Legacies

There is something really powerful about first-hand experience – hearing from people operating at the boundaries of intellectual, geographical and human endeavour, or reminding society of the value of geography in policy and practice. We have a remarkable heritage of celebrating and hosting some of the most accomplished people in their field, working at the local, national and global levels, and providing a real impact. It is often their stories and example which drive our members’ passion for the subject, and ensure that inspiration truly does last a lifetime.

RSGS ran the very first geography exams in Scotland at the end of the 19^th century, and we have helped to establish the subject in our schools ever since. We work across the schools and university sectors, championing geography in Government and with public bodies and employers. We provide resources for teachers, pupils, and school, convene workshops and push for changes in the curriculum. In 2021 for example we distributed our Horrible Geography of Scotland book to primary schools across Scotland.

Through our magazine, talks, events, policy work and convening power, we are always working to ensure that geography and science are being heard and are contributing where it can. We help drive positive solutions to critical issues, e.g. climate change, for which we have run 15 sector by sector summits, produced a special film and magazine for COP26 in Glasgow, run a Faith & Science leaders event and a range of workshops, convened an online conference with the global geographical community and produced an online climate solutions course for businesses and organisations.

Continuing our legacy of geographical education

RSGS is part of a global network, one of around 75 geographical societies worldwide. With our influence, membership and diaspora we have left a lasting impression well beyond our national boundaries. From previous council member Patrick Geddes’ impact on town planning, or JY Simpson’s success in negotiating the borders of Lithuania, Latvia and Finland post WWI, to modern initiatives like hosting the ex-PM of France or the previous President of Iceland, or convening the entire geographical community around key topics such as biodiversity loss, the RSGS has a long history of soft diplomacy and global outreach.

Building a fund for future generations

Despite a rich and extended heritage, RSGS is very future-focused. We try to tackle topics which we believe are of vital current interest and necessary for a safer and more prosperous future. As a result a good deal of our work is about taking the best of modern understanding and learning and using it to help guide thinking to avoid predictable problems, safeguard against obvious hazards and design better systems for the benefit of society. We are always keen to help mentor young people, bolster learning opportunities and inform those issues which are most likely to impact future generations, perhaps best exemplified by our Young Geographer magazine mentoring scheme.