The precursor ensemble to the RSNO was established in 1843 to accompany the Glasgow Choral Union (today known as the RSNO Chorus). In 1891, the orchestra was recognised formally as the "Scottish Orchestra", with George Henschel as the ensemble's first principal conductor under that name. In 1950, the orchestra took the name of the "Scottish National Orchestra". The orchestra received royal patronage in 1977. It continued to use the name 'Scottish National Orchestra' until 1991, when it briefly used the title "Royal Scottish Orchestra", before changing to its present name.