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 2200 members and 14 branches around Scotland. It plays a central role in Scottish birdwatching, bringing together amateur birdwatchers, keen birders and research ornithologists with the aims of documenting, studying and, not least, enjoying Scotland's varied 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 supports research and survey work through its Research Grants.
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/Admin Officer)
- Jean Torrance (Admin Assistant and Librarian)
- Kathryn Cox (Admin Assistant)
- Dave Allan (Events Coordinator)
Click here for information on how to contact us.
Council
- Chris Waltho (President)
- David Jardine (Vice President)
- Mike Martin (Honorary Secretary)
- Dick Vernon (Honorary Treasurer)
- David Clugston (Honorary Librarian)
- Keith Morton, Vicky McLellan, Roger Hissett, Norman Elkins (Elected members)
- John Campbell, Howard Chapman, Colin Corse, Ian Gibson, Roger Gooch, Stan Laybourne, Geoff Packard, Graham Pyatt, Geoffrey Sheppard, Ann Sime, Brian Smith, Duncan Watt, John Wills (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.
- Chris Waltho (President)
- David Jardine (Vice President)
- Mike Martin (Hon Secretary)
- Dick Vernon (Hon Treasurer)
- Edmund Fellowes
- Willian Prest
Publications Committee
This committee oversees the Club's publications.
- Jimmy Maxwell and Ian Francis (Scottish Bird News editors)
- Stan da Prato (Scottish Birds editor)
- Stephen Hunter (website co-ordinator)
Library Committee
This committee considers such matters as the scope of the library collection, purchase of books, sales and exchanges, binding, and insurance.
- John Davies, Norman Elkins, John Law, Keith Macgregor, Paul Speak, Jean Torrance
- 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
- Rodger Riddington (Shetland) (Chairman)
- Angus Hogg (Secretary)
- Alan Lauder (Fife)
- Chris McInerny (Clyde)
- Angus Murray (Ayrshire)
- Richard Schofield (NE Scotland)
- Alan Brown (Lothian)
- Tristan ap Rheinallt (Western Isles)
- Bob McGowan (Museum Consultant)
Birds of Scotland 3 Editorial Group
- Ian Andrews
- Mike Betts
- Ronald Forrester
- David Grundy
- Bob McGowan
- Ray Murray
- Bernie Zonfrillo
- Dr Chris McInerny
- Mike Pennington
- David Jardine
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 hats, car stickers, and pens.