health issues. Deemed by Craig as ‘invisible’ at school, annually the explorer selects ten teenage boys and girls who he believes can most benefit from his training methods.
Craig and his team draw upon their formidable experience to inspire these young people through exploration, transforming those they support into true role models for the next generation. After ten months of rigorous training at school, in the Scottish Highlands and in Arctic Greenland, the youth’s lives are transformed. Given the chance to redefine his or her physical and mental limits, each participant returns from Greenland with a ‘can do attitude’ and equipped to be a positive role model for the local community and among his or her peers.
The children lead the 10-day Arctic expedition in Greenland. Only because they are given the opportunity to lead and are trusted to lead and give real responsibilities, they become confident leaders. On their return to Scotland, each individual pupil shares their experiences with their peer groups, speaking to more than 3,000 school children and adult groups alike in their region. They are living, breathing proof that dreams are attainable and that ordinary pupils can achieve the truly extraordinary. Craig sets a great reminder to all of us how we could all achieve in life if we choose to support and include each other. Craig Mathieson is a Polar explorer.
For his contribution to education, Craig received an Honorary Doctorate from Abertay University in July 2018 and later that year was named an International Member of the distinguished, The Explorers Club – an illustrious club of astronauts, polar, deep sea and mountain explorers.
An accomplished corporate speaker, Craig will not fail to inspire all who hears his account of kids using true grit and determination to take control and shape their own lives. Craig’s presentations deliver a good dose of Scottish humour and heartfelt emotional tales unlike anything you will have heard before.
