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  • Innovative Projects
  1. What We Do

Innovative Projects

We develop exciting projects to inspire public audiences, influence policy-makers, and solve complex problems. These are a few examples.


Climate Solutions

We are leading on a new training programme in contemporary climate understanding and solutions. Climate Solutions has been developed by RSGS in association with the Universities of Edinburgh and Stirling, the Institute of Directors, and digital qualification providers Jump Digital; it is part-funded by the Scottish Government.

A full Professional course and a shorter Accelerator course are aimed at time-poor managers in the public, private, academic and voluntary sectors – those who are in a position to make a positive difference now. The programme provides a thorough understanding of climate change, climate science, relevant policies, and the solutions and tools available for businesses to use.

Climate Solutions aims to tap into the huge potential for organisations and individuals in Scotland to support national and international efforts to combat climate change.

Find Out More


Bitesize

In 2014-16 we developed a project to assess ways in which Scotland could make the biggest difference to reducing global climate emissions, through expertise, innovation or example, and building on the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. A full-day conference, run in association with the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation (ECCI) and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), and involving different sectors of Scottish industry and society, identified the key areas on which future progress should particularly focus. These included the circular economy and low-carbon resources (such as low-carbon cement), transport (especially active travel, mobility as a service, electric vehicles and rail infrastructure), renewable energy and heat, housing standards, carbon capture and storage, city design and planning, agricultural emissions (especially nitrogen), and food waste. It was identified that these key activities needed to be underpinned by suitable 'carbon financing' and, importantly, a greater understanding amongst middle and senior managers of climate solutions and the relevance to their businesses.

The immediate project outcomes were an edition of The Geographer on a theme of climate solutions, and a well-informed contribution to the Scottish Government's consultation process on the Climate Change Delivery Plan. Since late 2016, work has continued in several of the key policy areas identified, and RSGS has led on the development of the Climate Solutions training programme.


The Great Horizon

Our heritage collections contain a mass of information and material relating to many extraordinary men and women who have travelled and explored the world over the past 150 years. To inspire more people to take an interest in geography and in the work of the RSGS, we decided to publish a book of 50 amazing tales of adventure and exploration drawn from our past and recent history.

We commissioned our wonderful volunteer Writer-in-Residence, Jo Woolf, to research and write a range of stories of adventures undertaken by well-known and lesser-known explorers. At the same time, we crowd-sourced from our membership and other supporters the funding needed to get the book professionally published and distributed.

The result, The Great Horizon, is a beautifully-crafted, thoughtful and exciting read! It features those who set out to conquer new territories and claim world records, alongside those who contributed to our understanding of the world all but accidentally, and it includes unique images and insights from the RSGS archives.

Buy Online


Young Geographer

We have now supported three groups of young people in a project to produce a 'Young Geographer' magazine, based on our own quarterly magazine. The young people were responsible for commissioning and editing articles, for sourcing photographs, and for overall design. Throughout the process, RSGS staff provided mentoring advice, practical help, and promotional opportunities.

 

The Future We Want

The first magazine focused on climate change. We helped the team to present the printed magazine to the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, and to three key architects of the Paris Climate Agreement (including the then head of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change), placing the young people’s work on a national and international stage.

Arctic Perspectives

The second magazine focused on the Arctic. In December 2019, we helped the team to present the printed magazine to the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs, and we distributed copies to our network of members, contacts and secondary schools across Scotland and beyond.

Climate Justice

The third magazine focused on climate justice, and was produced by a team of young women (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plM_qithFaM). It was published in early 2021, when we were under Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, and so its distribution is predominantly through digital channels. A free curricular-linked lesson plan helps teachers to use this resource in the classroom.


The Fair City

We commissioned artist Rob Hain to create a wonderful new painting of Perth in his trademark colourful style. From this we produced limited edition prints which are available for sale in our shop. We can also offer the original for sale - please contact us if you are interested!


The Armchair Geographer

As a response to the Covid-19 outbreak, staff at RSGS pulled together a special edition of our magazine, The Geographer, for Members to enjoy at home. Filled with light-hearted activities, articles, recommendations and inspiration, this 'Armchair Edition' included interviews with famous faces, insight from our collections, and a crossword set by our Chief Executive. We are grateful to our Members, volunteers, Explorers-in-Residence and particularly our Writer-in-Residence for making this project happen in barely one month.

Published: 3rd May, 2019

Updated: 13th September, 2021

Author: Susan Watt

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    We conserve and curate heritage collections of more than 100,000 historical and contemporary maps, and a wide variety of books, artefacts and archives.

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    We promote geographical research in Scottish universities, offer ‘knowledge exchange’ opportunities, and publish a peer-reviewed academic journal.

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    The RSGS’s governing constitution, current strategic plan, latest accounts and latest AGM minutes can be downloaded here.

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    We are at the heart of a community of interest – an RSGS family of individuals and organisations working together, part of an international network of geographical expertise and achievement.

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    The Geographer

    We publish an attractive and informative quarterly magazine, The Geographer.

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    We provide informed, intelligent, insightful commentary on world issues from a geographical perspective.

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    Public Events

    Inspiring People talks (face-to-face and online), award presentation events, and special events at our HQ in Perth.

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

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  • Join Us

    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.

  • Who We Are

    Who We Are

    With the support of more than 2,500 Members, c120 volunteers, and six staff, we are a small, flexible organisation, striving to increase geographical understanding.

  • Our Philosophy

    Our Philosophy

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

  • RSGS People

    RSGS People

    We are associated with some amazing people - explorers, adventurers, travellers, photographers, writers, humanitarians, scientists, journalists...

  • University Research

    University Research

    We promote geographical research in Scottish universities, offer ‘knowledge exchange’ opportunities, and publish a peer-reviewed academic journal.

  • Nominate for Awards

    Nominate for Awards

    Submit your nominations for new RSGS Medallists and Fellows, recognising outstanding contributions in a wide range of geographical fields.

  • Volunteer With Us

    Volunteer With Us

    It's easy to volunteer with us, and we have lots of exciting projects to work on, including hosting speakers at our talks, giving RSGS talks to external clubs and guiding visitors at our HQ in Perth.

  • Schools Education

    Schools Education

    We are a champion for geographical education in Scottish schools, involved in policy discussions, promoting geography in schools, and projects.

  • Informing Policy

    Informing Policy

    We engage in policy discussions with national government departments, international bodies, local authorities, community organisations, schools, universities, companies, NGOs and others.

  • Our Impact

    Our Impact

    We provide informed, intelligent, insightful commentary on world issues from a geographical perspective.

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