Book tickets for the Inspiring People talks programme here. 

From the Sahara to the Himalayas, from oceans to forests, and even journeys that circumnavigate the globe, The Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s 2024-25 Inspiring People talks programme is set to kick off next month, featuring a stellar line-up of renowned authors, leading scientists, visionary filmmakers, and intrepid explorers.

Widely regarded as the best national talks programme in Scotland, it features 90 talks taking place in 13 towns and cities across Scotland. Including Aberdeen, Ayr, Borders, Dumfries, Dundee, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Helensburgh, Inverness, Kirkcaldy, Perth and Stirling, allowing the opportunity for everyone across Scotland to get involved.

The programme will be starting week commencing Monday 16th September, with Polar researcher Mark Brandon speaking in Kirkcaldy and Glasgow about the beauty of the poles, why we should save them, and how we can do it. And broadcaster Dr George McGavin speaking in Edinburgh about switching to a career in broadcasting after 25 years in academia, in order to reach a wider audience about biodiversity.

Professor George McGavin

Giving insight into what he will explore in his upcoming talk, George McGavin commented “I have had two dream jobs, one as an academic zoologist and the other as a broadcaster making science and natural history documentaries for television. In my lifetime the biodiversity of our planet has declined alarmingly and the effects of our unsustainable demands on the natural world have become prodigious and pervasive. We need to realise that our survival is entirely dependent on Nature. We need to redefine how we measure our success as a species and key to this is education.”

The programme will then hear from explorer Mark Evans, who will share the story of recreating Harry St John Philby’s pioneering 1917 journey across Arabia. “As The Times editorial said at the end of our expedition, ‘there is much more to the Middle East than blood, sweat and oil’” commented Mark. “I look forward to sharing with the RSGS members the story of an incredible man, challenging some stereotypes and showcasing the real Arabia, the Arabia that lies behind the headlines, and that has been my home for the past 25 years.”

Mark Evans

Adventurer Alice Morrison will talk about her journey to reveal the secrets of the Nabateans, a great civilisation based in the Arabian Peninsula at the time of the Romans and the Pharaohs. Alice commented “It’s a genuine privilege to be part of the RSGS’s Inspiring People talks. I have just finished a new series for the BBC, Arabian Adventurers -Secrets of the Nabateans. They are the greatest civilisation you have never heard of. They left us great cities of the dead at Petra and AlUla but very little is known about how they lived - until now.”

Alice Morrison

Over the next few months, the programme will continue to feature a collection of fascinating talks, offering the opportunity to learn about everything from the many species lost to the Ice Age, to the iconic lighthouses that decorate the UK’s coastline, and even the intricacies of soil forensics. Whether you're curious about ancient history, exciting expeditions, or the latest in scientific investigation, the programme is filled with topics that promise to engage and inspire.

The excitement continues after Christmas as adventurer Andy Torbet shares thrilling stories from his experiences, from cave-diving and mountaineering to skydiving. Presenter Paul Murton will investigate some of Europe's most remote and mysterious islands. Ever wondered what it's like to tackle the legendary Barkley Marathon? Jasmin Paris, who became the first woman to finish the race earlier this year, will also be speaking for the programme in 2025.

Jasmin Paris

Tickets for all Inspiring People talks before Christmas are now available to book online at www.rsgs.org/events. Tickets are free for RSGS members, students and under-18s, and £15 for general admission. Book now to secure your ticket for what promises to be a popular line-up of speakers.