HMS Scotia is one of the newest Royal Naval Reserve units, formed in 1958, and currently recruiting from the east of Scotland.

The unit inhabits spacious, modern accommodation with excellent facilities, headquartered in Rosyth Naval Dockyard.

In August 1903 the Admiralty appointed the first two Commanding Officers of the then RNVR to form divisions in London and on the Clyde.

Lieutenant Commander (later Commodore) The Duke of Montrose raised the Clyde Division based in Glasgow, and the division rapidly expanded across Scotland, first to Dundee onboard the sailing frigate, HMS Unicorn, and then to Edinburgh, onboard the monitor, renamed HMS Claverhouse.

Although Scotia is a large and vigorous unit, it was recognised that its distance from the city centres of Edinburgh and Dundee was inhibiting recruitment at a time when the Royal Navy's demand for reservists was growing.