The Global Presence of the Royal Order of Scotland

The Royal Order of Scotland is a global Order, with the Grand Lodge establishing Provincial Grand Lodges worldwide so members may be admitted wherever they reside.

In the mid‑eighteenth century, following its establishment in the UK, the Order expanded into Holland, Virginia (USA), France, Italy, and Belgium. This early growth soon receded, but by the nineteenth century the Grand Lodge had standardised its approach, issuing Charters to all legitimate Provincial Grand Lodges, each reporting directly to Edinburgh.

The oldest existing Province, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sweden, was chartered in 1852. Today, the network continues to grow, with the most recent addition being the Provincial Grand Lodge of Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan, established on 24 April 2024.

Provincial Grand Lodges

There are now over 95 Provincial Grand Lodges worldwide. Each admits new members using the same ritual as Grand Lodge, performed in English. Provinces welcome candidates from their allocated regions and hold the same powers and processes to admit new knights.

Every Province is led by a Provincial Grand Master, appointed by Grand Lodge, who typically serves for about five years.