In an age of ever-increasing and diverse channels of communication, it can be easy to forget the powerful and lasting impact of seeing and hearing from inspiring people ‘in the flesh’ rather than on a screen. There is a personal connection between speaker and audience that makes RSGS talks and events very special.
For generations, RSGS audiences have enjoyed learning directly from many of the most inspirational people of their age. Our first series of public talks was given in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen in 1884-85 by the journalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley, recently returned from ‘finding’ Dr David Livingstone in Africa. In the years since then, we have organised more than 5,000 public talks, reaching hundreds of thousands of people with a thirst for knowledge and adventure. RSGS talks have inspired audiences by charting and celebrating the progression of human endeavour, often with first-hand accounts from men and women who were pioneers in their field – from polar explorers to astronauts, from world-leading mountaineers to round-the-world sailors, and from scientific researchers to media presenters.
Now we run probably the best national talks programme in Scotland. We also celebrate the outstanding geographical achievements of some remarkable people through our programme of prestigious medals and honours. Overall, we organise around a hundred illustrated public talks each year, in 13 towns and cities across mainland Scotland from Inverness to Dumfries. Our amazing speakers include explorers, adventurers, travellers, scientists, artists, academics, writers, photographers, journalists, humanitarians, naturalists, indigenous leaders, communicators, and general enthusiasts – and they all have fascinating stories to share.
RSGS talks offer motivational stories of adventure, expertise on vital current issues, and inspirational insights into people, places and the planet. To help us continue to deliver these talks into the future, and to reach new audiences and new generations, please support our Inspiring People campaign.