Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

In November 1851 the signing of a Deed of Conveyance with the Board of Manufactures on behalf of Parliament made the Society collections National Property.

It draws on a wide range of experience through the Fellowship, and provides a voice for Scotland's heritage independent of the opinions of Government, University, or Agency.

The Society is consulted by a wide range of organisations from central government to academic funding bodies such as the Arts & Humanities Research Council.

The Society makes written responses to numerous consultations, some jointly with Archaeology Scotland (formerly CSA) and the Scottish Group of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.

The Society worked closely with the Historic Environment Advisory Council for Scotland (HEACS was abolished by the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 as part of the Scottish Government's policy to simplify the landscape of public bodies), and gave evidence to their working groups on heritage protection legislation and properties in care.

Fellowship recognises a person's support and contributions to the purpose and mission of the Society, and Fellows are permitted to use the post-nominals FSAScot (NB Not FSA (Scot) or similar).

Elections are held biannually at the Anniversary Meeting (AGM) on St Andrew's Day, 30 November, and in Spring, usually in April.

The coat of arms of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, above the entrance to the former National Museum of Antiquities , at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery .
John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute , the former prime minister , was elected the first President of the Society in 1780.
Sketch of Edinburgh made in 1544 looking south, showing the Netherbow Port between the High Street and the Canongate ; published in the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in 1933.