Knights of
Saint Columba
Province 3 – St Andrews & Edinburgh Archdiocese
"Serving God by Serving Others"
About the Knights of Saint Columba
The Knights of Saint Columba is an Order of Catholic laymen, open to all practising Catholic men over the age of 16. Non-political in character, the Order exists to support the mission of the Catholic Church through Catholic Action and charitable and benevolent work.
Our Order was founded in 1919 by Catholic gentlemen in Glasgow — right here in Scotland — and today unites thousands of members across the United Kingdom and beyond.
Named for Saint Columba, the Irish monk who brought Christianity to Scotland from the isle of Iona in 563 AD, our Order draws inspiration from his spirit of missionary zeal, community, and selfless service.
The Order strives to achieve its aims through the fundamental virtues of Charity, Unity and Fraternity — and through these, to build a better Scotland and a stronger Church.
— Knights of Saint Columba, ConstitutionActive love of God and neighbour, expressed through service, sacrifice and generosity to all in need — the first and greatest virtue of the Order.
Unity of faith, purpose and brotherhood — with one another, with our Bishop, and with the Holy Father in Rome. One Church, one mission.
Deep bonds of brotherhood among Catholic men — friendship, mutual support and belonging, rooted in shared faith and shared service.
The Order strives to achieve its aims through the fundamental virtues of Charity, Unity and Fraternity — and through these, to build a better Scotland and a stronger Church.
— Knights of Saint Columba, ConstitutionThe Knights of Saint Columba is a non-political Order of Catholic laymen. Membership is open to all practising Catholic men aged 16 and over who are prepared to commit to the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.
The Order operates through local Councils, each attached to a Catholic parish and led by a Grand Knight. Councils belong to Provincial structures aligned with Catholic dioceses, overseen by the Supreme Council.
Scotland is home to the founding spirit of the Knights. Our Order was established in Glasgow in 1919 — and our patron, Saint Columba, arrived on the Scottish isle of Iona in 563 AD, bringing the Christian faith to the Picts and Gaels of ancient Scotland.
- Founded in Glasgow in 1919 — Scotland's gift to the wider Church
- Named for Saint Columba, Apostle of Scotland (563 AD, Iona)
- Active Councils across the Scottish Lowlands, Highlands and Islands
- Annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes with the Scottish Catholic community
- Close partnership with the Bishops' Conference of Scotland
- Supporting Catholic schools, parishes, and communities nationwide
Scotland is not merely where we were founded — it is who we are. The spirit of Columba, the missionary monk of Iona, flows through every Council and every Knight to this day.
— Province of Scotland
Our Mission in Scotland
Our members are active throughout Scotland, working in parishes and communities to live out the Gospel call to service.
Select any mission area below to explore current KSC activities across Great Britain.
Assisting parish priests with stewarding, fundraising and practical community support.
Fundraising for local, national and international charities; supporting food banks and shelters.
Encouraging young Catholics through essay competitions, mentorship and engagement.
Organising pilgrimages to Lourdes, Iona and other sacred sites across Britain.
Building deep bonds among Catholic men through friendship, support and shared service.
Giving public witness to the Catholic faith with dignity in civic and public life.
Sharing the joy of the Gospel through personal encounter and bold proclamation of Christ.
Walking alongside newly baptised adult Catholics as they complete their RCIA journey.
Parish Support
Assisting parish priests and their congregations with stewarding, fundraising, and practical support to keep our Catholic communities flourishing.
Knights assist with Mass stewarding, processions, parish events, transport for the elderly, and all practical needs that help a parish community thrive.
Every Council has a direct relationship with its parish priest and works under his guidance to fulfil whatever the parish needs.
"Our primary role is to support the clergy and hierarchy of the Catholic Church."
— KSC Province 10, BrentwoodCharitable Works
The KSC has raised over £640,000 for major charities including Missio (£85,000), Mary's Meals (£275,000), Wells for Africa (£280,000), and over £100,000 for local charities.
Councils support food banks, homeless shelters, children's charities, hospices and those in greatest need — both locally and globally.
