The Geographer

We publish an attractive and informative quarterly magazine, The Geographer. Each edition explores a different geographical theme, with a range of short articles from experts and enthusiasts. Over the years, we have received contributions from the Dalai Lama, Senator John Kerry, Mary Robinson, Helen Sharman, Annie Lennox, plus a whole host of senior academics, policy makers, managers in the NGO community and many more.

Members receive printed copies of the magazine in early March, June, September and December. Three months after publication, copies are made available to read electronically on issuu or via the PDF links below.

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

Promoting Science Fund

The Promoting Science Fund supports the costs of awarding RSGS grants, allowing us to fund more geographical research work and expeditions.

Latest

March 2021

March e-newsletter of the RSGS: GeoQuizzical, James Croll Conference, Inspiring People, Chalk Talks, Young Geographer
An Evening with Tim Flannery

An evening of conversation with Professor Tim Flannery, internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer and conservationist - hosted by Professor Iain Stewart & Dr Vanessa Collingridge.
Chalk Talks - National 5

Free, virtual geography lessons for students working at home. These videos summarise topics in the Scottish Geography curriculum at National 5 level.
Chalk Talks - Higher

Free, virtual geography lessons for students working at home. These videos summarise topics in the Scottish Geography curriculum at Higher level.

Climate Emergency Summits

Our Climate Emergency Summits provide a space for motivated people from across the sectors to come together in a safe and open workshop environment to offer solutions to the climate emergency.
Everyone is a Geographer
The World's Carrying Capacity

Life on Earth is part of one great independent system which depends on the biosphere: the atmosphere, oceans, freshwaters, rocks and soil.
Innovative Projects

We develop exciting projects to inspire public audiences, influence policy-makers, and solve complex problems.
Heritage Collections

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Departing the Island on 'The Edge of the World’

"Ninety years ago, on August 29, 1930, the last 36 residents of St Kilda were evacuated. Huddled on HMS Harebell they were conveyed from Village Bay on Hirta to mainland Scotland." Writes Collections Volunteer, Kenny Maclean FRSGS.
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland: An Interview

After 14 years, Mike Robinson stepped down from the charity coalition he established: Stop Climate Chaos Scotland. In this interview with Jo Woolf, he speaks about his lifelong passion for environmental issues and his hopes for the future.
Shackleton at the RSGS: A Sketch

This is an attempt to explain why there are no newspaper cuttings in the RSGS archives from early 1904 until late 1905. This is approximately the length of Shackleton’s tenure as Secretary...
What an Emergency Looks Like

"In the case of coronavirus, despite some amount of confusion, at least we now know what an emergency response looks like," writes Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of RSGS.
Hamish MacInnes: ‘the Fox of Glen Coe’

"MacInnes will be fondly remembered for his independent spirit, altruism, courage, modesty, and not least for his sense of humour. Thousands of people owe their lives to him, either directly via rescue missions, or through safety equipment and training. While he loved all mountains, his heart was in Scotland"
COP26 Postponed

"Postponing the relevant UN COPs was inevitable, but we need to see them as essential pre-planning, and re-schedule them as soon as circumstance allows," writes Mike Robinson, RSGS Chief Executive.
Erskine Beveridge: the Dunfermline Geographer

"Beveridge's photographs could be dismissed as a romantic view of Scotland but, as well as castles and mountains, they also capture a historical geography and social history..." writes Bruce Gittings FRSGS
An Interview with Levison Wood

“It’s about showing what a region is really like through the eyes of the people who live there.” Explorer Levison Wood speaks to RSGS Writer-in-Residence, Jo Woolf.
The Climate Emergency: One Year On

"Although coronavirus is quite rightly dominating our thoughts and immediate concerns, the climate emergency hasn't gone away." An interview with Mike Robinson and Professor Dave Reay.
An Interview with Calum Maclean

For our Young Geographer magazine published in 2019, our team of Editors sat down with BBC presenter and wild-swimmer Calum Maclean. The magazine article was published in Gaelic, but we're pleased to share the English version online!