about the SOC
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, 70 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 (Office Manager)
- Jean Torrance (Admin Assistant)
- Kathryn Cox (Admin Assistant)
- Dave Allan (Events Coordinator)
- Karen Bidgood (Librarian)
Click here for information on how to contact us.
Council
- David Jardine (President)
- Mike Martin (Honorary Secretary)
- Alan Fox (Honorary Treasurer)
- David Clugston (Honorary Librarian)
- Ken Shaw
- Dr Chris McInerny, Norman Elkins, Jeremy Wilson (Elected members)
- Rob Armstrong, Patric Baird, John Campbell, Colin Corse, Ian Gibson, Roger Gooch, Stan Laybourne, Geoff Packard, Ray Murray, Geoffrey Sheppard, Brian Smith, Duncan Watt, Graham Cooper, Doreen & James Main (branch representatives)
Honorary Members
- Sandy Anderson, Dougal Andrew, Angus Hogg, Keith Macgregor, Andrew Macmillan, Mrs Daphne Peirse-Duncombe, Dr Adam Watson, Dr Stanley da Prato, Frank Hamilton, Ray Murray, and Roy Dennis
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.
- David Jardine (President)
- Mike Martin (Hon Secretary)
- Alan Fox (Hon Treasurer)
- Edmund Fellowes
- William Prest
- Keith Macgregor
Library Committee
This committee considers such matters as the scope of the library collection, purchase of books, sales and exchanges, binding, and insurance.
- Karen Bidgood, John Davies, Norman Elkins, John Law, Keith Macgregor, Paul Speak, Harriet Trevelyan
- David Clugston (Hon Librarian)
Research and Surveys Committee
This committee considers research projects for the Club. It also allocates annual research grants from the SOC Endowment Fund.
- Tom Dougall (Chair)
- Mike Bell
- Tommy Daniels
- Raymond Duncan
- Norman Elkins
- Les Hatton
- Mark Holling
Scottish Birds Records Committee
- Alan Brown (Lothian) (Chairman)
- Angus Hogg (Secretary)
- Alan Lauder (Fife)
- Chris McInerny (Clyde)
- John Sweeney (Ayrshire)
- Hywel Maggs (NE Scotland)
- Tristan ap Rheinallt (Western Isles)
- Bob McGowan (Museum Consultant)
- Mark Chapman (Shetland)
SBRC Scottish List Subcommittee
- Dave Clugston
- Ron Forrester
- Angus Hogg
- Bob McGowan
- Chris McInerny
- Roger Riddington
The Birds of Scotland Fund Committee
- David Jardine (Chairman)
- Mike Martin
- Norman Elkins
- Ian Andrews
- Dr Chris McInerny
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.