The club was formed in 1857 and is the oldest surviving football club of any code in Scotland,  and the second oldest rugby union club in continuous existence in the world, behind Dublin University Football Club (founded 1854).
Founded in 1857, the club holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving football club in Scotland. It is also the second oldest rugby union club to have remained continuously active worldwide, trailing only Dublin University Football Club, which was established in 1854.