In this photo essay, Ted Leeming explores current forestry policy, practices and management in the UK & Scotland in 2023. Read more
RSGS Writer-in-Residence reflects on the life of climber and pioneering chemist J Norman Collie, who made the first neon display tubes. Read more
Following our first webinar on educational reform, RSGS Education Committee Chair Alastair McConnell reports on the findings from discussion and feedback and the recommendations for curriculum change. Read more
Chief Executive of the European Climate Foundation and leading academic Professor Laurence Tubiana spoke at The University of Edinburgh on Friday 27th November, at a special event hosted by RSGS, where she was awarded with Honorary Fellowship of the Society and the prestigious RSGS Shackleton Medal for her work as an internationally recognized leader in the global climate arena. Read more
Engaging stories, topical articles and fascinating insights from across the RSGS network.
In October, RSGS Chief Executive Mike Robinson spoke at The Shackleton Autumn School in County Kildare, Ireland where, as well as giving a master class to senior geography students, he addressed the Shackleton Autumn School with a lecture title drawn from a Shackleton quote: “Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all." Read more
Freya Stark was only four years old when she ran away from home. With careful forethought, she packed a mackintosh, a toothbrush and a couple of pennies before setting off in the direction of Plymouth... Read more
On International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, we share an article from our recent edition of The Geographer on earthquakes, about why we must work towards reducing disaster risk for impoverished and marginalized populations in rapidly expanding cities. Read more
Born on 30th September 1813, John Rae was destined to become one of the most accomplished Arctic explorers of the 19th century. Read more
RSGS Chief Executive Mike Robinson calls for a united response to the climate emergency, and shines a spotlight on Scotland's potential to lead the charge against climate change. Read more
Single-minded and fiercely intelligent, in the early 1900s Gertrude Bell found peace and fulfilment as a desert traveller in the Middle East. Read more
RSGS Chief Executive Mike Robinson challenges the latest severe round of cuts to public services and explains why we must invest in a more just, more sustainable & more robust future. Read more
A natural navigator, Tristan Gooley is highly skilled at interpreting the signs that are all around us, whether in trees, leaves, birds, insects, stars, water or clouds. Read more
Alastair McConnell and Professor Ken Muir discuss the the Hayward Review and its recommendations on qualifications and assessment. Read more
We are delighted to announce the programme for our 2023-24 Inspiring People talks, featuring a stellar line-up of speakers, held in person at our 13 Local Groups across Scotland. Read more
Aged just 22, Andrew (‘Sandy’) Irvine disappeared somewhere near the summit of Everest almost 100 years ago. The story of how he came to be there is one of skill, athleticism and fascinating coincidence. Read more
Part 3 of 3: The final instalment of the Access to Inspiration podcast interview with Bertrand Piccard, who talks about the many benefits of positive environmental solutions. Read more
Part 2 of 3: for the Access to Inspiration podcast, Sue Stockdale interviews renowned explorer and environmentalist Bertrand Piccard, who talks about the ground breaking Solar Impulse project. Read more
Part 1 of 3: for the Access to Inspiration podcast, Sue Stockdale interviews renowned explorer and environmentalist Bertrand Piccard, who is President and co-founder of the Solar Impulse Foundation. He explains why focusing on ecology is not only profitable but also exciting. Read more
In 1974, mountaineer Hamish MacInnes was asked to help craft death-defying stunts for Clint Eastwood's film on the perilous Eiger North Face. What resulted was a realism that left audiences gripping their seats, celebrating MacInnes as a mastermind of mountain safety and adventure. Read more
With a lot of recent discussions about the nature of modern extreme tourism, RSGS Chief Executive Mike Robinson reflects on his own experience on an adventure holiday. Read more
Kayaker Sal Montgomery reflects on how outdoor education and adventure helped her to build a solid foundation of skills and experience and pushed her abilities further than she ever expected. Read more
Cement has a surprisingly large climate impact, contributing around 8% of global CO2 emissions. To align the sector with the Paris climate goals, big changes will be needed. The sheer scale of these changes can seem tricky, but there are a number of ways emissions could be cut. Read more
Starring Harrison Ford in the title role, the latest (and reportedly last) in the series of Indiana Jones movies, ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’, arrived in UK cinemas this week. We take a look at two larger-than-life explorers who bear more than a passing resemblance to his swashbuckling character. Read more
With news that Scottish Government has missed another annual climate change target, RSGS CEO Mike Robinson reflects on the critical action we must take as the pressure of climate change continues to rise. Read more