What is SOTA?

SOTA is the acronym for Summits on the Air

Summits on the Air (SOTA) is an award scheme for radio amateurs and shortwave listeners that encourages portable operation in mountainous areas. SOTA has been carefully designed to make participation possible for everyone – this is not just for mountaineers! There are awards for activators (those who ascend to the summits) and chasers (who either operate from home, a local hilltop or are even Activators on other summits).

SOTA is now fully operational in many countries across the world. Each country has its own Association which defines the recognised SOTA summits within that Association. Each summit earns the activators and chasers a score which is related to the height of the summit. Certificates are available for various scores, leading to the prestigious “Mountain Goat” and “Shack Sloth” trophies. An Honour Roll for Activators and Chasers is maintained at the SOTA online database.

SOTA is designed to be compatible with other mountain users.

More information can be found at the SOTA Website.

Some of our recent ‘activations’.

The team celebrate the first ever activation of Black Craig, Summit code: GM/SS-153

On Corse Hill, Summit code: GM/SS-236

Operating from Duncolm Hill, Summit code: GM/SS-222

Radio Team at top of Tinto, Summit code: GM/SS-064