Membership of Lothian Branch is included in the cost of SOC membership for all Lothian residents. For information on how to join the SOC, go to the main SOC website.
Lothian is currently the largest SOC branch, with over 500 members. We hold monthly meetings (usually) at Meadowbank Stadium, and field trips throughout most of the year. We also have a discussion group, where we consider conservation issues and organise survey work.
These take place on the second Tuesday of each month, from September to April. They are usually held at Meadowbank Stadium, London Road, Edinburgh, and start at 7:30pm. Click here for a full programme.
Day trips take place in most months of the year; usually on a Saturday or Sunday. Click here for a full programme, or contact Gillian Herbert for details.
The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month, from September to April. Meetings are held at the SOC headquarters Waterston House in Aberlady, and start at 7:30pm.
The SOC Headquarters is based at Waterston House, located just off the A198 coastal road, on the outskirts of Aberlady village. The attractive timber-framed building, open to the general public as well as members, serves as a resource centre for birdwatchers. As well as housing the George Waterston library – the largest collection of ornithological books and journals in the country – visitors can browse a wide selection of second hand natural history books and other goods for sale including bird food, optical equipment, Club merchandise, bird reports, artists’ prints and various gift items. There are also exhibitions running throughout the year in the Donald Watson Gallery, showing work by the country’s leading wildlife artists.
There are many ways volunteers can help out at the centre, from showing visitors around and helping in the library to assisting with general admin tasks around the office, as part of the day-to-day running of the Club. If you have some time to spare and would like to lend a hand at Waterston House, please contact the office on 01987 871330.
Open 7 days 10am – 4pm (Sat/Sun 12noon – 6pm BST)