The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's National Academy, is Scottish Charity No.

SC000470

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

24 August 2010

The Royal Society of Edinburgh to celebrate culture and community in Dumfries and Galloway with programme of public lectures and schools events. In a brand new initiative, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotlands National Academy, will bring a programme of events and activities to Dumfries and Galloway area designed to inspire and educate all age groups. The aim of this initiative is to enhance the understanding and appreciation which people, and in particular school children, have of their local community by encouraging a sense of belonging to an area rich in cultural and human resource. The new programme of public lectures, schools talks and workshops will take place drawing on the expertise of the RSEs highly distinguished Fellows. The programme will commence in September with a series of public lectures celebrating local historical figures including James Clerk Maxwell, (whose statue was unveiled in George Street, Edinburgh in November 2008) credited with laying the foundations for our modern technological society, Dr William A. F. Browne, one of the most important psychiatrists of the 19th Century, and Thomas Telford, widely recognised as the greatest Scottish civil engineer. Other public lectures to be held in autumn will explore themes that shape society and communities, including religion in our times, wind, water and waves, and botany and art. This informative and thought-provoking public lecture programme will then extend to May 2011, covering topics related to the region, including engineering, literature, medicine, science and the arts. During the school year 2010/2011, 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, rivers and legends, and the local environment. There will be opportunities for local secondary schools to be involved in a variety of entrepreneurial activities, including a lively Dragons Den event, celebrating the pioneering banking practices of Reverend Henry Duncan who set up the first Trustee Savings Bank at Ruthwell, Dumfries, 200 years ago. The RSE @ Dumfries and Galloway initiative follows a similar successful RSE project in Arbroath in 2008/9 which increased local understanding of the areas past and present life and re-generate a sense of civic pride, particularly among young people. As Scotlands 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. Recently secured funding from the Dumfries and Galloway LEADER 2007 2013 Programme will help to deliver these activities and comes on top of significant support already secured from a number of individuals and partners including the Buccleuch Charitable Foundation, the Holywood Trust, Lloyds TSB Foundation for
The Royal Society of Edinburgh

The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's National Academy, is Scottish Charity No. SC000470

Scotland and the James Weir Foundation. This support will allow the RSE to create a stimulating programme and a lasting legacy in the Dumfries and Galloway region. Public lectures are open to all and free to attend. Details of events and how to register can be found on the RSE website at www.royalsoced.org.uk. ENDS Further information is available from Susan Bishop sbishop@royalsoced.org.uk 0131 240 2789 07738570315 www.royalsoced.org.uk NOTES TO EDITORS The RSE @ Dumfries and Galloway Public Lecture Programme for autumn 2010 is attached. RSE @ Dumfries and Galloway Programme RSE @ Dumfries and Galloway will involve the Royal Society of Edinburgh working across the region throughout 2010/2011 to: a) Provide a greater understanding of the areas past and present life, as a community, existing within the context of Scotland, the UK and the wider world. b) Regenerate a sense of identity and civic pride, particularly among young people, by encouraging a sense of belonging to an area rich in cultural and human resources. c) Provide a sound and informed basis to empower the community to address current issues related to its future development and continuing prosperity. The focus will be on themes both historical and contemporary that are relevant to the Dumfries and Galloway region. Themes will include: Science and environment History and identity Literature and the Arts Entrepreneurship

The public lectures will take place in venues in towns and villages across the region, including Langholm, Dumfries, New Galloway, Newton Stewart, Stranraer, Lockerbie and Kirkcudbright. Schools and colleges in towns including Annan, Sanquhar, Lockerbie, Dumfries, Stranraer, Moffat, Kirkcudbright, Thornhill and Newton Stewart will be invited to participate in talks and discussion forums delivered by RSE Fellows and other experts.

The Royal Society of Edinburgh

The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's National Academy, is Scottish Charity No. SC000470

About the Royal Society of Edinburgh The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotlands national academy, was founded in 1783 and the Fellowship today includes some of the best intellectual talent in academia, the professions and business. The RSE facilitates public debate, research programmes, educational projects and policy formulation. Its strength is its diversity and impartiality. The Societys unique multi-disciplinary approach enables it to draw from and link with a broad spectrum of expertise to enhance the understanding of globally-important issues. In fulfilling its Royal Charter for the advancement of learning and useful knowledge, the RSE seeks to contribute to the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Scotland.

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