RSE@Lochaber
About the Project
The Royal Society of Edinburgh has launched a high-quality programme of activities for young people and the public across the region of Lochaber. This new programme of inspirational educational talks, discussion forums and workshops for school-aged children and the wider public commenced on the 17 September 2012 and will run until June 2013.
The RSE @ Lochaber initiative follows similar successful RSE projects in Arbroath and the Dumfries and Galloway region. As Scotland’s National Academy, it is the role of the Royal Society of Edinburgh to actively promote the education of young people throughout Scotland, and it aims to stimulate and develop interest in science, society, culture and the arts across all age groups.
While the programme is designed to appeal to all age groups, one key aim of this RSE @ Lochaber initiative is to enhance the understanding and appreciation which school children have of their local community by encouraging a sense of belonging to an area rich in cultural and human resources.
This new programme of free public lectures, schools’ talks and workshops will draw on the expertise of the RSE’s highly distinguished Fellows and other experts from a variety of disciplines.
The Programme Launch - 17 September 2012
The programme launched on Monday 17 September 2012 with a ‘Question Time’ style, free, public evening event, ‘Scottish History in Question’, featuring renowned historian, Professor Tom Devine FRSE, University of Edinburgh, at The Snowgoose Restaurant, Nevis Range, Fort William. This event was chaired by the Charles Kennedy MP.
Professor Devine and Dr Nicola Stanley-Wall, Lecturer in Molecular Microbiology, University of Dundee are the 2012 winners of the RSE Beltane Prizes for Public Engagement. They were presented with their awards at this event. The RSE Beltane Prize for Public Engagement promotes excellence in the field of public engagement and encourages public discussion on significant matters relating to Scotland’s pioneering research and innovation. Dr Stanley-Wall also delivered the first RSE @ Lochaber school event, ‘Bacteria Live in Communities’, a practical, interactive workshop, to pupils at Lochaber High School on 17 September.
Programme of Events
Coming RSE @ Lochaber public lectures will explore themes as diverse as local history, film locations, astronomy, and the Large Hadron Collider. This informative and thought-provoking public lecture programme will then extend to June 2013, covering topics related to the region, including, amongst others, engineering, literature, folklore, science and the arts. Details of talks taking place in February and March 2013 are now available.
During the school year 2012/2013, the RSE will also deliver inspirational educational talks and workshops to primary and secondary schools across the region, exploring issues such as names and identity, meteorology, reminiscence, local history, and the local environment. In addition there will be opportunities for local secondary schools to be involved in entrepreneurial activities.
Visit the events page to find out more about upcoming events, or read the Reports from past events.
Supporters
The RSE @ Lochaber project is supported by The Dulverton Trust, The James Weir Foundation, Beltane Public Engagement Network, RSE Sillitto Fund, RSE Heggie Fund, RSE Fleck Fund, The Mackintosh Foundation, G M Morrison Charitable Trust, CalMac Ferries Ltd and Private Donations
The RSE is seeking support from individuals, organisations and charitable foundations who feel the project is worthwhile. To find out more on how you can offer support, contact the Business Development & Events Manager, Róisín Calvert-Elliott.
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