The Society of the United Scotsmen was an organisation formed in Scotland in the late 18th century and sought widespread political reform throughout Great Britain.
It grew out of previous radical movements such as the Friends of the People Society, and was inspired by the events of the French and American revolutions.
The aim of the Society was universal suffrage and annually elected parliaments, with a strong streak of republicanism running through it as well.
Owing to its aims and activities the United Scotsmen had to remain a secret society, and organised themselves into cells of no more than 16 people which would send delegates to larger bodies on occasion.
Other leaders such as Robert Jaffrey, David Black, James Paterson and William Maxwell were all found guilty of seditious activity.