The Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) represents one of Scotland's most pressing conservation challenges. Reintroduced in 1837 following extinction in the 1700s, populations have experienced severe decline since the 1970s due to low breeding success and deer fence collisions. As one of the country's most endangered woodland birds, understanding what is happening within remaining populations is essential for guiding effective management. Modern genetic tools offer a powerful way to uncover hidden insights within species — revealing how populations are connected, how diversity has changed over time, and where conservation action is most needed. By applying these approaches to Capercaillie populations within the Cairngorms National Park, we can begin to build a clearer picture of the species' long-term viability and identify the management strategies most likely to support its recovery. Here we explore how genetics is being used as a practical conservation tool for the Capercaillie, and how the findings are shaping real-world decisions to secure the future of this iconic Scottish species.

Heather is a Research Scientist at the RZSS, a wildlife conservation charity working to reverse the decline of at least 50 species across the globe. In her role in the RZSS WildGenes conservation team, Heather specialises in applying modern genetic tools to address real-world conservation challenges and support evidence-based conservation management. Her work spans across a diverse range of native species, such as the Western Capercaillie and Eurasian Beaver, and species found further afield including Northern Rockhopper Penguins and the Rote Island Snake-necked Turtle, contributing critical insights that help safeguard biodiversity and inform long-term conservation management strategies.

John will look at some of the innovative and creative ways that branches are employing to record Scotland's bird life. From participation events to solo study, deploying technology to working with like-minded conservation partners and industry.

A lifelong birdwatcher, John is the Clyde Area Local Recorder and former Chair of the Clyde branch. A retired police officer he spends his time monitoring the raptors of west Loch Lomond. He is also heavily involved with the Glasgow Peregrine Project.

Asia's presentation will cover how she became involved with SOC and her experiences editing the Young Voices section of Scottish Birds. She will give an overview of the articles published so far and why they are so important, as well as her hopes for the future of the section.

Asia is a student at the University of Edinburgh, and has been involved with the Journal since the start of 2025. She hopes to encourage youth engagement in birding by helping young people to get their work published and to share their opinions and experiences with a wider audience.

Leah will discuss the experience of discovering a new birding patch after moving to North Berwick, and the rewards of birding close to home. Using observations from around the town and local coastline, the talk will explore how local patch birding can reveal new insights about familiar places. Alongside general birding, Leah will share insights from nest monitoring in urban and suburban areas, highlighting the often-overlooked breeding birds living alongside us.

Leah is a final-year PhD student at the University of Aberdeen, focusing on breeding waders. She has spent her field seasons in Orkney monitoring breeding waders such as Lapwing, Oystercatcher, and Curlew. Outside of her research, she is a keen birder, nest recorder, and newly qualified ringer.