They might not make it all the way to the South Pole but school pupils have been inspired to seek adventure by a real-life explorer.
Craig Mathieson, who has been on expeditions to the top and the bottom of the world, visited Discovery Point to speak to children from Ardler and Ballumbie primaries.
Aboard the ship that took Captain Scott to the Antarctic, he read extracts from the diaries he kept during his own journeys and spoke about the people and animals he has encountered on his travels.
The pupils also had the chance to try on the kit he wore and the style of clothes that explorers used more than 100 years ago.
Craig said: “My philosophy is that any goal is achievable as long as you have the correct attitude. I see so many ‘invisible kids’ who just go through the school system totally unnoticed.
“Lots of them are from very disadvantaged backgrounds and their lack of confidence and self-belief is never properly addressed as they never make a fuss and they just don’t realise that they have it in them to achieve great things.
“I decided at the age of 12 that I was going to go to the South Pole, because that’s when I first heard about Captain Scott.
“If it hadn’t been for my head teacher lending me a book about Scott’s adventures, I might never have known about the types of adventures that it’s possible to have.
“So I just hope that hearing my story and finding out about all the amazing things that are possible in the world outside what they are faced with on a day-to-day basis will inspire these children to broaden their horizons, challenge themselves and realise their goals whatever these might be.”
Craig undertook his trek to the South Pole in 2004, hauling his 200lb sledge across the Antarctic and completing the 730-mile trip in just 56 days three days earlier than expected.
He achieved another feat in 2006 when he led a team to the geographical North Pole that included a previously inexperienced 16-year-old schoolboy.
He is now explorer-in-residence at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and runs his own Polar Academy.
Craig was invited to speak to the pupils by the Dundee Academy of Sport, a joint venture by Abertay University and Dundee and Angus College.
Project officer Shelley Booth said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the cross-curricular work of the academy, where we use sport as a context for learning.
“I hope the messages and values that underpin Craig’s story will motivate and inspire these young people to follow their dreams and show real dedication and commitment to whatever they set their sights on achieving.”
Craig will be back at Discovery Point again today to meet pupils from Craigowl and Sidlaw View primaries.