On Sunday 25 January 2026, we celebrated Burns Night by launching our Capital Fundraising Appeal with host Sally Magnusson MBE FRSE and special guests, including Dougie McLean OBE FSAScot.

We would like to thank everyone who joined us online to celebrate this important moment for the Society.

If you were not able to join us online, you can watch the recording below. (Please note that due to copyright, Dougie MacLean’s performance was only available to live viewers on Sunday 25 January and is not included in the recording.)

A Fundraising Launch

Following in the footsteps of the antiquaries of Burns’ 18th century, who came together with shared passion to found the Society over 245 years ago, we are asking Fellows to come together again in support of an ambitious and historic goal.

The Society has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a new permanent home and to cement its long and distinguished history. To achieve this, we need to raise £1.5 million by January 2027 to purchase a B-listed property in the centre of Edinburgh.

This new home will be a visible and inviting centre for engagement, learning, and collaboration. It will enable us to expand our work in sharing the stories and discoveries that shape our understanding of Scotland’s past, ensuring they reach audiences today and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come - with Fellows at the heart. 

We are asking Fellows to play an active part in this pivotal moment by helping us spread the word and by considering a donation.

Please share our campaign brochure and campaign film with friends, colleagues, and networks who may be inspired by the Society’s mission.

Primary Donors giving £1 million or more will be recognised with their logo, coat of arms, or name featured on the building.

We Need Your Leadership

We have developed exciting, tiered giving levels with exceptional recognition opportunities.

We are grateful for support of any size and all contributions matter. All gifts, regardless of amount, will be individually recognised in a Society publication.

For gifts of £200,000 or more, donors will have the opportunity to work with us to design a Coat of Arms that can then be presented as a petition to the Lord Lyon. Every contribution, and every conversation sparked by sharing the brochure or campaign film, brings us closer to securing this permanent home and safeguarding the Society’s legacy for Scotland’s antiquaries. 

We would welcome the opportunity to speak with you confidentially about how your support could play a leading role in realising this vision.

If you would like to discuss the campaign further, or explore how you might be involved, please contact Head of Fundraising, Deborah Roe FSAScot, by calling 0131 247 4133 or emailing deborah@socantscot.org.

Artist’s impression of the shop front, which includes museum title for clarity. © Benjamin Tindall Architects