SOC runs a varied, year-round programme of events, details of which can be found below. Our flagship occasion is the autumn Annual Conference and AGM; we also organise a Scottish Birdwatchers' Conference each spring, in partnership with BTO Scotland and a local branch. Further information is available here when bookings are open.

We hold a number of events at Waterston House, our Headquarters based in Aberlady, East Lothian. These include art exhibitions, Optics Days, and Goosewatch (to tie in with the arrival of thousands of Pink-footed Geese in the autumn). For a full overview of what’s on offer, please click here.

Our Bird ID Guided Walks take place across Scotland’s Central Belt (mostly Lothian-based with some slightly further afield). They're open to members and non-members alike and are aimed at beginner and improving birdwatchers. A small fee applies and places can be booked via the links below. In addition, many of our branches offer a programme of free outings for SOC members, welcoming birders of all levels. Visit our Local Branches page to find a group near you.

If you'd like to be notified by email of upcoming events, e.g. when more guided walks are available to book, please subscribe to our Mailing List.

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Thistle Goldfinches by Jane Smith
7 March 2026

DRAWN TO BIRDS

This spring, the SOC presents a vibrant exhibition of prints, paintings, textiles and wooden sculpture,...
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22 April 2026

BIRD ID COURSE: SET OF 4 MID-WEEK WALKS

This short course, comprising of four weekly walks, offers a chance to develop and enhance...
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23 April 2026

BIRD ID WALK: WETLAND & WOODLAND BIRD IDENTIFICATION, RSPB BARON’S HAUGH

An April visit to the woodlands and wetlands at Baron’s Haugh provides a great opportunity...
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25 April 2026

BIRD ID WALK: AN INTRODUCTION TO BIRD SOUNDS, ORMISTON

A late April morning visit to Ormiston will provide an opportunity to learn bird calls...
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26 April 2026

BINOCULARS AND TELESCOPE DEMONSTRATION

In addition to the wide range of optical equipment available for sale all year round at Waterston...
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28 April 2026

BIRD ID WALK: WADERS, WILDFOWL AND SPRING MIGRANTS, KINNEIL

The lagoons at Kinneil and surrounding habitats provide an opportunity to see a variety of...
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29 April 2026 - 7 June 2026

NATURAL COLLECTION

Humans have long collected, categorised and depicted the natural world, from the 15th century cabinets...
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30 April 2026

BIRD ID WALK: WETLAND & WOODLAND BIRD IDENTIFICATION, RSPB LOCH LOMOND

A late April visit to the woodlands and wetlands at RSPB Loch Lomond provides a...
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7 May 2026
SOLD OUT

BIRD ID WALK: FARMLAND & REEDBED BIRD IDENTIFICATION, ERROL

The Tay Reedbeds are the largest reedbed in UK and home to some special birds....
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12 May 2026
SOLD OUT

BIRD ID WALK: FARMLAND AND WOODLAND BIRD SOUNDS, LONGNIDDRY

The Railway Walk to Haddington provides a good location to see and hear a variety...
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15 May 2026

BIRD ID WALK: WADERS, WILDFOWL AND SPRING MIGRANTS, KINNEIL

The lagoons at Kinneil and surrounding habitats provide an opportunity to see a variety of...
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17 May 2026
SOLD OUT

BIRD ID WALK: WETLAND & WOODLAND BIRD IDENTIFICATION, LOCH LEVEN

A mid-May visit to the woodlands and surrounding habitats at Loch Leven will provide a...
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20 May 2026
SOLD OUT

BIRD ID WALK: SPRING MIGRANTS, HOLYROOD

A mid-May visit to Holyrood Park can provide excellent opportunities to learn the basics of...
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22 May 2026
SOLD OUT

BIRD ID WALK: COASTAL BIRDS AND SPRING MIGRANTS, ABERLADY

A May visit to Aberlady Bay can provide excellent opportunities to learn the basics of...
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22 May 2026 - 25 May 2026

SOC/BTO SCOTTISH BIRD CAMP 2026

We regret that bookings for the 2026 Camp are now closed. Please sign up to...
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27 May 2026

BIRD ID WALK: URBAN BIRD IDENTIFICATION, ROSEBURN

The Rosebank Path in Edinburgh provides an excellent opportunity to see and hear a variety...
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28 May 2026

BIRD ID WALK: AN INTRODUCTION TO BIRD SOUNDS, GOSFORD

A late-May visit to the woodlands at Gosford Estate will provide a good opportunity to...
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13 June 2026 - 9 August 2026

IMPRESSIONS FROM THE GARDEN

Please join us at the SOC this summer and celebrate the beauty of the British...
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