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, 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.

What are our aims?

To promote the study, recording and conservation of wild birds and their habitats throughout Scotland.

Through the SOC's Endowment fund we've financed research into everything from Tree sparrow counts and a Capercaillie census to beached bird surveys. Take a look at our surveys page to find out about the wide range of conservation projects we've helped support. We also work with partnership organisations to promote the practice of bird recording and record sharing.

To promote an interest in our wild birds.

We organise our talks and outings programme to showcase some of Scotland's finest bird life and habitats. As a Club, we attend events to raise awareness of our work and strive to encourage more people to enjoy Scotland's birdlife, whether from their armchair or in the field.

To provide a focus for anyone with an interest in, and for more information relating to, the study of birds in Scotland.

We exchange the Club's journal with libraries across the world from Russia to Africa and Japan. We receive and supply library material requests from students and researchers as far away as New Zealand and as nearby as Edinburgh University.

Staff, Office Bearers, and Committees

Headquarters

Click here for information on how to contact us.

Scottish Bird Records Coordinator

• Clive McKay

Council

• Ken Shaw (President)
• Chris McInerny (Vice-President)
• Mike Martin (Honorary Secretary)
• Alan Fox (Honorary Treasurer)
• David Clugston (Honorary Librarian)
• Stuart Rivers, Ian Thomson (Elected members)
• Patric Baird, John Campbell, Graham Cooper, Colin Corse, Iain Gibson, Roger Gooch, James Main, Ray Murray, Geoff Packard, Gordon Riddle, Geoffrey Sheppard, Brian Smith, Paul Taylor (branch representatives)

Honorary Presidents

• Roy Dennis, Frank Hamilton, and Keith Macgregor.

Honorary Members

• Sandy Anderson, Dougal Andrew, Ian Andrews, Iain Gibson, Prof Mike Harris, Angus Hogg, Andrew Macmillan, Ray Murray, Mrs Daphne Peirse-Duncombe, Dr Stanley da Prato, Ron Summers, and Dr Adam Watson.

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.

• Ken Shaw (President)
• Chris McInerny (Vice-President)
• Mike Martin (Hon Secretary)
• Alan Fox (Hon Treasurer)
• 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)
• Ian Elfick, Angela Hissett, Bob McGowan, John Savory (Archives Sub-committee)

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

Scottish Birds Records Committee

• Alan Lauder (Fife) (Chairman) (2013)
• Chris McInerny (Secretary)
• Mark Chapman (Shetland) (2014)
• Hywel Maggs (NE Scotland) (2015)
• John Sweeney (Clyde) (2016)
• John Bowler (Argyll) (2017)
• John Nadin (Lothian) (2018)
• Martin Scott (Western Isles) (2019)
• Bob McGowan (Museum Consultant)

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
• Paul Taylor
• Bob McGowan
• 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.