"Active fundraisers — Missio £85,000; Mary's Meals £275,000; Wells for Africa £280,000."
— KSC Guildford CouncilYouth Development
The KSC runs national annual essay, oratory and poster competitions for Catholic school students. Glasgow University Council has spread the Legion of Mary and SVP to Generation Z students.
Knights actively promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life as a core part of their mission to the young.
"Active in helping the spiritual and faith development of young people through both local and national initiatives."
— KSC National WebsitePilgrimage & Prayer
The 2025 National Relic Tour carried the relics of Saints Columba, Andrew and Margaret across UK parishes. The annual pilgrimage to Holywell, Wales was stewarded by KSC Province 2037 in June 2025.
The Annual Daily Mass Scheme ensures Masses are celebrated at rotating council locations throughout the year — a continuous chain of prayer for the Order's intentions.
"The Brecbannoch Pilgrimage carries the relics of Scotland's patron saints on foot to Iona Abbey."
— KSC Council 1, GlasgowFraternal Brotherhood
Building deep bonds among Catholic men — offering friendship, mutual support, and a sense of brotherhood rooted in shared faith and values. The KSC Benevolent Fund supports brothers and their families in need.
Members support elderly and infirm brothers, share social activities, and involve wives and families throughout the year.
"We have supported our brothers and their families both spiritually and through our benevolent fund since our inception."
— KSC Province 10Catholic Witness
The KSC campaigns for the sanctity of human life, social justice and the defence of the family. Members give public witness through talks, events and visible presence at civic occasions.
As a member of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights, the KSC also contributes to the Ukraine Solidarity Fund and other international causes.
"Campaign for the Sanctity of Human Life, Social Justice, the Poor, the Developing World, and more."
— KSC Guildford CouncilGospel Outreach
Sharing the joy of the Gospel with our neighbours through personal encounter, community engagement and bold proclamation of Christ's saving message across Scotland.
Glasgow Council 1 has promoted the cause of Fr Alexander Cameron for canonisation and launched the new Brecbannoch Pilgrimage as acts of public evangelisation.
"Bringing men to faith and capturing their hearts with charity, unity and fraternity."
— KSC Province 10Welcome Home — RCIA Support
Walking alongside newly baptised adult Catholics as they complete their RCIA journey, offering fraternal support, friendship and belonging within our parish communities.
The KSC is a natural home for men who have recently entered the Church — a ready community of Catholic brothers committed to living the faith.
"Membership is open to Catholic men who commit to the Order's principles of Faith, Family, and Fraternity."
— KSC ConstitutionA Century of Faith & Service
Born in Glasgow, Inspired by Iona
The Knights hold a unique place in Scottish Catholic history — founded in our nation's greatest city, standing alongside Scottish Catholics for over a century.
- ✦Founded in Glasgow in 1919 — Scotland's gift to the wider Church
- ✦Named for Saint Columba, Apostle of Scotland (563 AD, Iona)
- ✦Active Councils across the Scottish Lowlands, Highlands and Islands
- ✦Annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes with the Scottish Catholic community
- ✦Close partnership with the Bishops' Conference of Scotland
- ✦Supporting Catholic schools, parishes and communities nationwide
Scotland is not merely where we were founded — it is who we are. The spirit of Columba, the missionary monk of Iona, flows through every Council and every Knight.
— Province of ScotlandSaint Columba — Our Patron
Saint Columba (521–597 AD) was an Irish monk of royal descent who founded the monastery on the isle of Iona in 563 AD, evangelising the Picts and Gaels of ancient Scotland and becoming one of the most important figures in Celtic Christianity.
Known for missionary zeal, love of learning, care for the poor and a deep life of prayer, he is venerated as the Apostle of Scotland and patron of the country's Catholic faithful.
The Knights take his name and spirit as our model — missionaries in our own communities, bringing the light of Christ to those around us.
Learn More About Saint Columba →Be a flame of justice, be a sword of faith, be a shield for the weak, be a light in the darkness.
