Starting September, RSGS will be hosting live Inspiring People talks for the first time since the start of the pandemic, featuring a stellar line-up of speakers befitting of the best national talks programme in Scotland.

In the past, RSGS inspiring speakers have brought amazing stories of journeys and adventures, and refreshing insights into current issues- and the programme this year is no different, featuring a stellar line-up of speakers, all with compelling stories to share at 13 different locations across the country.

Audiences will hear in person from leading explorers, photographers, communicators and scientists, including adventure kayaker Sal Montgomery, adventurer and explorer Alice Morrison, landscape photographer Colin Prior, climate and energy scientist Professor Stephen Peake, author and TV presenter Cameron McNeish, and geomorphologist Professor Colin Ballantyne, with more amazing speakers still to be announced.

Gearing up for her talk, Sal Montgomery commented “I am absolutely over the moon that the RSGS Inspiring People talks will be live and in-person this year! I'm so excited to meet everyone and share this wonderful event with you all.” Often found kayaking down whitewater rapids, through unknown deep canyons, and in some of the world’s most remote locations, Sal will talk about her most recent adventures kayaking through America and British Colombia.

“Really delighted to be back out and sharing my passion, face to face, with everyone” commented landscape photographer Colin Prior, who will take the audience on a journey to the highly remote Karakoram mountain range, and talk about how his sources of inspiration have influenced his work in over 50 countries.

Adventurer Alice Morrison Commented "It will be a total delight to be talking to the RSGS members live on my forthcoming tour about my new book Walking with Nomads. The book charts my 7 1-2 month epic journey on foot across Morocco and the Sahara with my 3 Amazigh guides and six camels." 

This year’s programme marks the first time that RSGS will also host a monthly online talk on top of live talks at Local Groups, allowing the events to be especially accessible to everyone all over Scotland and beyond. Everyone is welcome, and members can enjoy access to talks for free. Sign up for membership now at rsgs.org/join-us.

Tickets for all talks will be available on Eventbrite in September; sales are expected to be fast-moving, so please book early to secure seats. Tickets are free for RSGS members and students on the door; for non-members, tickets are £10.