University Research

We work with Scottish universities to promote geographical study and research, and sit at the heart of a broad network of geographical experts. We also offer ‘knowledge exchange’ opportunities to help interpret academic geography for non-academic audiences, and encourage dissemination of knowledge through our peer-reviewed Scottish Geographical Journal.

In this age of globalised markets and communications, and climate change, it is critical that geographical sciences are promoted and pursued, to encourage joined-up thinking and to give people the skills to make sense of this complex world.

Geography in Scottish Universities

With arguably the greatest geological diversity of any country in the world, and a rich tradition of exploring and settling new lands, Scotland has played a strong and inspirational role in the development of geographical sciences. Geography was one of the founding subjects listed in the charter for Edinburgh University in 1583, but it was not taught as a degree subject until 1908, when RSGS Secretary George Chisholm was appointed as the first Lecturer in Geography at Edinburgh.

Where to Study in Scotland

Research Councils and Funding

We are invited to recommend academics to represent geography in the various research councils. We meet with the Scottish Funding Council and others looking at the strategic funding of geographical studies in Scottish universities.

RSGS University Medal

Since 1909, the RSGS has offered silver University Medals, which are now awarded to the outstanding graduating honours geography student in each of the Scottish universities as recommended by heads of department.

Looking for an Expert?

We have prepared a comprehensive list of geography academics currently working in Scotland. This freely accessible resource organises these practitioners into ten key geographic themes and 24 disciplinary sub-themes. To download the Excel document, please click the link below.

Scotland's Experts

To navigate the document, key words can be searched using the 'Find' command (ctrl F), or filtered using the 'Sort' command.

Knowledge Exchange

Part of our role is to help interpret academic geography for non-academic audiences. We offer opportunities for researchers to communicate their work through public talks, published articles, school activities, public displays, and electronic media. We can do this on an ad hoc basis or as a formal outreach partner in a wider project. If you are a researcher interested in developing a ‘knowledge exchange’ programme with the RSGS, please contact us on [email protected] or 01738 455050.

We also have a small grants scheme. RSGS Knowledge Exchange Grants help to promote geography by disseminating the results of geographical enquiry and research, particularly by early career researchers, for the benefit of the wider public. Aimed at early career researchers, the grants are in the range of £200 to £1,000.

Scottish Geographical Journal

The Scottish Geographical Journal (SGJ) is the RSGS’s peer-reviewed academic journal. International in outlook, the SGJ publishes scholarly articles of original research from any branch of geography and on any part of the world, while at the same time maintaining a distinctive interest in and concern with issues relating to Scotland.

The SGJ is published by Routledge (Taylor and Francis), and is available online or in hard copy. All RSGS Members are entitled to receive the SGJ for free. Join us now to start receiving your copies, and for free access to digital copies online.

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

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"
Sustainable Perth Conference 2020

Perth has a quality of environment and landscape that few cities can match and makes it one of the healthiest places in the country to live, work and grow up. Being one of the smallest of the seven cities in Scotland, there is a real opportunity to lead and showcase sustainable solutions and become the envy of Europe.
Net Zero: Is Hydrogen Over-Hyped?

"I believe that hydrogen has a limited role in decarbonisation, and that businesses with a vested interest in promoting hydrogen are doing so at the expense of British consumers," writes Tom Baxter, Professor of Chemical Engineering
Litter in Lancashire: How Covid-19 Has Accelerated the UK’s Litter Problem

"Litter has been yet another victim of the Covid-19 pandemic. As more people have ventured out into the great British countryside, their litter has followed," writes Laura Brown, a Geography Student from Lancaster University.

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.
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.
The Geographer

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

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

Our Inspiring People talks in 2020 will all be held virtually, via Zoom. Details here.
Our Philosophy

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

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.
An Evening with Jeremy Bowen

In his talk, Jeremy will provide riveting anecdotes from a life reporting on the front line, with insight from dictators, fanatics and fundamentalists, as well as ordinary people caught up in their dangerous exploits. Expect Jeremy to cast a welcome light onto some of the most complex areas of the world.
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.
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!