We organise a programme of c100 public talks and events across Scotland each year. Tickets for most events can be bought via Eventbrite until noon the day before each talk. A limited number of tickets will also be available on the door.

All Events

Inspiring People Talks

We run the best national talks programme in Scotland, Inspiring People, with 90 illustrated talks given each year across Scotland, from September to March. Our inspiring speakers – explorers, scientists, artists, academics, naturalists, leaders, communicators and enthusiasts – bring us amazing stories of journeys and adventures, and refreshing insights into current issues. Afternoon talks in Edinburgh and Glasgow start at 2.15pm; all other talks start at 7.30pm.

You can download a PDF of the full programme here, or If you would like a printed copy of the programme, please contact RSGS HQ.

Award Presentation Events

To celebrate the best in geographical endeavour, we hold a number of high-profile Medal and Honorary Fellowship presentation events each year. In the past, venues have ranged from Edinburgh Castle, the Usher Hall and the headquarters of Scottish Power, to the more modest and personal location of our headquarters. A full list of our Medallists and Fellows is available here and includes names such as Sir Ernest Shackleton, Roald Amundsen, Robert Falcon Scott, Neil Armstrong, Sir David Attenborough, Annie Lennox, Mary Robinson and Gordon Buchanan.

Office Talks

Occasionally, we hold intimate office talks in our Shackleton Room at Headquarters in Perth. These are to allow us to continue communicating critical science issues and awesome adventure stories outwith our Inspiring People talks programme. 

Open Days

Each year, we take part in two open days at our headquarters in Perth. The first of these is our annual celebration of the breadth of our subject, Geography Day. This features an eclectic mix of speakers, workshops and collections item from our archive, and is themed around a critical issue or intriguing topic in geography. The second is Doors Open Day, which celebrates Scottish heritage and the built environment and allows visitors to explore the Fair Maid's House Visitor Centre, and peruse aspects of our insightful exhibitions and historical collections.