What is The Royal Scottish Geographical Society?
The Royal Scottish Geographical Society, or RSGS, is Scotland’s long-established and well-respected educational charity and learned society. It offers intelligent, insightful, and informed commentary on world issues from a geographical perspective. Through a wide range of public activities, the Society promotes the study and wider awareness of geography and its role in understanding environmental, cultural, and social issues — both in Scotland and internationally. Geography, after all, broadens our outlook and deepens our understanding of the world. It explains environmental, social, and economic issues and offers sustainable solutions for local and global problems. It connects us to our planet and to each other.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Joining the RSGS means becoming part of a passionate network that shares a love for our world. Members enjoy a variety of benefits, including:
- Quarterly copies of The Geographer, an informative magazine packed with fascinating insights.
- Free or discounted entry to over 90 Inspiring People talks and other events every year.
- Access to more than 140 years of heritage, including the Scottish Geographical Journal and extensive archives.
Some impressive numbers to keep in mind:
- 100 public talks, open days, and other events hosted annually.
- Over 140 years of continuous work inspiring and informing the public.
- 1,000,000 social media impressions each year, spreading geographical knowledge far and wide.
Upcoming Events to Look Forward To
The Society hosts a variety of engaging talks that bring geography to life. For example, Yoseph Araya will share his personal and professional experiences in Dundee, weaving stories about how plants coexist with people and the planet. Then there’s Jamie Ramsay, who will recount his epic solo run across the Americas — 17,000 kilometres from Vancouver to Buenos Aires — in Dunfermline. And in Inverness, Sarah Roberts will take audiences on a journey through Iceland’s wild landscapes, glaciers, volcanoes, and cutting-edge climate technology. These events are not just talks; they’re experiences that connect people with the world around them.
Latest Blogs That Inspire
The RSGS blog offers captivating stories that spark curiosity and wonder. Take the tale of Isobel Wylie Hutchison, an explorer who, in 1933, found herself icebound off the Alaskan coast and wrote a letter on paper salvaged from a ghost ship. Or the interview with wildlife filmmaker Libby Penman, who’s part of the upcoming December event A Wild Night In. Then there’s Jo Woolf’s vivid account of living at the Ben Nevis Observatory, describing the hazards of life surrounded by “solid blocks of ice flying around.” These blogs bring geography’s human side to the forefront, making it relatable and exciting.
How Geography Connects Us All
Geography isn’t just about maps and places; it’s about understanding the complex relationships between people, environments, and economies. The RSGS highlights how geography offers sustainable solutions for local and global problems. It’s a discipline that connects us to our planet and to each other — reminding us that our actions ripple across communities and ecosystems. Whether it’s climate change, cultural heritage, or social justice, geography provides the tools to make sense of it all.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 4: Quality Education — promoting geographical knowledge and awareness.
- SDG 13: Climate Action — exploring environmental issues and sustainable solutions.
- SDG 15: Life on Land — understanding ecosystems and biodiversity.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — fostering collaboration through events and networks.
Stay Connected and Informed
The Royal Scottish Geographical Society keeps its community engaged through multiple social media channels. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay up to date with events, news, and inspiring stories. With a rich heritage and a dynamic presence, the RSGS continues to inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world we live in — one story, one talk, one connection at a time.
