Scots singer Annie Lennox OBE is following in the footsteps of explorers and astronauts by having her humanitarian work recognised.
The Perth-based Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) has announced she will receive their Livingstone Medal to mark her contribution and dedication to raising awareness of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Previous recipients include Neil Armstrong, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Sir Chris Bonington and Sir Edmund Hillary.
The award also recognises her work as an ambassador for UNAIDS, Oxfam, 46664, Amnesty International and the British Red Cross, as well as special envoy for the Scottish Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
The RSGS Livingstone Medal was endowed by RSGS co-founder Mrs Agnes Livingstone-Bruce in memory of her father, Dr David Livingstone, and was first awarded in 1901 to explorer Sir Harry H. Johnston.
Most recently it was awarded to Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, for her services to climate justice and women’s rights.
Mike Robinson RSGS CEO said Ms Lennox was a popular choice.
“Our medal nomination process is open to the public but it is unusual to see a name put forward as often as Annie Lennox’s,” he said.
“We are very happy to be able to recognise the outstanding contribution that Annie has made championing critical global issues over the past three decades, in particular in raising awareness of the plight of those suffering HIV/AIDS and of those living in the world’s most vulnerable areas.”
The singer said of the decision: “I’m truly honoured to receive such a significant and historical award as the Livingstone Medal.
“There have been numerous social and medical transformations since David Livingstone’s lifetime, yet there is still so much more to do before we can see the end of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which has ravaged the lives of millions of men, women and children across every region of sub-Saharan Africa.
“My contribution has been small, but my dream would be to see the end of AIDS in the not too distant future.”
The RSGS Livingstone Medal will be awarded at a special event in Edinburgh on Friday March 18. Annie will be live in conversation with Sheena McDonald, sharing her story in her own words. Tickets will be available to RSGS members and then on a first come first served basis to the public. Contact RSGS on 01738 455 050 for more information.