Lodge 1253, Edinburgh

The Queen's Edinburgh Rifles was a brigade of Rifle Volunteersraised in theCity of Edinburghin 1859. It later formed two battalions of the Royal Scots, which fought in World War IatGallipoli, inPalestineand on theWestern Front. The two battalions combined between the world wars before being converted into an air defence regiment of theRoyal Artillery. This served inAnti-Aircraft CommandduringWorld War IIand continued in the post-war Territorial Army (TA) until 1961, when its successors were converted into Royal Engineers. The drill hall at Forrest Hill is shown.

The lodge was at first named Queen's Edinburgh Rifles in 1921, but at a Regular Meeting in April 1925, a Notice of Motion was intimated by the Master stating “That the words Royal Scots” be added to the existing title of the Lodge making the full title Lodge Queen's Edinburgh Rifles (The Royal Scots) No.1253, that being the correct designation of the Units of which the Lodge is a memorial.

Today, each initiate receives a badge (old jewel above and modern to the right). This is probably unusual, but a unique way to further bind the initiate to the lodge and its regimental traditions. The lodge meets at 7 Figgate St, Portobelloalso on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.