We extend a warm welcome to all who visit our official website. This site serves as a gateway to the rich heritage, traditions, and ongoing work of the Grand Imperial Council of Scotland. Here, you will find information on our history, values, and charitable endeavours, as well as guidance for those seeking to learn more about our distinguished Order. May this resource inspire fellowship, understanding, and a renewed commitment to the principles of Faith, Unity, and Zeal that define our noble calling.
Structure
Structure and Reach of the Order in Scotland and Overseas
The Grand Imperial Council of Scotland governs a total of 39 Conclaves, with 29 located throughout Scotland and 10 established overseas. These are organised into 11 Divisions, each led by an Intendant General. Within Scotland, the Conclaves are spread across the country, each upholding the principles of Christian Freemasonry through the faithful observance of ritual and tradition. Internationally, the Grand Imperial Council extends its jurisdiction to Conclaves in regions such as Tasmania, Canada, Germany, South Africa, and the Caribbean. Despite geographic distance, all Conclaves operate in close harmony with the Grand Imperial Council, maintaining a shared commitment to unity, faith, and the noble tenets of the Order. The Order assembles twice annually in Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh, where our members gather in fellowship to conduct our business and celebrate the enduring strength of our Christian Masonic tradition.
Our Masonic Family in Scotland
Relationship to Other Masonic Orders in Scotland and Membership Requirements
Our Order holds a respected place within the wider structure of Freemasonry in Scotland and operates in harmony with all recognised Masonic bodies. While entirely independent in its governance, the Order complements the teachings of Craft Freemasonry and offers an opportunity to deepen the spiritual journey of Christian Masons.
Membership is by invitation only. To be eligible, a candidate must be a Master Mason in good standing and have been exalted as a Royal Arch Mason. Most importantly, candidates must profess the Trinitarian Christian faith, as the Order’s ceremonies and symbolism are firmly rooted in Christian belief. Invitations are extended to those who have demonstrated commitment, integrity, and a desire to further their Masonic journey within a Christian context.
Our Story
The first known Masonic application of the Red Cross of Constantine ritual appears in Scotland in the late 1700s, where it featured as part of the “Early Grand Rite of Scotland” alongside other chivalric and philosophical degrees. However, the modern Masonic Order of the Red Cross of Constantine was formally established in the mid-1800s in England. In time, Scottish Freemasons petitioned the then Grand Imperial Council of England for charters to form Daughter Conclaves in Scotland. These Conclaves flourished, and in 1876, they united to establish an independent Grand Imperial Council of Scotland.
The six original Scottish Conclaves were: Edinburgh No.1, St. Giles No.2, Glasgow No.3, Lily of the Valley No.4, Ultima Thule No.5, and Bon Accord No.6. The first Grand Sovereign of the newly formed Grand Imperial Council of Scotland was Sir Francis Burdett, who provided distinguished leadership during its formative years.
The Order quickly spread throughout Scotland and across the globe. Today, the Grand Imperial Council of Scotland continues the legacy of that foundation, preserving a ceremony first recorded in the 18th century, but now practised according to a distinctly Scottish model developed in the 19th century.
Our Ritual
The rituals governed by the Grand Imperial Council of Scotland are deeply rooted in Christian tradition and Masonic symbolism. At their heart lies the story of Emperor Constantine the Great, reflecting themes of faith, moral courage, and victory through divine guidance. The Order presents a spiritual journey through core degrees or grades each exploring deeper aspects of Christian knighthood, service, and leadership.
The Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and St John the Evangelist enrich this progression with powerful messages of charity, reflection, and spiritual enlightenment. The symbolism contained within these grades serves to guide the candidate toward a greater understanding of their faith and their responsibilities as a Christian Freemason. These timeless themes are preserved and expressed within a distinctly Scottish tradition, offering a rich and meaningful path of Masonic and spiritual development.
“Bound by faith, strengthened in unity, distinguished by zeal.”
Grand Imperial Council of Scotland 