With that referendum looming in the near future, and Scotland’s identity under constant scrutiny, it seems a perfect time to discuss issues of national identity Writer and broadcaster Mike Parker, will be speaking on the topic in his talk ‘On the Map: Cartography and National Identity’ in a talk in the Council Chambers of Ayr Town Hall on 26th February at 7.30pm. This talk is part of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s ‘Inspiring People’ talks programme.

His talk will look at how nations choose to portray themselves on maps, and what we can glean from that.  There will be a particular emphasis on Scotland at this pivotal time in its national story.

Mike Parker is the author of Map Addict and presented BBC Radio 4’s On the Map series. His obsession with maps began from an early age with his compulsion to explore, to dig deep into the layers of history and identity. He will muse on mapping and national identity, a pertinent topic in Scotland right now.

Mike has a long history of loving maps “It's all about the place. My compulsion to explore, to dig deep into the layers of history and identity, began as a squit of a lad in the Midlands of the 1970s. By the age of six, I was collecting maps. By twelve, I was wandering the country on rail rover tickets and navigating myself to my mum's in Paris.” He’s been working as a freelance writer since the age of 24, producing his own series of books plus working with established travel guides. He loved the travelling and the exploring, but loathed the nitpicky details, price codes, star ratings, formulaic straitjacket and bewildering feedback from readers.

The talk will take place on Wednesday 26th February from 7.30pm at the Council Chambers, Ayr Town Hall, New Bridge Street, Ayr, KA7 1JX. Everyone is welcome. Tickets are £8 for adults, and free for students, under 18s and RSGS members. To join the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, and find out more about talks taking place across Scotland, visit www.rsgs.org.

The next talk in the Inspiring People talks programme is on the 5th November, when award winning expedition documentary maker Matt Dickinson takes us on a breathtaking journey of discovery based on his extraordinary filming career.