S3 Ep8: From Arran to Antarctica with Niall Macleod
In a conversation ranging from ice climbing to the trials of wearing a kilt in Antarctica, Nadia chats to Niall Macleod, the Plant Operator at Rothera Research Station through Antarctic Winter. Niall's route to Antarctica was through agriculture, quarrying and civil engineering - before deciding that he wanted to do something for the environment. His job is to look after the research station's unusual machinery, and to keep the snow at bay as it blows through in the darkest period of the year. In his own words: he likes helping people. This episode's Antarctic glossary: 'Snowcat' - a big truck on caterpillar tracks that can be used to clear snow or tow heavy loads. 'Scheds' - the high frequency radio communication set up at field camps so that the station can communicate with field parties. 'Smooth Operator' - the name of Niall's claimed climbing route... and tongue-in-cheek nickname for himself. Iceworld is presented and recorded by Nadia Frontier, and produced in partnership with Boffin Media.