History and Purpose

First founded during colonial times, the St. Andrew’s Societies continue to flourish, furthering their fundamental purpose of advancing charitable and cultural causes within the ambiance of Scottish heritage. From Charleston, South Carolina in 1729, Savannah in 1750, New York in 1756, and Philadelphia in 1847, they have propagated to our west coast with San Francisco in 1883 and our own Los Angeles in 1930. Founders of the Los Angeles Society, James Loudon, OBE (1882–1975) and Alexander S. Cowie (1882–1968) sought to follow the same honorable tradition notwithstanding the vast changes that have occurred in our world with the passage of time. In a modern world we enjoy a place in heraldic history through recognition by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, at Edinburgh, as a Society Noble in the Noblesse of Scotland, attested by Ensigns Armorial and our motto “Scotia Semper Patria.”

Charitable Activities

We have focused our charitable activities recently with such worthy organizations as:

• The National Trust for Scotland
• The Glasgow Food Banks – S.E., N.W., N.E., S.W.
• The National Libraries and Galleries of Scotland
• Project Angel Food
• LA Regional Food Bank
• The Restoration of Robert Burns Cottage
• Keck Street Medicine of USC
• Edingurgh Food Bank
• LAUSD Children’s Program
• British Benevolent Society
• Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles
• Mary, Queen of Scots Statue at Linlithgow
• No Kid Goes Hungry
• Entrepreneurial Scotland
• The City of Angels Pipe Band
• Glasgow Children’s Hospital
• and many more.

At the Highland Gathering and Festival organized by the United Scottish Society at Costa Mesa, we present the Kimberley Cameron Trophy to the Adult category winner at the Western Regional Championships of Highland Dancing, an award of $1000 to the winner of the Edinburgh Medal for Dancing, and the Loudon Trophy for the winner of the Scottish Invitational Caber Toss ($250).

At the Seaside Highland Games in Ventura we present the Cairn California Award with a check for $450 to the overall winner in Highland Dancing, and $200 and $100 for 2nd and 3rd place. A check for $450 for the winner in Highland Dancing 16 years and under, and $200 and $100 for 2nd and 3rd place.

The Society is incorporated as a non-profit tax-exempt California corporation, with federal exemption as a 501(c)(3) IRS classification EIN 95-3069564.