A short history of the Society

In December 1891 at the Globe Hotel in Cathedral Yard in Exeter, ten Scottish gentlemen proposed the formation of the Society.
Opening membership was just over thirty men, including some from Tiverton and Torquay.  The Society was formed to gather together Scots living in the Exeter area, for the purpose of keeping their Scottish heritage alive whilst away from the Homeland and as a means of promoting Scotland and its culture to the local people.  The first 'Annual Dinner' was held in 1892 at the Globe Hotel and cost 3/6d per head.  One of the main functions of the Society in the early years was the support and welfare of impoverished Scots living in the Exeter area, whereas today, we concentrate on arranging a variety of social activities for our members.

The first formal function of the year is Burns' Night.  This is held on the Saturday nearest 25th January and is usually a very well attended affair.  We also try to have a weekend away at a South West hotel usually in the early months of the year.  In the spring there is a Scottish Music Evening which generally takes the form of a cèilidh.  A chance for us to show our talents.  In the summer there is usually a Golf Day for those who want to go for a long walk spoiled, and a BBQ and croquet afternoon for those with the killer instinct.

Scottish Country Dance classes are held fortnightly from September to May.  The teachers are qualified by the RSCDS but the emphasis is not on formality, but enjoyment and these evenings are great social occasions popular with many members.

Perhaps the main event of the year is our St Andrew's Night celebration, held on the Friday evening nearest November 30th.
This is a more formal function and invariably attended by the Lord Mayor of Exeter.