See the full 2025-26 talks programme here

The best National talks programme in Scotland is back! Starting this September, the Royal Scottish Geographical Society will again host 90 talks across Scotland as part of its annual Inspiring People talks programme.

Held in 13 towns and cities across the country, this year’s line-up features an exciting mix of adventurers, photographers, academics, authors, and many more.

The programme will kick off with polar adventurer Preet Chandi, who will reflect on completing three solo expeditions in Antarctica and earning four Guinness World Records. From navigating extreme weather, isolation and dangerous terrain to dealing with setbacks and fears, Preet’s story is one of resilience, courage and pushing boundaries.

Preet Chandi

Also speaking as part of the programme is cartographer Andrew Barr, who will share his project of hand drawn maps and illustrations that tell Scotland’s story. He commented: "I'm delighted to be going on the road with four book talks around the south of Scotland with the RSGS, sharing my passion for Scottish history and culture through my Atlas of Scotland project."

Andrew Barr

"I am excited to have this special opportunity to share stories from my adventures with like-minded individuals from Scotland” said endurance runner Jamie Ramsay, another upcoming speaker in the programme. “My talk will transport the audience through fourteen countries as we head from Canada to Argentina. One of the overarching themes of my Running the Americas adventure is the hugely positive interactions I have had with others. It was a journey that reassured me about how wonderful people are."

Jamie Ramsay

Author Sarah Roberts, who in her talks will take the audience on a journey exploring Iceland’s unique geography told us: “I’m thrilled to be a part of the RSGS Inspiring People talks programme. As a society built around geographical learning, this feels like the perfect stage to share one of the most hopeful investigations of my career so far. From its explosive geysers to the infamously crystal clear waters of the Silfra, Iceland's geography has captured the heart of many photographers, filmmakers and explorers, but it’s the scientists on this island who have claimed the narrative of this story.”

Sarah Roberts

Over the next few months, the programme will continue to feature a collection of motivational talks, offering the opportunity to learn about everything from the fascinating world of cartography, to mountaineering in the world’s most beautiful and rugged landscapes, and the ancient geological history of Scotland. Whether you are curious about ancient history, exciting expeditions, or the latest in scientific investigation, the programme is filled with topics that promise to engage and inspire.

The excitement continues after Christmas. In 2026, join Dan O’Neill as he tracks snow leopards through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia. Follow adventurer Alice Morrison on a journey across Saudi Arabia on foot, presenter Paul Murton will trace the discoveries of 18th-century traveller Sarah Murray, and Derek Fabel will tell the story of how a nuclear fallout exposed a fake ‘antique’ whisky…

RSGS Chief Executive Mike Robinson is looking forward to getting the talks underway: “We’ve been running talks by inspiring people for over 140 years, bringing to life some of the greatest adventure stories or scientific developments. This season we have TV presenters, polar explorers, wildlife experts, climbers, desert travellers and so many more, all of whom bring to life the wonder and variety of the modern world and remind us of our part in it.”

Tickets for the first half of the programme are now available to book online at www.rsgs.org/events. Tickets are free for RSGS members, students and under-18s, and £15 for general admission. Book now to secure your ticket for what promises to be a popular line-up of speakers. 

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