— Attributed to Saint ColumbaThe Provinces in Scotland
The Catholic Church in Scotland is organised into two ecclesiastical provinces: the Province of St Andrews & Edinburgh and the Province of Glasgow. Together they encompass eight dioceses serving Catholics across the whole of Scotland — from the Western Isles to the Borders, and from Galloway to the Shetland Islands. Scotland's Catholic history stretches back to the sixth century and the arrival of Saint Columba on Iona in 563 AD. The Church was restored to a full hierarchical structure in 1878. Today more than 700,000 Catholics worship across Scotland's parishes, schools and communities, guided by two Archbishops and six Bishops in union with the Holy Father in Rome.
Geographic Diocese Boundaries
The map shows all eight Catholic dioceses of Scotland, including their geographic boundaries, cathedral cities and major island groups.
To learn more about the history of the Archdiocese, click on the Coat of Arms above
Most Rev. Leo Cushley
Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh
The Knights of Saint Columba have long been a source of quiet strength within our Church in Scotland. For over a century, their dedication to faith, charity and fraternity has brought honour to Christ and comfort to countless lives. I warmly commend their work to every Catholic and encourage all men of goodwill to join them in service to God and neighbour.
Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh
Visit the website of any of Scotland's eight Catholic dioceses directly.
✠Scottish Councils
The Knights are organised into local Councils, each attached to a Catholic parish. Each Council meets monthly, led by a Grand Knight. Click a region tab above to filter by area.
Contact our Provincial Secretary to be connected with the nearest active Council in your area.
Councils in the Central Belt and Stirling area.
Councils in Edinburgh, Fife, Angus, Dundee and the Borders.
Councils in Ayrshire and South West Scotland.
Councils in the Highlands and North East Scotland.
Faith Hub
Begin and end each day in prayer — the spiritual foundation of every Knight.
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Watch Holy Mass online and follow today's Scripture readings.
📺Stay informed with Catholic news from Scotland, Britain and the universal Church.
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The Relics Tour commenced in Province 3 – St Andrews & Edinburgh on 6th January 2025 and visited several churches in the province before passing through Glasgow and Motherwell and over the border into Cumbria, continuing later throughout the rest of England and Wales — carrying the relics of Saints Columba, Andrew and Margaret to Catholic communities across the United Kingdom.
Upcoming Events
The annual Provincial gathering of all Scottish Councils. Mass at 11:00 AM followed by the Provincial Grand Council meeting.
A day pilgrimage to the sacred isle of Iona, birthplace of our patron Saint Columba's Scottish mission. Mass at the Abbey, reflection, and guided walk.
Knights and their families joining the annual Scottish Catholic pilgrimage to Lourdes. KSC members serve as helpers and hospitaliers.
Presentation of awards to young people who entered the KSC Scottish Essay and Oratory Competition. Guest speaker, dinner and celebration.
A day pilgrimage to Iona — Mass at the Abbey, reflection, and guided walk. Booking required.
Annual KSC Lourdes pilgrimage — Knights serve as helpers and hospitaliers.
The annual Provincial gathering. Mass at 11:00 AM followed by the Provincial Grand Council meeting. All Knights and families welcome.
Presentation of awards to young people who entered the KSC Scottish Essay and Oratory Competition.
Become a Knight
We welcome all practising Catholic men who wish to deepen their faith through service, brotherhood, and action. If you are aged 16+, there is a place for you in our Order.
Complete the form below and our Provincial Secretary will be in touch to welcome you and connect you with your nearest Council.
"More Catholic men are invited to become more involved in the Lay Apostolate."
— KSC Province 1, GlasgowProvince 3 – St Andrews & Edinburgh Archdiocese
Province 3
(Archdiocese of Edinburgh and St Andrews)
Knights of Saint Columba Headquarters
Our Provincial Secretary is always happy to hear from men interested in the Order, families seeking support, or anyone who wants to know more about the Knights in Scotland.
— Province of ScotlandUse this form for general enquiries, event bookings, media requests or to find your nearest Council.