We have awarded a host of Medals and awards during the first half of this year, to everyone from scientists, to philanthropists, adventurers, and even 12-foot puppets. As we go into July, we share an update of all the awards we have presented so far this year.

Professor John Gordon

Awarded the RSGS Geddes Environment Medal for his tireless efforts to improve the conservation of geoheritage in Scotland and

 internationally. Professor Gordon is a leading international expert in this field, who has advanced scientific understanding and shaped policies that continue to protect and preserve our planet’s geological heritage.

Professor Gordon began his career as a teaching fellow in the geography department at the University of St Andrews, before he went on to become a Geoconservation Specialist with the Nature Conservancy Council, and later with Scottish Natural Heritage.

Professor John Gordon FRSGS

Dr Roddy Yarr

Presented with RSGS Honorary Fellowship for his outstanding leadership in influencing a wide range of climate change and social responsibility initiatives.

Dr Yarr has long been dedicated to the sustainable development of the city of Glasgow. Leading the Sustainable Strathclyde team, he drove numerous transformative initiatives to achieve the University's Climate Change and Social Responsibility Plan and net zero targets. In 2023, Roddy took up the position of Director of Sustainability at the University of Glasgow, where he currently leads the institution’s operational response to net zero, climate resilience and social inclusion.

Dr Roddy Yarr FRSGS

Fraser Stewart

Presented with RSGS Honorary Fellowship, for his efforts towards tackling fuel poverty and championing community-led energy solutions. Hailing from north-east Scotland, Fraser is committed to ensuring that energy innovations effectively tackle poverty and inequality. His passion for energy justice is reflected in his role as Just Transition and Communities Lead at Regen, where he works to ensure that the clean power transition actively benefits low-income, working-class and marginalised communities across the country.

Fraser Stewart FRSGS (left) and Mike Robinson

Little Amal and Team

Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a ten-year-old Syrian refugee child, and the team behind her, were presented with the RSGS Livingstone Medal, in recognition of their work in raising awareness of refugees and human rights. Little Amal is the creation of The Walk Productions, designed and built by Handspring Puppet Company, to communicate a message of resilience and hope to anyone around the world who has been forced to leave their homes, and draw attention to the experiences of young refugees.

Little Amal and the Little Amal team

Gina Hanrahan 

Gina Hanrahan was presented with RSGS Honorary Fellowship for her outstanding contributions as a leading figure in environmental policy in Scotland and beyond. Previously Head of Policy and Advocacy for WWF Scotland, Gina is currently a Senior Specialist in Climate Policy for Principles for Responsible Investment, where she continues to play an active role.

Gina Hanrahan

Hugh Raven

Presented with RSGS Honorary Fellowship for his role as a key figure in Scotland's environment sector. Hugh has made many contributions to soil conservation and land and marine management in Scotland, as well as philanthropy and practical engagement at Ardtornish Estate. Hugh currently runs his family business as Managing Director of Ardtornish. It has become a living legacy of the Raven family commitment to sustainability.

Hugh Raven FRSGS

Polly Murray

Polly Murray was presented with RSGS Honorary Fellowship, for being one of the most accomplished women adventurers of the past 30 years. A celebrated mountaineer, skier and educator, Polly is well known for her achievements in extreme environments (including being the first Scottish woman to summit Mount Everest) and her commitment to inspiring the next generation through exploration.

Polly Murray FRSGS

Frank Taaffe

Presented with the RSGS Shackleton Medal, Frank Taaffe has spent the past forty years championing the town of Athy to further it economically and socially. Frank has championed the legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton. For example, helping to run the highly prestigious Shackleton Autumn School, in Athy, that is now in its 25th year. In 2023, Frank’s efforts ensured approval to build and run the ‘Shackleton Experience’, a museum dedicated to Sir Ernest Shackleton, set to open in 2025.

Frank Taaffe FRSGS (left) and David Henry

Elizabeth Leighton

Presented with RSGS Honorary Fellowship for her decades of work as one of the foremost built environment campaigners in Scotland, informing and influencing the Scottish Government’s commitments to building standards and, more generally, their response to the climate emergency. Elizabeth is the Director of the Existing Homes Alliance, a coalition of environmental, housing and anti-poverty organisations campaigning for the upgrade of existing homes to make them fit for the 21st century, and help tackle fuel poverty and climate change.

Elizabeth Leighton FRSGS (right) and Lorna Ogilvie

Judith Robertson

Presented with RSGS Honorary Fellowship for her long-standing involvement in social justice campaigning for the rights of many disadvantaged groups. Judith was Head of Oxfam Scotland, before in 2013 she became Programme Director of See Me, Scotland’s national campaign to end mental health stigma and discrimination. From 2016 to 2022 she served as Chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission. Today, Judith is Executive Director of Befrienders Highland, a voluntary organisation that provides support and companionship to people experiencing loneliness, mental health challenges, and social isolation.

Judith Robertson FRSGS (right) and Deborah Long 

Hon Alexandra Shackleton

Presented with RSGS Honorary Fellowship for her contributions to polar heritage and her commitment to upholding the legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Alexandra has been a valued supporter of RSGS for many years, maintaining the strong connections we have had with the Shackleton family for over 120 years. In 2014, she helped present the RSGS Shackleton Medal to the organisers of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, and she played a key role in the successful Festival of Shackleton event held in Dundee last December.

Hon Alexandra Shackleton FRSGS and David Henry

We look forward to all the awards still to be presented in 2025. Keep up to date with all of our latest news and events on our social media. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.