Who we are and what we do
The Saltire Society is a membership organisation, open to everyone who cares about Scottish culture. 2026 marks 90 years since our foundation. Scotland in 1936 was a very different place. It had weathered the Great War, followed by worldwide economic downturn. There was no Parliament, no National Theatre or Orchestra, no broadcasting from Scotland as a nation. With another global conflict on the horizon, there were fears that our unique cultural inheritance stood on the brink of ruin. There is much progress to celebrate today but the Saltire Society believes the need remains for an independent organisation to speak for Scottish culture when it may be endangered, misunderstood or neglected, and to celebrate its great successes.
Today we:
- Convene, giving thinkers on subjects of importance to Scottish culture a platform
- Celebrate the work of creatives, to help raise awareness and sustain careers
- Campaign for better conditions for culture
Our people
Find out about our Trustees, drawn from the membership, and our staff team who work on the Society’s programmes.
How you can get involved
Members of the Saltire Society join a movement standing up for Scottish culture. Membership offers a chance to connect with people who share the same interests as you at in-person and online events providing food for thought and inspiration from artists and thinkers.
Events at the Saltire Society
Outlander and Scotland: a celebration
Join editor Gillebride MacMillan and contributor Alex Dold to explore ‘Outlander and Scotland’
[PAST] Launch of the 90th Anniversary year at the Royal Society of Edinburgh
The 90th anniversary of the creation of the Saltire Society was launched on 23 March
[PAST] Research Symposium: History of the Saltire Society
A symposium for members took place on 28 March 2026 at the Saltire Society headquarters
[PAST] Borders Book Festival: Alistair Moffat
The Saltire Society sponsored Alistair Moffat’s talk about his book The North Sea