About Us
“Charities form part of the bedrock of Scottish society, contributing to so many cultural, social, religious and educational activities. While we may find ourselves in uncertain political times, these ties in our communities are worth fighting to protect."
The Royal Caledonian Ball and its associated Charities Trust have championed Scottish causes for over two centuries. First set up to raise funds for the Caledonian Asylum (now Forces Children Scotland) and the Scottish Hospital in London (now ScotsCare), the Trust continues to support some of the most vulnerable people in society through its annual round of charitable grants. In addition, it aims to foster the community spirit that is inherent to Scotland and its people, share the very best the country has to offer, and celebrate rich traditions which have been handed down through generations.
By Scots, for Scots. For auld lang syne.
Supporting Scots in need
The constitution of the Trust states that its charitable gifts must go towards the support of Scottish people, with a particular focus on the following groups: the elderly; children and young people; the homeless; veterans; the ill and injured; and those living with disabilities. Funds are raised through multiple events and campaigns, predominantly the Royal Caledonian Ball, and dispersed through an annual round of grants ranging from around £500 to £5,000 each.
We strive to donate where it will make the greatest difference, predominantly working with small, local charities, and we believe in thinking globally and acting locally: by combining our global platform with local insight, our annual grants are able to help hundreds of people across Scotland each year - from the Highlands and Islands down to the Borders.
Celebrating Scottish culture
Widely thought to be the world's oldest charity ball, the Royal Caledonian Ball is steeped in history. It is the last of the great balls of the former London 'Season' to survive and has only been cancelled a handful of times in its 200 year existence - and always because of circumstances outside of the organisers' control, such as the two world wars, the death of a royal patron, and more recently the COVID19 pandemic.
From its white tie dress code and the reels danced throughout the evening to its formal opening with a military pipe band and the full Scottish breakfast served at midnight, the Ball is a dazzling whirl of tartan and tradition. To attend the Royal Caledonian Ball is to dance in the footsteps of those who have come before: royalty, nobility, dignitaries foreign and domestic, and generations of Scottish families and their friends.