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/// Oceans Under Pressure ///

Since Blue Planet II, public consciousness about the state of our oceans has grown ever stronger. And it's no surprise – they're beautiful, full of life and a important barometer for the overall health of our planet. And that's why we've dedicated the latest edition of our magazine to this theme.

But, of course, there's been more to March than just The Geographer...! In the early part of the month, we were delighted to present our prestigious Mungo Park Medal to explorer and anthropologist Professor Wade Davis. And, speaking of explorers, we also waved off our own Explorers-in-Residence, Luke and Hazel Robertson, as they set off on their latest expedition.

Arctic Day was another highlight in March, and we were pleased our new Young Geographer Editorial Team were able to attend and make a video about the conference. Jo Woolf also produced an insightful new blog to mark International Women's Month  for Collections Corner, and we were happy to award 'collections extraordinaire' Dr John Scally Honorary Fellowship of RSGS.

Finally, looking ahead, we're excited to share opening times for our Fair Maid's House Visitor Centre, to announce a special free exhibition that will be in Perth for just one day, and to report the dates for the next Polar Academy expedition run by Explorer-in-Residence Craig Mathieson.  
Oceans Under Pressure
 
In March we published the latest edition of The Geographer. Featuring colourful creatures around St Kilda, Blue Planet and the Blue Economy, and mining, micro-plastics and methane clathrates, it's a one-stop-shop for what is going on in oceanographic research, and a reference point for solutions to some of the most important issues facing our high seas. 

As part of this spectacular edition, we are delighted to feature stunning images from George Stoyle, British Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016, Doug Allan FRSGS, the Emmy-Award Winning Cameraman, and Will Burrard-Lucas, winner of a Sony World Photography Award in 2017. 

If you would like to receive quarterly editions of this topical geographical magazine, please join us! Membership rates begin at as low as £20 per year.
Join Us!
Prof Wade Davis
It was an honour to present our Mungo Park Medal to Prof Wade Davis for his outstanding contribution to anthropology, ethnobotany, writing, photography and film-making. A master across a range of disciplines, Wade is a fount of wisdom and epitomises the very best of geography!

Whilst with us in early March, Wade very kindly presented five talks across Scotland and spoke to several media outlets, including the BBC. You can hear his interview on BBC Radio Scotland by clicking the big blue button below.
Hear Wade Speak (From 1:25)
Fair Maid's House
Our visitor centre is opening on Saturday 6th April with our fantastic 10 Year Exhibition. Detailing the stories and stand-out moments from the past decade at RSGS, it's not to be missed.

Opening Hours 2019
Saturday 6th April to Saturday 26th October 2019

 
April, May, June ● Thursday to Saturday ● 1:00pm to 4:30pm
July, August ● Monday to Friday ● 1:00pm to 4:30pm
September, October ● Thursday to Saturday ● 1:00pm to 4:30pm

Entry by Donation
Arctic Connections
Our Explorers-in-Residence Luke and Hazel Robertson have just set off on their latest expedition. Called Arctic Connections, the journey will see the Edinburgh-based couple ski over 400 kilometres, including in the hoof prints of one of the greatest animal migrations on Earth – the natural movement of reindeer from feeding grounds in the south Finnmark region of Norway, to birthing areas on the north Arctic coast.

But this journey is about more than just physical endurance and harsh weather conditions – it will be a quest to learn about the indigenous Sámi people who shepherd the reindeer on this annual journey, and whose traditional way of life and unique culture are threatened by factors such as climate breakdown and industrial development.
Follow Their Progress
Arctic Day
Three members of the RSGS Young Geographer Editorial Team head to Inverness for Scotland's first 'Arctic Day'... #YoungGeographer
Collections Corner
Written by Jo Woolf, Writer-in-Residence

Mary Moffat: Dealing with the Daily Dramas of David Livingstone
 

When Livingstone wrote to an acquaintance that his bride was “a matter-of-fact lady, a little thick, black-haired girl, sturdy and all I want,” he unwittingly laid himself open to decades of fierce criticism. It is hard for us now, with our modern-day meanings and preconceptions, to judge whether he was being condescending or enthusiastic. In view of his austere background and upbringing, Livingstone was never going to gush with romance, and with her own strict principles Mary probably didn’t expect it. She submitted happily to married life, and with a courageous heart she prepared to accompany her husband into unknown and possibly hostile territory. Did she realise that she would be risking not only her own life, but the lives of her children? Did she foresee that, while Livingstone would receive the accolades and the glory, she would be assigned a minor role in the history books? Would she have changed her mind, if she had?

Read Blog
Firsts and Nearly Firsts
On Friday 5th April, we'll be throwing open our doors for an exciting RSGS exhibition as part of GeoNight 2019, a pan-European celebration of geography...! 

Firsts and Nearly Firsts features an incredible array of memorable items from RSGS's collection, including a telegram from Robert Peary, the first to reach the North Pole; a signed cover of The Times special supplement for September 1953, showing photos of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on the summit of Mount Everest; and a special map from the First World War signed by Earl Haig.

The exhibition will be open from 13:00 – 15:00 at our headquarters in Perth. Entry by donation.
Latest Honorary Fellow
In March, we were delighted to present Dr John Scally historian, scholar and National Librarian with Honorary Fellowship of RSGS. It was conferred for his active and wide-ranging contribution to the promotion of libraries and for expanding the National Library of Scotland's role and impact in this exciting digital age.
Professor Wade Davis FRSGS (Left); Dr John Scally FRSGS (Right)
Polar Academy

Ten teenagers from Bathgate Academy in West Lothian, all between 13 and 15 years of age, are currently in training for the 2019 expedition of the Polar Academy. Recently voted the toughest youth programme in Europe, it is run by our first Explorer-in-Residence, Craig Mathieson!

The seven female and three male participants will undertake a self-guided 100km, 10-day expedition in Eastern Greenland – and they set off in early April.

Over the past five years, Craig has worked closely with teachers to identify what he calls ‘invisible’ youths. To date, four expeditions involving pupils from a total of ten secondary schools have experienced the life-changing methods deployed by the Polar Academy charity which helps participants to redefine their physical and mental limits. Good luck to all those involved!  

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Lord John Murray House
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