He may have visited some of the most remote places on Earth, but it’s Skye and the Outer Hebrides which have captured Monty Halls’ heart.
A former Royal Marine, he’s also a broadcaster, naturalist, expert marine biologist, travel writer and, as those going along to the E-Reps Forum at the Jurys Inn at Aberdeen Airport next week will discover, an excellent speaker.
At the event, which is open to members of the public, he’ll share his experiences of the natural world, and encourage discussion about various environmental issues, including those faced by the oil and gas industries.
Monty, who is well known for presenting the TV series Monty Halls’ Great Escapes and Monty Halls’ Great Hebridean Escape, says he’s looking forward to being in Scotland again and admits to regularly daydreaming about having a permanent home here.
“Home for me is in Devon, but I’ve always been drawn to the coast and did look quite seriously about buying a home on Scotland’s west coast, but the snag was that much of my work is based in and around Bristol and London.
“I still find myself sneaking a look at Scottish property websites and looked at a really beautiful place in Skye recently,” said Monty, who is dad to two girls aged two and four. “It’s wilder, more rugged and more beautiful up there than anywhere else. I still maintain the west coast of Scotland is the most beautiful place in the world.”
Monty previously spent time living and working a croft in Applecross: “I turned up with preconceived ideas about how I would be received as a tall, posh English bloke called Monty who drove a Land Rover. I thought I’d have a tough old time and trouble settling in, but nothing could be further from the truth.
“I was met with nothing but great hospitality, warmth and welcome. That was a big lesson for me and I learned from that experience never to have preconceived ideas about people and places. There aren’t many places in the world that live up to your expectations, but the west coast and Hebrides not only lived up to it but exceeded all my expectations.
“Stepping out of a bothy of a morning in time to see a stag or sea otter on the beach was just magical,” said Monty who, when we spoke, was juggling looking after his girls, with getting the shopping in and trying to fit in some work.
“I’m thoroughly embracing fatherhood, it’s the biggest adventure of all,” he said.
Despite the pressures of his work, one thing he always has time for is persuading others to care for the world we live in.
“I attended a conference in Aberdeen a few years ago and initially had a few reservations about speaking to those involved in the oil and gas industry, but soon realised there’s a big move towards renewable energy going on,” said Monty.
“It was a real eye-opener for me as there’s a lot of good work going on in terms of seeking renewable, green energy sources within the industry. My talk next week won’t be a lecture about environmental issues, but one that will include talking about operating in the right environment. I’ll also use my visit to Aberdeen as an opportunity for me to learn more about what’s going on in the industries as well and find out what the future holds as well.”
The E-Reps Forum is a leading exhibition and conference for environmental professionals from across the offshore oil and gas industry. Along with Monty’s talk, a number of industry speakers will offer presentations and information of a variety of subjects.
The event takes place on Wednesday, October 5, at the Jurys Inn at Aberdeen Airport, from 8am-4pm. Contact: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ereps16-tickets-25402500563
