Founded in 1761, the Glasgow Ayrshire Society is believed to be the oldest County Benevolent Society in Scotland. For more than 260 years, the Society has worked to support people with connections to Ayrshire through charitable, educational and community-focused initiatives. 

The Society was established to bring together Ayrshire residents and those associated with the county so they could collectively support worthy charitable and benevolent causes. While its earliest work concentrated on providing relief to members and families facing financial hardship, its activities have evolved over time to meet changing community needs. 

Today, the Society's principal objectives are threefold. First, it provides financial assistance to Ayrshire people and their immediate relatives who are experiencing hardship, with particular attention given to older and vulnerable individuals. Second, it supports further education by providing bursaries and assistance to Ayrshire students. Third, it contributes to charitable and recreational projects that offer educational, cultural or character-building benefits to individuals and communities. 

Throughout its history, the Society has managed a range of charitable and educational funds, supported through member subscriptions, donations and legacies. These resources have enabled generations of beneficiaries to receive practical assistance, educational opportunities and support during difficult times. 

The Society is governed by a Board of Directors made up of individuals who either live in Ayrshire or have strong Ayrshire connections. Membership is open to people born in Ayrshire, residents of the county, family members of existing members and others with a genuine connection to Ayrshire. A lunch is held annually in November, to allow members to gather. Should you wish to join the Society , please email the Society on: gassecretary28@gmail.com.

By preserving its founding values while adapting to modern needs, the Glasgow Ayrshire Society continues to make a positive contribution to the lives of Ayrshire people and to support charitable causes across the region. 

The Glasgow Ayrshire Society is an unincorporated association and has been a registered charity since 9 December 1925. Our OSCR registration number is SC007902