The Royal Order of Scotland

The purpose of the Order is to 'correct the errors and reform the abuses that had crept in among the three Degrees of St John’s Masonry' (In Scotland the Craft is known as St John’s Masonry).

The titular Head of the Order is the King of Scots – the de facto head is known as the Deputy Master and Governor. When the PGL of the Cotswolds was founded, nearly 20 years ago, the Governor was the Rt Hon Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, a direct descendant of Robert Bruce.

The current Governor is Bro.Ewan Rutherford. All members, regardless of rank, are referred to as 'Brother'. Admission consists of two ceremonies, those of Advancement and Promotion.

They are usually carried out at the same meeting, and elements of the ceremonies can be very moving, being strongly Christian in content.

The Order, which is global, is administered from Grand Lodge, in Edinburgh, and each Lodge is referred to as a Provincial Grand Lodge. Regalia, in Thistle Green and Crimson, is very colourful and impressive. It is also quite expensive, but once acquired, never needs adaptation nor augmentation.