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.