Avid travellers and cartophiles (map lovers) are invited to the first talk of the Perth-based Royal Scottish Geographical Society Inspiring People season, which opens on Tuesday.
Mike Parker, who has spent time on the comedy circuits as well as writing numerous travel guides, will take a humorous and lively look at how maps shape our world in a talk in the Salutation Hotel, Perth, at 7.30pm.
He will speak about the power of cartography to shape our image of the world, especially in fomenting ideas of national identity. Maps can be beautiful and informative, but they can also be politically loaded, as Mr Parker will demonstrate in a tour that looks especially at Scotland and the UK, but takes in the US, Russia, Slovenia, the Vatican and the ghost nation of Pomerania.
Speaking about the talk Mr Parker said the ensuing discussions were “unfailingly fascinating”.
“The RSGS is a real credit to Scotland, and I hope that new people will give their lectures a go,” he said.
“In recent years, and thanks especially to digital revolution, geography has emerged from its rather dry and dusty corner of the library to become a major component of our information age, and in the rapidly evolving cultural landscape too.
“Maps, my particular subject, are used now by artists and writers as much as planners and cartographers. They tell us who we are, where we have come from and point us to where we may be heading next.
“My talk this time on maps and national identity will be rooted in Scotland, but will travel widely beyond as well. “
The RSGS Inspiring People talks season brings speakers from all walks of life to audiences across Scotland for six months of nearly 100 talks. The talks aim to, as the name suggest, bring the stories of inspirational people to the public in order that they may be inspired to take up their own travels and adventures.
John McCrone, chairman for RSGS Perth Group, said: “The first talk in Perth by Mike Parker should appeal to anyone with an interest in how our perceptions of the world have been shaped and influenced by maps.”
RSGS Inspiring People talks, in partnership with Tiso, are open to all. Tickets are free to RSGS members, U18s and students, £8 for Tiso Outdoor Experience cardholders or £10 to non-members.
