The Priory of Scotland
Who we are
In its early years, the Order of St John operated throughout the United Kingdom providing training in first aid and an ambulance service. However, St Andrew's Ambulance Association was formed later and began similar activities, both in Scotland and England. In 1908 it was agreed that St Andrew's would handle first aid training in Scotland and St John in England.
By the 1940s, some of the Scottish members of St John felt there was scope for the Order to undertake a variety of public services in Scotland. In 1947, the Scottish Priory was formed and since then, from a standing start, it has achieved remarkable success in meeting a wide diversity of need.
Each year a festival is held in a different place in Scotland where Priory members who have shown exceptional commitment to the work of St John are invested as new or promoted members of the Order in recognition of their work. There are 2000 members of the Priory of Scotland and activities are organised through 13 Area Committees who raise funds for a variety of projects, local, national and overseas.
What we do
Unlike its fellow Priories around the world, St John Scotland does not operate the ambulance service or offer first aid training. It does, however, contribute to two significant projects overseas: the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem and St John Malawi primary healthcare project.
Projects in Scotland include:
- supporting mountain rescue bases and transport
- providing accommodation for people in need
- providing transport for people in need
- facilitating palliative care and respite care
- supporting other charitable causes in Scotland