CYCLIST Kate Rawles will be giving a talk in Dunfermline next month on her travels in South America. 

Passionate about using adventurous journeys to help raise awareness and inspire action on urgent environmental challenges, Kate's talk will be taking place as a part of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Inspiring People programme. 

Her most recent ‘adventure plus’ involved cycling the length of South America, from the Pacific Ocean to rainforests and salt flats, on a bamboo bike she built herself.

Kate learned that armadillos can cross rivers by holding their breath, that Colombia has more species of birds than North America and Europe combined, and that in threatening species and ecosystems, we’re tearing down our own life support system.

As she reached the ‘end of the world’, she realised that to tackle biodiversity loss we all have a role to play.

She said: "I currently live in Cumbria but I grew up in Scotland and am a graduate of Aberdeen and Glasgow Universities.

"So, I’m absolutely delighted to be taking part in the RSGS Inspiring People talks – what an amazing opportunity to revisit favourite places and talk about the issues I’m most passionate about. See you there!”

RSGS Dunfermline Local Group Chair Alison Thompson added: "Kate has travelled across the world as a writer and environmentalist, with her goal to inspire action about urgent environmental challenges and reconnect with the value of the natural world. 

“We really look forward to the stories she will share with us about her adventures.”

Kate’s talk in Dunfermline begins at 7pm on Wednesday, March 6, at Dunfermline High School.

RSGS Inspiring People talks are open to all. Tickets are free for RSGS Members, Students and U’18s and £10 for general admission.

Tickets are available to book online in advance here, and are available at the door for cash only.