'UK's biggest maps enthusiast' has collection of 2,000 - he may buy more

Nigel Brown developed his passion for maps 60 years ago

Nigel Brown has built up a collection of nearly 2,000 Ordnance Survey maps over 60 years - but he admits he will probably still buy some more.

As a 10-year-old, he and a group of friends got hold of one, spotted a well marked on it, and set off to find it - successfully.

That childhood adventure sparked a lifelong fascination with maps, exploration and the changing landscapes that they capture.

It has also just seen Nigel - from Ashkirk in the Borders - named the UK's biggest map enthusiast in a competition organised by Ordnance Survey.

His extraordinary collection spans centuries, with his oldest map dating back more than 200 years.

Most of his maps have been discovered in antique shops and car boot sales, and many have accompanied him on holidays to help plan walking routes and uncover hidden gems.

What began as a hobby has now earned national recognition.

Nigel entered Ordnance Survey's nationwide search for Britain's biggest map lover "just for a bit of fun", never expecting to win.

Nigel's collection spans centuries

"I never for one moment thought I'd come away with the title, but it's been lovely," he said.

His home is now a haven for cartographic history.

The maps are meticulously organised in drawers and chests throughout the house, with some of the oldest ones framed on the walls.

It was not until he moved to the Scottish Borders four years ago that the sheer scale of his collection became apparent.

Nigel still prefers to use a map to any form of satellite navigation

However, that has not stopped it from growing. In fact, winning the title has only encouraged it.

"Funnily enough, since I won the award, I've had all sorts of people offering me more maps," he said.

Despite the rise of digital navigation, Nigel remains loyal to paper maps.

He still uses them regularly on walks around the Borders, with the Ordnance Survey app being the closest thing to a sat-nav he owns.

UK holidays are carefully planned with the help of his vast collection - with Shetland being a favourite destination.

Despite the size of his collection, Nigel says he may still buy a few more maps

"It takes the top spot," he said. "It's a wee bit far away, but well worth it."

Even after six decades of collecting, Nigel's passion for maps and exploration shows no signs of fading.

"You look at these old maps and see place names and landmarks that no longer exist - it's fascinating," he said.

Now recognised for his efforts, Nigel said the award had made him reflect on the scale of what he had built.

"I'll probably still buy one or two if I see them," he admitted. "But I might have to start thinking about offloading a few."