Highland Society of London

The Highland Society of London (HSL) is 240 years old and was founded within fresh memory of the '45 Rebellion by Highland gentlemen resident in London and was incorporated by Act of Parliament on 21 May 1816. By lobbying Parliament, the Highland Society of London repealed the Disarming Act. In 1782, it was instrumental in securing the repeal of the statutory proscription of tartans introduced after the Jacobite rising of 1745 and was a forerunner of the Gaelic Chapel and Royal Caledonian Schools. It has a famous and definitive collection of clan tartans, established in the early 19th century.

The Highland Society of London became a registered charity in 1965, and used to assist wives and families of Highlanders, but with the growth of Governmental assistance, the charitable aspect hasn't been much needed due to SAFA etc.

The Society has some 400 members and supports and awards annual prizes for excellence in piping (including  Gold Medals at the Northern Meeting and Argyllshire Gathering). It meets twice annually for a dinner and a talk (meaningful to the Highlands) and its aims are to promote culture throughout the Highlands. The society has some 400 members, which are quite a powerful and influencial group, with no overheads, with the exception of its Auditor. It gets things done outside the society by virtue of its network.