The Society was founded in 1977 with the objective of promoting the study of heraldry and encouraging its correct use in Scotland. The Society meets several times during the year for lectures or visits to places of historic and heraldic interest, both in Scotland and in other countries. Contact is maintained with other societies, here in the United Kingdom and overseas, with similar interests.

The principal meeting, held at the end of November, is the Saint Andrew Lecture which is usually noteworthy for its contribution to heraldic scholarship and, together with a Christmas Luncheon, is one of the most popular gatherings.

Lectures and other articles of armorial interest are published in the Society's annual journal, The Double Tressure, which is distributed free to members along with a lighter occasional newsletter Tak Tent. In addition to these publications, the Society regularly produces other illustrated booklets on heraldic and related matters.

It is not at all necessary to possess a coat of arms to join the Society but many members are either armigerous or intend to petition for a Grant or Matriculation of Arms. Of all ages and scattered around the world, the members are interested in all aspects of armory, some being actively and professionally engaged in heraldic arts and crafts and in academic research.