Order of St John

The Order of St John is an Order of Chivalry of the British Crown. With origins dating back to the 11th century, the modern Order can trace its roots to the first half of the 19th century, and was constituted as a Royal Order of Chivalry by Queen Victoria in 1888.

The Order has a presence in more than 40 countries around the world, and delivers its charitable activities through national St John organisations, including St John Scotland in Scotland, St John Ambulance in England, and many others across the world.

St John around the world

Individuals who have contributed to the charitable work of a St John organisation may be invited to join the Order of St John in recognition of their service. Their commitment and contribution is acknowledged by titles conferred by the Order’s Sovereign Head, His Majesty The King.

A woman being invested with insignia of the Order of St John

The Priory of Scotland of the Order of St John

Priory Executive Officers

  • Prior: The Duchess of Argyll DStJ
  • Chancellor and Registrar: Simon Mackintosh OStJ MA LLB WS
  • Receiver-General: Michael Cook CStJ 
  • Hospitaller: TBC
  • Dean: The Reverend Neil Gardner OStJ MA BD

Priory Officers

  • Preceptor of Torphichen: Ian W J Wallace KStJ BSc MB ChB FRCS
  • Librarian: Duncan McAra CStJ Dip Pub FSAScot
  • Limner: Mark Dennis OStJ BA LLM
  • Genealogist: George Way of Plean OStJ LLB (Hons) FRSA FSAScot SSC NP

Priory Ceremonial Officers

  • Director of Ceremonies: Ian Robertson CStJ
  • Assistant Directors of Ceremonies: Andrew I Smith OStJ and David L McLean OStJ
  • Cross Bearer: Colin C Russell OStJ (since 18 June 2022)
  • Banner Bearer: Stuart J Mathewson CStJ
  • Sword Bearer: Lynn Cleal CStJ (since 18 June 2022)
  • Insignia: Ewan Notman OStJ
  • Insignia Bearer: Harry J M McCorkell MStJ (since 18 June 2022)

St John's House in Edinburgh is home to the library of the Order of St John in Scotland.

Visits to see the collection can be made by contacting us by email.

The Order Librarian, Duncan McAra CStJ, shares insights into the collection's highlights on the Pearls from the Pend website. 

A shelf of books