The Geographer Spring 2014 | Page 2

The Geographer independence S cotland is a country defined by its geography, its ‘separateness’ growing out of its physical isolation from the rest of Britain. Its original boundary was the River Forth to the south, and the river and the surrounding bog lands made it virtually impassable. Indeed this is reflected in many of the early maps of Britain, depicting Scotland as an island, or connected to the rest of Britain only by the causeway bridge at Stirling. It is this geographical distinction which underpinned the wider popular adoption of ‘Scotland’ as an idea, though it was not until the 13th century that it became seen as a single national entity and was recognisably the land area we call Scotland today. For this edition of The Geographer, we reflected on this history to provide a context to the current debate around the independence referendum, we looked to international voices to understand what impression the independence debate has overseas, and we asked a wide range of academics and public figures to provide useful and impartial information on the issues of most concern to our members. We received dozens of questions from members, through letters, emails and social media, and have used these to guide the commissioning of articles which seek to answer as many questions as possible. (These questions, and longer versions of two of the articles, are on the RSGS website.) The RSGS remains impartial in this debate, but we felt it would be wholly inappropriate for us to ignore it, so we have attempted instead to do what we always try to do, and provide perspectives and expertise that you will find both enlightening and interesting reading. Indeed, we hope that the issues raised and the arguments led will help to inform your choice in September of this year. As ever, any opinions expressed remain those of the authors and cannot be taken as those of the RSGS. I would particularly like to thank our new Chairman, Professor Roger Crofts, and Professor Iain McLean from Oxford University, who have helped advise and source authors and articles for this edition. Mike Robinson, Chief Executive RSGS, Lord John Murray House, 15-19 North Port, Perth, PH1 5LU tel: [phone] email: [email protected] www.rsgs.org Charity registered in Scotland no SC015599 The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the RSGS. Cover image: © Nick Hayes Masthead image: © Mike Robinson A Livingstone Link In January, the RSGS Edinburgh Group Committee was pleased to welcome David Livingstone’s great-great-niece, Marion Carlin, to Julie Davidson’s talk on Mrs Livingstone. After the talk, Mrs Carlin and her husband Lewis joined the speaker and members of the committee for refreshments. The occasion was captured in this photograph, with an evocative chiaroscuro effect in the dark pub. L to R: Julie Davidson (speaker), Alison McCleery (host), William Mackay (RSGS Edinburgh Co-ViceChair), Lewis Carlin, Marion Carlin. Five years in… Many of you, I am sure, will be sad to hear that Fiona Parker, our office manager, and the cheery voice at the end of the phone when you contact the office, is moving to Edinburgh and taking up a new job in April. As a popular and longstanding staff member, we are sad to see her go, but wish her all the best in her endeavours. A search for a replacement is underway. RSGS Grants The RSGS has awarded grants to four university expeditions: •  niversity of Glasgow, Trinidad expedition – to enhance U knowledge and understanding of tropical ecology and biodiversity; •  niversity of Glasgow, Peru expedition – to accurately map U the locations and compile habitat surveys of four tributary rivers within the Manú Learning Centre which run into the Madre de Dios; •  niversity of Glasgow, Bolivia expedition – to assess the U impact on the biodiversity of the reserve of experimental burning, reducing grazing pressure, and increasing habitat protection; •  niversity of Edinburgh, Bolivia expedition – to investigate U the physiological effects of high altitude exposure on humans. Mountain Hydrometeorology The Royal Meteorological Society will hold a meeting on mountain hydrometeorology, in Perth on 28th-29th June. Topics will include observations, research and forecasting. The cost is £50, including refreshments, 28th - 29thJune and the meeting is open to anyone interested in the topic. See www.rmets.org/events/ mountain-hydrometeorology for details and to register. RSGS: helping to make the connections between people, places & the planet