'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
Engaging stories, topical articles and fascinating insights from across the RSGS network.
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
RSGS CEO Mike Robinson reflects on what we could see in the next 10 years if we were all to take immediate and definitive action on climate change. Read more
On 21st of July 2021 we were delighted to present an RSGS Honorary Fellowship to Louise Macdonald OBE, FRSE for her invaluable contributions to women, young people and the environment. Louise is the first woman to hold the position of National Director at The Institute of Directors Scotland and previously held the position of CEO at Young Scot for twelve years. Read more
A panel of farmers, academics and NGO representatives have published a consensus pathway for making Scottish farming climate compatible. In a debate that has been notoriously polarised, Farming for 1.5 Inquiry was able to set out a credible way forward by bringing different perspectives and aspirations around the same table. Read more
RSGS Writer-in-Residence Jo Woolf investigates the life and explorations of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, accredited as the first to reach the South Pole, the first to voyage through the Northwest Passage by ship, and one of the first to cross the Arctic by plane. Amundsen received the RSGS Livingstone Medal in 1925 “in recognition of his recent unique aerial exploration of the north polar regions.” Read more
Professor Kevin J Edwards reflects on the life and work of Graeme Walter Whittington, Emeritus Professor of Geography in the University of St Andrews. Professor Whittington made research contributions of international standing to studies on the evolution of Scotland’s geographical and historical landscapes, drawing upon the methods of science and the humanities. Read more
In June 2021, we were delighted to host a conference of over 60 delegates from 28 different countries representing many of the world’s leading geographical societies to discuss their respective and collective responses to the climate emergency. Hosted in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society and the International Geographical Union. Read more
How 18th-century weather diaries shed light on the effects of an Icelandic volcanic eruption on Scotland, written by Alastair Dawson and Martin Kirkbride, University of Dundee. Read more