The Grand Lodge of this Order is based in Edinburgh and the hereditary Grand Master is the Kings of Scots (for whom a Throne is kept vacant at every meeting)

However, as there is no longer such a King, the day to day running of the Order is in the hands of the Deputy Grand Master and Governor, Sir Archibald Donald Orr-Ewing.

This Order dates back to shortly after the foundation of the English Craft Grand Lodge; internal references in the Ritual indicate that it could not have been operating in 1725, and external evidence shows that it was in operation by 1741 at the very latest.

It predates the other Degrees and Orders beyond the Craft and contains echoes of matters which later emerged as additional Orders in their own right. It is therefore of considerable historical interest.

There are two degrees in the Order: The Royal Order of Heredom of Kilwinning, and the Knighthood of the Rosy Cross.

Each Brother of the Order is known by a “Characteristic, representative of something connected with him;

 it might be his profession, his hobbies, his Masonic involvement or something to do with him generally.

This arises from the tradition that the Order was founded by Robert the Bruce immediately after the battle of Bannockburn, when he conferred “Characteristics” upon those who had taken part, based on each one’s prowess, performance and actions during the battle.

Membership requirements

This is one of the Christian Orders and members must profess the Trinitarian Christian Faith. 

The basic requirement of the Statutes is to have been a Master Mason for a minimum of five years.

However, in the case of South-Eastern Counties, it is understood and expected that candidates will already belong to one of the other Christian Orders: Rose Croix, Knights Templar or Red Cross of Constantine.

Regalia

The Regalia consists of an apron, crimson and green cordons, a breast jewel and a strap (worn on the left arm) bearing the motto of the Order.