SOC membership
Interested in birdwatching in Scotland? Why not join the Scottish Ornithologists' Club?
The SOC is Scotland's national bird club, with over 2500 members and 14 branches around the country.
Formed in 1936, the Club is a registered charity playing a central role in Scottish birdwatching. We bring 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.
Membership is open to everyone with an interest in birds in Scotland. As a member, you receive the Club's publications and have access to a programme of illustrated talks and group outings.
Local branch affiliation, based on your home address, is included at no extra cost as part of you annual Club membership fee. In addition to your local branch activities, you are welcome to participate in meetings and outings held by other branches. See our branches page for more information.
SOC Members receive the Club's quarterly journal Scottish Birds - a comprehensive publication that combines research papers and notes, Club news and articles, and fully illustrated descriptive reports of rare and scarce bird sightings. You can download a sample issue from the publications page.
Subscription rates
Annual membership subscription rates are as follows:
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Adult (aged 18 or over) | £30 |
| Family (two adults and all juniors living at the same address) | £41 |
| Junior/Student (aged 17 or under, or student aged 18-24 and in full-time education) | £10 |
| Concession - Pensioner (of an age to draw the State Retirement Pension) | £22 |
| Concession - Unwaged (and claiming benefit) | £10 |
| Joint Concession (two members entitled to concession and living at the same address) | £29 |
| Life | £620 |
| Life Family | £930 |
| Library/Institution | £50 |
NOTE: A £15 supplement is payable by overseas members to cover the additional costs of postage.
SOC subscriptions are due annually on 1st September. New applications received between 2nd September and 30th April will be backdated to the previous 1st September (to include all membership material issued from September). New members joining between 1st May and 31st August will have their first year subscription extended until September in the following year.
Membership forms
Click below to download (in PDF format):
Please mail the completed form(s) with your subscription (or Direct Debit Mandate) to The SOC at the address shown on the contact us page.