about the SOC

SOC Crested Tit logo

The Scottish Ornithologists' Club (SOC) was established by a group of Scottish ornithologists who met together in the rooms of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society in Edinburgh on 24th March 1936.

Now, 75 years on, the Club has 2500 members and 14 branches around Scotland. It plays a central role in Scottish birdwatching, bringing together novice birdwatchers, seasoned birders and research ornithologists, with the aim of developing knowledge and skills through documenting, studying and, not least, enjoying Scotland's birdlife. Above all the SOC is a club, relying heavily on keen volunteers and the support of its membership.

Headquarters provide central publications, an annual conference, and the largest library of bird literature in Scotland. The network of 14 branches organises field meetings, a winter programme of talks and social events.

The SOC also supports the Local Recorders' Network and the Scottish Birds Records Committee. The latter maintains the "official" Scottish List on behalf of the Club.

The Club operates two grant schemes. The Endowment Fund provides finance for the study of Scottish birds, and The Birds of Scotland fund is used to support ornithological publications and special projects.

The SOC is recognised by the Inland Revenue as a charity for the purposes of Section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. Scottish Charity No. SC 009859. Click here to view the Club's constitution.

Staff, Office Bearers, and Committees

Headquarters

  • Wendy Hicks Wendy Hicks (Office Manager)
  • Jean Torrance Jean Torrance (Finance Assistant)
  • Kathryn Cox Kathryn Cox (Admin Officer)
  • Dave Allan Dave Allan (Events Coordinator)
  • Karen Bidgood Karen Bidgood (Librarian)
  • Jane Cleaver Jane Cleaver (Membership Development Officer)
 

Click here for information on how to contact us.

Scottish Bird Records Coordinator

Council

Honorary Presidents

Honorary Members

Management Committee

This committee deals with everyday issues relating to the Club, and acts as a forum for the discussion of matters with the view of formulating proposals for council. Management committee posts are normally for a period of five years.

Library Committee

This committee considers such matters as the scope of the library collection, purchase of books, sales and exchanges, binding, and insurance.

Research and Surveys Committee

This committee considers research projects for the Club. It also allocates annual research grants from the SOC Endowment Fund.

Scottish Birds Records Committee

SBRC Scottish List Subcommittee

The Birds of Scotland Fund Committee

Branch Committees

Click here for a list of branch committee members, including current branch secretaries.

Other Club Matters

200 Club

The 200 Club was set up in 1989 by Mrs Daphne Peirse-Duncombe with the aim of raising money for the decoration and refurbishment of the Club's premises. The 200 Club is a Private Lottery and is open for members aged over 18 to join, each of which subscribe £1 per month. In its first 11 years, the 200 Club raised almost £11,000 for the Club. Details on how to join can be obtained from Daphne Peirce-Duncombe, Rosebank, Gattonside, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6 9NH.

SOC Merchandise

Headquarters has a number of items for sale, including car stickers and pens.