AS guides in some of the world’s most inhospitable environments and Explorers in Residence for the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, Luke and Hazel Robertson have a love of connecting people with wild – and often cold – places around the planet.

From skiing solo to the South Pole and travelling the length of Alaska by kayak and bike to exploring the changing world of Arctic Norway, this husband and wife team will share a host of stories when they appear at the Peebles Outdoor Film Festival on Sat 25 Jan.

Hazel told us: "I think humans are naturally curious and we’re no different.

“We really enjoy learning from people whose background, culture and ideas initially appear quite different but often, upon closer look, can be quite similar. Sharing their stories and views on life can be so eye-opening.”

On their Arctic Connections expedition to Sápmi in Norway last year, the couple witnessed the start of the spring reindeer migration and met with the President of the Sámi Parliament of Norway.

“We got to spend time with the Sámi and understand their concerns and optimism for the future of a changing Arctic which we found so powerful.”

The couple’s natural curiosity is also matched by a sheer love of adventure.

Hazel added: “There’s a proverb that says ‘If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together'. Although sometimes we try to go quickly and far together!”

In Luke’s case, the trips he embarks upon are particularly remarkable given his medical history.

He acquired a pacemaker at an unusually young age and a few years later underwent brain surgery.

He reflected: "Both had a profound effect on my life, but really only in a positive way.

“It's during the toughest times in life that we realise how strong we can be. These times are when we learn not to underestimate ourselves and understand the resilience that we all have.”

It is this experience and mindset that ensures that the couple’s expeditions often have a broader aim.

Hazel explained: “Raising awareness of global issues, aspiring to help people improve their wellness and inspiring confidence in people that they can do more than they thought possible are all things that we’re really passionate about."

It’s this passion that sees the pair also work as Arctic Guides for The Polar Academy, a charity established by polar explorer Craig Mathieson that identifies ‘invisible’ secondary school children who struggle with a lack of self-esteem and gives them the chance to redefine their physical and mental limits.

Luke said: "Once selected, these young adults are put through a rigorous ten-month training programme before being immersed in the wilds of Greenland, navigating through some of the world’s remotest terrain for ten days.

"Their confidence soars with every step.”

On their return to Scotland, each pupil then shares their experiences with their peer groups, collectively speaking to more than 20,000 schoolchildren in their region.

Luke added: “They are living proof that ‘ordinary’ pupils can achieve the extraordinary and perfect examples of the power that challenging ourselves in an outdoor environment can have on so many aspects of our lives."

Luke and Hazel Robertson will headline the On Frozen Ground session at the Peebles Outdoor Film Festival, on Saturday, January 25 between 2pm and 4pm. Tickets available from Box Office on 01721 725777, or online at www.eastgatearts.com

Luke and Hazel Robertson