The South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register of Saturday, 27th October, 1838 published an advertisement calling upon 'Brither Scots' for a general muster to take place to do honour to their Patron Saint, Saint Andrew.

In response, a further advertisement on Saturday, 17th November, 1838, advised that a Saint Andrew's Day Dinner would be held at the Adelaide Hotel on the Saint's Day, 30th November, 1 8 3 8 . Dinner to be on the table at five o'clock precisely. Tickets £1. each. George Stevenson, Esq., J.P., had been elected the Chairman.

From this early beginning in this Colony, began the gathering of fellow Scotsmen to uphold and honour their Patron Saint, their Country of birth and their traditions.

By 1881, a group of Scotsmen met informally to discuss the formation of a Caledonian Society. Further meetings were held and the South Australian Caledonian Society was officially formed. The Hon. Alexander Hay, M.L.C., was appointed as Chief, and a Council was established and Society Rules drawn up. The initial Register of members, carrying all members’ signatures, is still in the possession of the Royal Caledonian Society of South Australia.

In 1894 the Statue of Scotland's Bard, Robert Burns, was presented to the City of Adelaide. In 1895 a Citizens Fund for the erection of a statue of John McDouall Stuart was taken over by the Society and upon completion this Statue was also handed to the City of Adelaide.

The Society became an Incorporated Body in 1911, and in July 1946, changed it's name to the Royal Caledonian Society of South Australia, Inc., having received permission from His late Majesty, King George VI, to use the term 'Royal'. Unfortunately, the term 'Royal Charter' has crept into some expressions of the Society. This is not correct.

The Society does not hold a Royal Charter, only written Royal permission to use the name Royal.

Educational Scholarships were allotted by this Society for students from 1904 to 1 9 4 8 . Recipients were students at Saint Peters College (Boys), Prince Alfred College and Scotch College, and in later years to students at Presbyterian Girls College.

By the 1920’s, it was realised the Society needed a “home” and in 1925 the foundation stone of its building at 379 King William was laid. Additions were made in 1975 but finance proved a disaster and the land at the rear of the hall had to be sold, the Hall mortgaged and money borrowed from members. A small band of dedicated members subsequently worked feverishly for many years to pay off the debt. The mortgage was eventually repaid but by this time the Hall had fallen into disrepair. By 2002, it was evident that the Society could not afford to undertake the necessary upgrade to the Hall and the decision was made to sell it.

The Society has prospered over the years and has endeavoured to uphold the traditions and heritage of our beloved Scotland. In 1899, a Bairns Highland Dancing Class was formed. Regrettably, the Bairns Class was terminated in December 2000, 101 years since it was initiated, due to a lack of numbers.

The Society’s Pipe Band has been in existence since its inception in 1894. It is believed to be the oldest continuously operating Pipe Band in the Southern Hemisphere. An honour in its own right. A highlight of the Band was being invited to perform at the Edinburgh Tattoo in Scotland in 2001 and in the Edinburgh Tattoo in Sydney in 2005. It has again been invited to perform at the Edinburgh Tattoo in Scotland in 2007.

In April 2001, the Society initiated “Caly Capers” to replace the Bairns Class. This new venture was to be a fun night for all ages and include a variety of Scottish traditional activities. Whilst starting off with a good following, by the end of 2002, Council regrettably had to make the decision not to continue with this venture, again due to lack of support.

In 1999, The Society initiated a Tartan Day March for all South Australians of Scottish descent. This has become an annual event and is held on the Saturday nearest Tartan Day - 1 July. It has grown from a march along either North Terrace or Grenfell street to a march down Rundle Mall, the principal shopping centre of Adelaide followed by a display of Scottish culture under the canopy at the intersection of Gawler Place and Rundle Mall. The March is lead by massed Pipe Bands followed by representatives of the various Societies and Clans, each proudly bearing their respective banners.