OUR HISTORY

The Grand Priory of Scotland  was founded by Hugh De Payens the First Grand Master of the Knight Templar Order. In 1128 whilst he was visiting his family relatives by marriage in Scotland king David 1st granted the first lands to the Order in Scotland. Despite the many misleading claims by others, it was not the St. Clairs, nor any family residing in Roslin either. History and written facts tells us it was David, Prince and Later King of Scots who was our first Master of the Temple in Scotland in 1120. The Primary role and function of the Order in Scotland, was to provide fighting men to help protect the Pilgrim routes to and from the Holy Lands. Especially in Santiago De Compostello, a Holy place with many Scottish connections. The name of the Black Douglas, and other Scottish Knight Templars still being well known even to this day in Teba, Spain, and Portugal. Many of our modern institutions owe their origin to the Order of Knight Templars, especially the Banking and Financial Institutes.

The Order was a major force in shaping the Western World, until unjust persecution in 1307 drove the Order from France, and other Countries to seek Sanctuary, and refuge in Scotland, where the Order has survived in various forms even to the present day. Also to serve their Sovereign Grand Master, Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, the Scottish Knight Templars fought with distinction in 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn, their charge breaking up and scattering the English Chivalry's right wing.  The most elite and veteran filled Army of all Christendom thus assisted Scotland to win the day .

Hence our Name change in 1317, and our usage of St. John and the Temple of Solomon. We remind all readers that at the Scottish Knight Templars Trial in Holyrood Edinburgh in 15th of December 1309. This held by the Papal Legate Imperial Clerk to Pope Clement V, Scolari, Bishop Lamberton, also the Invader King of England Edward 1. We as the Scottish Grand Priory of Knight Templars were found Not Guilty even by our Nation's sworn enemies in this recorded case. This is a historical fact. The trial records also state we were as such with our King in the Field, Battling the English Invaders of the Realm of Scotland.