A JOURNEY into the heart of the Andes is set to offer fresh perspectives much closer to home.
Jack Capener, who spent a year and a half living in remote indigenous communities in Ecuador and Peru, will share his experiences at an upcoming talk in Galashiels.
The event is part of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s (RSGS) Inspiring People talks programme.
Mr Capener, who first travelled to the Andes in 2023, immersed himself in a traditional way of life centred around farming, herding, and spiritual practice, exploring deep connections to land and heritage.
He said: "It's really exciting to be sharing tales from my time living with indigenous communities in the Peruvian Andes, whose lifestyles, I believe, offer a blueprint of a more ecologically sensitive way of living on Earth.
"The indigenous Andeans dwell in a mountain landscape that is bristling with story, song, magic, and spirits, and I hope that by sharing my experience living amongst them, I can inspire Scots to begin to view our own hills and glens the same way.
"For a deep dive into life in the Andes off the beaten path, please come along."
The adventurer drew parallels between the spiritual and environmental connections that tie both Andean and Scottish cultures to their mountain landscapes, and hopes his talk will inspire others to see the Scottish countryside through new eyes.
Mike Robinson, chief executive of RSGS, said: "This is a real insight into the lives of indigenous communities from the perspective of someone who has lived among them, and a reminder that we shouldn’t take our own landscape here in Scotland for granted.
"Jack’s talks will remind us that mountains are not only places of dramatic and beautiful scenery, but also home to rich cultures that are steeped in history.
"Jack Capener will be the final speaker for our 2025–26 talks programme, so don’t miss this last chance to be inspired until our next series of talks begins in September."
Mr Capener will deliver talks in Dumfries, Galashiels, Ayr, and Helensburgh during the week starting March 23.
The Galashiels talk will take place at Borders College, Scottish Borders Campus, on Nether Road at 7.30pm on March 24.
Tickets are free for RSGS members, students, and under-18s, while general admission is priced at £15.
They can be booked in advance through the RSGS website at rsgs.org/events, or purchased at the door on the night of the event.
Mr Capener’s talk promises to offer fresh insights into the delicate relationship between people and place, both far away and on home soil.
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