Royal Scottish Geographical Society

Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Founded in 1884, it is one of the world's oldest and most respected geographical societies, dedicated to advancing the study and public understanding of geography. Based in Perth, the society promotes geographical knowledge through lectures, publications, educational outreach, and its significant collections. It has been instrumental in supporting major polar and mountaineering expeditions and fostering the work of prominent geographers and explorers.

History

The society was established in 1884 in Edinburgh, with key founding figures including the geologist and explorer John George Bartholomew and the diplomat and scholar John Scott Keltie. Its creation reflected a growing Victorian-era interest in exploration, cartography, and the scientific understanding of the world. Early patrons included notable figures such as Lord Rosebery and the society quickly gained prestige, receiving its Royal Charter from Queen Victoria in 1887. Throughout its history, it has been closely associated with major figures in Scottish exploration, including supporting the work of figures connected to the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration and the mapping of regions like the Himalayas.

Activities and publications

The society organizes a wide-ranging programme of public lectures, events, and educational initiatives across Scotland, often held in venues like the University of Edinburgh and Glasgow City Chambers. Its flagship publication, the Scottish Geographical Journal, has been published since 1885 and features peer-reviewed research on physical and human geography. It also produces the popular magazine The Geographer and various educational resources. The society actively engages with schools, promotes discussions on critical issues like climate change and sustainable development, and has historically supported field research and expeditions to remote locations such as the Arctic and the Andes.

Collections and facilities

The society maintains important archival and cartographic collections, which are housed at its headquarters in Lord John Murray's House in Perth. These collections include a significant library of historical books, a vast archive of maps and charts from firms like John Bartholomew & Son Ltd., and unique artifacts from famous expeditions. The collections also feature personal papers of notable individuals such as the geographer and oceanographer Sir John Murray and materials related to the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition. Its facilities provide a resource for researchers, students, and the public interested in the history of geography and exploration.

Awards and recognition

It confers several prestigious awards to honour significant contributions to geography. These include the Mungo Park Medal, awarded for outstanding contributions to geographical knowledge through exploration, and the Scottish Geographical Medal, its highest honour for services to geography. Other awards include the Coppock Research Prize and the Joy Tivy Education Medal. The society also awards grants and fellowships to support geographical research and fieldwork. Its recognition extends through the election of distinguished Fellows and Honorary Fellows, which have included renowned explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton and scientists such as Sir David Attenborough.

Notable people

Throughout its history, the society has been associated with a remarkable array of influential individuals. Early influential members included the cartographer John George Bartholomew and the explorer and missionary David Livingstone. Notable presidents have included the mountaineer Sir Hugh Munro, the geologist Sir Archibald Geikie, and the polar scientist Sir Vivian Fuchs. Among its medal recipients and honorary fellows are figures of global stature such as the oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, the anthropologist Sir Edmund Leach, the explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and the environmentalist Robert Swan.

Category:Scientific organizations based in Scotland Category:Geography societies Category:Organizations established in 1884 Category:Perth, Scotland