The Royal Order comprises two Degrees, the degree of Heredom of Kilwinning and the degree of the Rosy Cross. The word "Heredom" has been variously interpreted, but the most obvious derivation is from the Hebrew word "Harodim", meaning "The Rulers", and the name of Kilwinning refers to the re-establishment of the Order by King Robert the Bruce at Kilwinning, where he presided as its first Grand Master.

The Heredom of Kilwinning is an interesting degree which explains much of the symbolism and teaching contained in the first three Degrees of Craft (or St.John's) Masonry.

The Rosy Cross Degree, is said to have taken its origin on the field of Bannockburn, on Summer St.John's Day 1314, and was instituted by King Robert the Bruce, who having in the course of the battle for Scottish independence, received assistance from a body of sixty-three knights. He conferred upon them as a reward for their services the civil rank of Knighthood. Each received a characteristic considered descriptive of his performance at Bannockburn.

By the Constitution of the Royal Order, the King of Scots is its hereditary Grand Master, and for whom at every meeting of the Order, wherever held, a vacant chair or throne must be placed at the right hand of the presiding officer. The acting head of the Order is the Deputy Grand Master and Governor, who appoints a Deputy Governor.

The ceremonies of the Degrees are peculiarly interesting, being different from those of other Degrees of Freemasonry. Part of the Ritual is rendered in irregular rhyming form. The original French manuscript of the Ritual, is in the possession of the Grand Lodge of the Order in Edinburgh.

From France the Order seems to have been taken up in England, where it flourished for a few years, probably from 1741 to 1750, and on 22nd July of that year the Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland was re-constituted in Edinburgh, where it has ever since had its headquarters.

Originally, membership in the Order was limited to Scotsmen or those of Scottish descent, but latterly the privilege has been extended to Master Masons of other nationalities. The Order has Provincial Grand Lodges all over the world, including the United States of America as well as many Provincial Grand Lodges in Scotland and England. Most Provincial Grand Lodges restrict membership to Brethren who are already members of other Masonic orders, and membership is by invitation.