Medallists

Since 1888, we have regularly awarded Honorary Fellowships (FRSGS) in recognition of individuals' services to the Society or to the wider discipline of geography. And since 1890, when we awarded our first Gold Medal to the explorer HM Stanley, the RSGS’s prestigious Medals have allowed us to recognise outstanding contributions made by individuals (or occasionally by organisations) in a wide range of geographical fields.

Over the past 130 years, we have awarded more than 750 Honorary Fellowships and nearly 400 Medals! Award presentation events have given RSGS audiences the opportunity to meet and to hear stories from some of the greatest names of their day – people who have excelled in geographical activities, from exploration to education.

We welcome nominations for new Medallists and Fellows at any time. If you would like to propose someone for an award, please complete and submit this online form or this Word document.

Scottish Geographical Medal

The Scottish Geographical Medal is the RSGS’s highest accolade, awarded for conspicuous merit and a performance of world-wide repute. It was awarded first in 1890 as the Gold Medal, and from 1933 as the Scottish Geographical Medal. Read more

Coppock Research Medal

The Coppock Research Medal is the RSGS’s highest research-specific award, awarded for an outstanding contribution to geographical knowledge through research and publication. Read more

Livingstone Medal

The Livingstone Medal is awarded for outstanding service of a humanitarian nature with a clear geographical dimension. It was awarded first in 1901. Read more

Mungo Park Medal

The Mungo Park Medal is awarded for an outstanding contribution to geographical knowledge through exploration or adventure in potentially hazardous physical or social environments. Read more

Shackleton Medal

The Shackleton Medal is awarded for leadership and citizenship in a geographical field, in particular in the fields and current themes of most concern to RSGS. Read more

Geddes Environment Medal

The Geddes Environment Medal is awarded for an outstanding practical, research or communications contribution to conservation and protection of the natural environment and the development of sustainability. Read more

Tivy Education Medal

The Tivy Education Medal is awarded for exemplary, outstanding and inspirational teaching, educational policy or work in formal and informal educational arenas. Read more

Bartholomew Globe

The Bartholomew Globe is awarded for excellence in the assembly, delivery or application of geographical information through cartography, GIS and related techniques. Read more

President's Award

The President’s Award recognises achievement and celebrates the impact of geographers’ work on wider society. Read more

Honorary Fellowship

An Honorary Fellowship is awarded in recognition of services to the Society and to the wider discipline of geography. Since 2008, medallists of the RSGS have automatically been made Honorary Fellows. Read more

Newbigin Prize

The Newbigin Prize is awarded for the most notable contribution to the Scottish Geographical Journal, or any other RSGS publication, during the previous year. Read more

W S Bruce Medal

The W S Bruce Medal is awarded for some notable contribution to Zoology, Botany, Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography or Geography, where new knowledge has been gained through a personal visit to polar regions. Read more

Bronze Medal

The Bronze Medal was awarded for outstanding public service in which Geography has played an important part, either by exploration, by administration, or in other directions where its principles have been applied to the benefit of the human race. Read more

Latest

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"To transform into zero carbon societies would require around 2% of GDP, if we take early action. If not, we risk spending more than 20% of GDP in future." Written by Mike Robinson.

September 2019

September e-newsletter of the RSGS: A New Art Exhibition, Awards for Outstanding Achievement, A Climate Summit, and RSGS in Orkney.

John Rae: Scotland’s Forgotten Arctic Explorer

"Rae realised that he was looking at the final piece in the geographical jigsaw – the vital ‘missing link’ in the Northwest Passage." Written by Jo Woolf, RSGS Writer-in-Residence.

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"We need to start treating this Climate Emergency like an emergency. And having these targets now in place is a welcome and significant first step." Written by Mike Robinson.

Opportunities & Grants

Since its inception, RSGS and its members have part-funded and open doors to hundreds of students, academics and explorers in their careers and research, both at home and abroad. And this tradition continues today...

Nine Lessons in Brexit

Amidst the noise and fury of the current debate, it is too easy to lose sight of the fundamental questions we need to address, writes Sir Ivan Rodgers.

Public Events

We organise a programme of 100 public talks and events across Scotland each year. Our inspiring speakers bring us amazing stories of journeys and adventures, and refreshing insights into current issues.

Local Groups

The RSGS has 13 local groups across Scotland, all run by volunteers who man the Inspiring People talks and arrange other exciting local events.

Who We Are

With the support of more than 2,700 Members, c120 volunteers, and six staff, we are a small, flexible organisation, striving to increase geographical understanding.

Financing Transition

"To transform into zero carbon societies would require around 2% of GDP, if we take early action. If not, we risk spending more than 20% of GDP in future." Written by Mike Robinson.

Taking a Step in the Right Direction

"We need to start treating this Climate Emergency like an emergency. And having these targets now in place is a welcome and significant first step." Written by Mike Robinson.

Join Us

Join us as a Member to support our charitable work, enjoy 100 inspiring events, receive our geographic magazine, and be part of the RSGS family.

Our Philosophy

The Royal Scottish Geographical Society is a dynamic educational charity with far-reaching influence and a mission to inspire and inform.

Exploring Arctic Connections

As the northern lights dance playfully overhead, reindeer gather, and eventually herds – sometimes thousands strong – will start their arduous migration towards the coast, writes Hazel and Luke Robertson.