One of the country’s best-known naturalists and environmental authors will visit Perth to give a talk about his career.
The Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) will host the Sir John Lister-Kaye talk on October 9. It has been arranged as part of the Inspiring People programme.
A lecturer of international repute, Sir John will be sharing insights and anecdotes from a life spent conserving and promoting Scotland’s natural landscapes, flora and fauna.
In a career that spanned 40 years, he was the first chairman of Scottish Natural Heritage for the Highlands and Islands, and was president of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and chairman of the government’s Environmental Training Organisation.
As an environmental author, he has garnered success having published numerous books including Song of the Rolling Earth, Nature’s Child and A Very Natural Childhood, which was shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize this year.
In addition, Sir John set up Scotland’s first field studies centre, the Aigas Field Centre near Beauly, which provides environmental education for 6,000 Highland schoolchildren and 750 adults each year.
He said: “I am incredibly pleased to be contributing to the wonderful work of the RSGS and look forward to inspiring audiences with the wonders of Scotland’s natural environments.”
Mike Robinson, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, said: “In 2016, Sir John was made an honorary fellow of the RSGS and was awarded our prestigious Geddes Environment Medal.
“We are, therefore, delighted to be working with Sir John again this year and look forward to hearing about his life spent working so closely with the Scottish landscape.
“The lessons, anecdotes and insights from his remarkable 40-year career are sure to inspire those in attendance and encourage them to discover more about Scotland’s remarkable geographies.”
Sir John will be speaking at the Salutation Hotel, Perth, on October 9, beginning at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £10 for non-RSGS members, and £8 for those with a Tiso Outdoor Experience cardholder.
Entry is free for RSGS members, U-18s and students.
For more information, visit www.rsgs.org/events.
