For the past couple of months, we have been asking our members, speakers, medallists and the public – what does geography mean to you? we have been both interested and touched to hear from those who celebrate the subject's diversity, wish to pass knowledge on to future generations, reflect on how the subject inspired them in the first place, and recognise how it can help safeguard the future. Read more
You become incredibly aware of life in the Atchafalaya Basin before you ever see it. During the high-water season, immersion comes suddenly, the sounds of life surround you, and your senses become stimulated... Read more about this otherworldly and crucial ecosystems fight for survival. Read more
The United States’ national anthem is instantly recognisable, its first few notes leaping straight into a strong and uplifting melody which carries the lyrics forward on a tide of stirring patriotism. But what are those lyrics actually describing Read more
Scotland’s men have qualified for their first FIFA world cup in 28 years but can they go further than previous campaigns and finally bury the ghosts of tournaments past? Read more
Engaging stories, topical articles and fascinating insights from across the RSGS network.
We mark the tercentenary of the birth of James Hutton, who is described as the "Father of Modern Geology". Read more
Adventurer and presenter Simon Reeve visited RSGS HQ in Perth last week ahead of his sold-out event at Perth Concert Hall, to be presented with RSGS Honorary Fellowship. Read more
On Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday, we share an insight into his incredible life and career and his connections to RSGS. Read more
RSGS Chief Executive Mike Robinson reflects on the idea of a social contract - that those who have benefitted from society should pay it forward to younger generations. Read more
We were deeply saddened to hear about the recent death of our friend Doug Allan. Read more
Lokesh Jain writes for The Geographer about his experience at Greenland Science Week. Read more
On International Women's Day we share the extraordinary story of the pioneering women aviators of the Air Transport Auxiliary, who ferried aircraft across Britain, from Tiger Moths to Spitfires and heavy bombers for the war effort - often flying alone, without radios, and in all kinds of weather. Read more
RSGS Chief Executive Mike Robinson reflects on the nine planetary boundaries, how we encourage action to prevent their degradation, and whether the current proposed Ecocide Bill is the answer. Read more
Scotland has a long and proud history of glaciology and polar research, punching far beyond its weight in the international research community. This perhaps stems from our love as a nation for our mountains and a somewhat wild determination to embrace the outdoors - whatever the weather! Read more
We were delighted to have the opportunity to present Professor Johan Rockström with the RSGS Coppock Research Medal, which is presented in recognition of an outstanding contribution to geographical knowledge through research and publication. Read more
This week Members of the Scottish Parliament will consider an Ecocide Bill, legislation to give high level protection to nature. It is one of those pieces of legislation which seems so simple and obvious that it’s more of a surprise that something like it doesn’t already exist, but with long understood climate and nature crises, it is long overdue. Read more
Ahead of the upcoming edition of The Geographer themed on the cryosphere, RSGS Volunteer Sam Chakraverty recalls a glacier adventure that took an unexpected turn, testing his skills and courage as a doctor on Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier. Read more
To mark the Chinese New Year 2026, which lasts from 17th February to 3rd March, the RSGS Collections Team take a look at Perth’s Chinese Twin-Town of Haikou. Read more
As we approach the end of another year, we take a moment to reflect on everything our small charity has achieved in 2025. Read more
Agriculture is not just a vital industry, but is also one of the most significant sectors in terms of emissions in Scotland, responsible for nearly 20% of greenhouse gases. For the previous 10 years, since 2009 the sector had done very little to tackle its emissions, and in 2019 there was a recognition from the farming community, as well as government and other industries that agriculture needed to step up and start to make inroads. Read more
With the latest edition of The Geographer themed on postal services, we share a featured article from the Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society about the joys of letter writing. Read more
Foula is one of the remotest inhabited islands in the UK, but it also has a particularly unique trait- it is the only place in the UK that celebrates Christmas and New Year on a different day, based on the old Julian calendar. Read more
Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, was presented with the prestigious Shackleton medal, in recognition of her outstanding example of compassion in global leadership. Read more
RSGS awarded its prestigious Shackleton Medal to Ros Atkins, for his measured and evidence based reporting, helping highlight truth and science in an age of disinformation. As the BBC’s “explainer-in-chief” Ros represents, some of the best of public service journalism. Read more
In 1933, explorer Isobel Wylie Hutchison found herself icebound off the Alaskan coast, writing to her sister on paper salvaged from a rather extraordinary place - the ghost ship Baychimo. Read more