The Order of the Thistle (sometimes referred to as the Order of St. Andrew) is one of the most important regal order in Scotland.

The order was founded in 1540 by King James V anxious to set up his own religious order based in Scotland.

James had been honoured with the order of the Garter from his uncle King Henry VIII of England and with the Golden Fleece from the Emperor, and the order of St Michael from France, resolved to be in the royal mode, and so made the order of the Thistle for himself and twelve knights, in imitation of Christ and his twelve apostles. Then celebrating all the festivals of the orders, he set up the Order of the Thistle arms and badges over the gate of his palace at Linlithgow, joining St. Andrew with them.

The common badge (shown left) worn by the knights are, a cross surmounted by a star of four silver points, and over them a green circle bordered and lettered with gold, containing the motto; and in the centre is a thistle proper, the whole being embroidered on the left breast

The collar (shown below right ) is always worn with the other ensign, which is a green ribbon spread over the left shoulder, and brought under the right arm, pending to which is the image of St. Andrew within an oval of gold, enamelled green, with the same motto.

Immediately after King James V had established this order, he died (1542) which put an end to the design; for it being in the religious time of the reformation it was thought impious to make so free with Christ and his apostles; nor was it any more heard of till King James VII renewed it, by making eight knights on 6th of June 1687, from which time the beginning of this order is more truly to be dated.

The revolution intervening, no more knights were added till February 1703, when Queen Anne made the number twelve, according to the first plan, adding also some new rules to the Order.

King James VII appointed the knights to wear the image of St. Andrew upon a blue ribbon, which continued so till Queen Anne changed it for that of green, as it is now worn.

(Description taken  From the Peerage of Scotland, 1834 )