New book: Voices of the Earth

For the last couple of years, I’ve been working on a new book for the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Last week, at a wonderful, cake-filled event in Perth, it was finally launched!

Voices of the Earth focuses on a wide-ranging collection of explorers, pioneers and conservationists, whose travels have taken them across deserts, around the world’s oceans, into the humid depths of rainforests and up onto the summits of jaw-dropping mountains.

My inspiration came from the RSGS Visitors’ Book, one of the most precious treasures in the Society’s archive, which contains the signatures of people who have explored some of the most distant and fascinating parts of the globe.

I wanted to look at where they went, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. But I was also interested in why they went there, what drew them to that particular environment, and what they learned from the experience.

In writing the book, I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with some truly amazing people, and the result is a celebration of their courage, dedication and passion. Many of them are environmentalists and campaigners who are concerned about the changes that they have witnessed on a global scale and are using their voices to inspire positive action.

It has been an absolute privilege to put this book together, and I’m thrilled with the result. It still feels almost surreal to be holding a physical copy in my hands. As always, I’ve had the steadfast support of the Trustees, staff and volunteers at RSGS.  On launch day, the atmosphere of happiness and enthusiasm was just so lovely.

At the launch we were lucky enough to be joined by some of the people who feature in the book. From left to right:  Mike Robinson, Donald Lamont, Mark Evans, Doug Allan, myself, Polly Murray, Alice Morrison, John Shears, Hazel Robertson.

The cake which graced the book launch was an absolute work of art, and it tasted as good as it looked.

Professor Jo Sharp, Geographer Royal for Scotland, has written the Foreword, and the beautiful cover artwork was created by Jennifer Guest. Colin has also been heavily involved, drawing maps for each chapter, making sure that the book looks and feels beautiful, and creating print-ready artwork.

Voices of the Earth is now available to order from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.   If you’ve already pre-ordered it, thank you – your copy will be posted out very soon.