Day of talks will reveal trials and tribulations of female explorers

The Perth-based Royal Scottish Geographical Society will be throwing open its doors for Geography Day on Saturday, June 16.

The group has lined up a variety of talks and presentations from an array of explorers, academics and cartographers, as well as opportunities to discover the rich heritage on display at the society’s visitor centre in Perth.

The theme for this year’s festivities will be Women in Polar Regions.

On the bill is writer-inresidence Jo Woolf, who will be unpacking the trips, trials and tribulations of Arctic explorer Isobel Wylie Hutchison.

Hazel Robertson, one of the society’s explorers-in-residence, will be recounting anecdotes from expeditions to the Arctic, including her recent record attempt with husband Luke to cross Alaska.

Then, heading to the South Pole, Dr Beth Christie, an expert in outdoor education, will discuss her experiences from the largest all-female research trip to the Antarctic.

She will share some of her remarkable photos from the adventure and championing the teaching of geography outside of the classroom.

Last but not least, the RSGS Collections Team will be on hand to display a selection of maps and memorabilia from the RSGS archive. These display pieces will cover the full gamut of Arctic and Antarctic exploration from the past 134 years of the society’s history.

Geography Day begins at 11am on June 16 at RSGS HQ at Fair Maid’s House, Perth.

Attendance is free, though donations are requested. Places must be booked by contacting enquiries@rsgs.org or 01738 455050.