“It is Burns Night! Can one be the only Scot in Greenland and forget to celebrate such a festival? One cannot!” - On Burns Night, RSGS Writer-in-Residence Jo Woolf writes about Isobel Wylie Hutchinson celebrating the famous poet in Greenland in 1929. Read more
RSGS CEO Mike Robinson considers whether we can make 2022 a year of relentless positivity by making it our resolution to take climate change action seriously. Read more
Writer-in-residence Jo Woolf reviews the life and career of legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton, reflecting on his time as Secretary of the RSGS. Read more
Following the sad passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, we share an insightful article that he and Mary Robinson wrote for The Geographer in 2014, calling for European leadership on climate change. Read more
Engaging stories, topical articles and fascinating insights from across the RSGS network.
As we approach the New Year, we reflect on some of the activities we have been involved in during 2021 at RSGS, and what we have achieved. Read more
When the weather outside was frightful, Captain Fred Burnaby was pole-vaulting across the Volga and battling across the frozen Kazakh steppe in a sleigh drawn by three camels, written by RSGS Writer-in-Residence Jo Woolf. Read more
RSGS Writer-in-Residence Jo Woolf investigates a hair-raising mission in Benghazi undertaken by Sir Fitzroy Maclean, the legendary Scottish soldier considered to be one of the inspirations for Ian Fleming's James Bond. Read more
'Scotland: Our Climate Journey' narrates Scotland's climate journey through the past, present and future, narrated by a wide range of individuals from across the country from different sectors, offering different perspectives, but all contributing in the battle against climate change. Read more
RSGS Chief Executive Mike Robinson considers whether or not COP26 met expectations. Read more
Remembrance day marks the opportunity to reflect upon the sacrifice of the past and the consequent benefit to the modern day, a time to remember some of the freedoms it is so easy to take for granted. Perhaps this year, we should also take two minutes to think about what sacrifices we ourselves are making for future generations, and how we wish to be remembered. Read more
The 10 Big Climate Solutions report is the outcome of 12 Climate Summits convened by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, where 800 people from 400 organisations from across Scottish society generated 1600 practical solutions to the Climate Emergency. The report highlights the 10 Big Climate Solutions from the Summits with the scale, pace and impact to drive the change we need. Read more
A simple explainer on what we can expect from this month's climate conference including what it is, how it works, and what it means for progress on climate worldwide. By RSGS CEO Mike Robinson. Read more
Yesterday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched a joint declaration of Global Geographical Societies, in which they pledge to redouble efforts to help deliver a better tomorrow, endorse the need for action on the climate and biodiversity crises, and call for world leaders to place the protection of nature and a liveable climate at the centre of the world’s economics and politics. Read more
When Charles Darwin looked at the Parallel Roads of Glen Roy, he was seeking evidence that would support his personal theory about their formation. He was looking for seashells - or, more precisely, marine fossils. On this occasion, however, he was wrong. Read more
RSGS Writer-in-Residence Jo Woolf interviews recent Scottish Geographical Medal recipient Professor Roger Crofts, former Chair of RSGS, who reflects on his life and career in Scottish nature conservation. Read more
On 24th September 1975, Dougal Haston and Doug Scott reached summit of Everest via the treacherous south-west face, becoming the first Britons to conquer the world's highest mountain. Later that year, the 1975 British Everest Expedition was awarded the Livingstone Medal by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Written by RSGS Writer-in-Residence Jo Woolf. Read more
With our first Inspiring People talk taking place online next week, we introduce some of our stellar line-up of speakers, and talk about our plans for hosting talks in 2021-22. Read more
In 1968 Colonel John Blashford-Snell and and his carefully chosen band of companions were about to embark on a voyage down unknown and hostile waters, through largely unknown and hostile territory. This voyage would be the first descent of the Blue Nile. Written by RSGS Writer-in-Residence Jo Woolf. Read more
As the eyes of the world turn to Glasgow for the most important UN climate conference to date, we share our ambitious programme of work related to COP26. Read more
Mountain climber, polar explorer and Mungo Park Medallist Myrtle Simpson visits a remote part of West Greenland on a three-week canoeing and camping trip with her grandchildren - her idea of the perfect family adventure! Read more
RSGS Writer-in-Residence Jo Woolf celebrates the birthday of Sir Walter Scott by investigating his ties to the RSGS through one of his most popular novels 'The Fair Maid of Perth'. Read more
RSGS Writer-in-Residence Jo Woolf reflects on the life and many adventures of nineteenth-century British explorer, writer, photographer and naturalist Isabella Bird Bishop, who became a fellow of the RSGS in 1891. Read more
James Croll and his Adventures in Climate and Time, written by Jo Woolf and illustrated by Dylan Gibson, tells the compelling story of James Croll (1821-90), a brilliant-minded Scotsman from Perthshire who is considered to be one of the world’s first climate scientists. The book was launched by Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP in Wolfhill, the Perthshire birthplace of James Croll. Read more