The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) was founded in 1923 as the Scottish Country Dance Society by Jean Milligan and Ysobel Stewart of Fasnacloich, in order to safeguard traditional Scottish country dances, then in danger of being lost. Since that time it has developed into an organisation with around 20,000 members worldwide, in a network of 166 Local Associations (Branches) and 440 Affiliated Groups, with a constantly expanding repertoire of dances.

The aims of the society are; to preserve and further the practice of traditional Scottish country dancing (SCD); to provide/assist in providing education or instruction in the practice of SCD; to promote/publish information and music relating to SCD, and particularly to publish descriptions of dances, with accompanying music; to collect books, manuscripts, illustrations and other memorabilia relating to SCD and to the Society; and to do such other things as are considered to be incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objects above.

RSCDS is the representative body for Scottish country dancing, setting standards, holding examinations and training teachers. Each year it runs a Summer School in St Andrews and a Winter School in Pitlochry. It also publishes books, recording and other materials related to Scottish country dancing.