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History

We're proud to be one of the largest mutual life offices in the UK - and one that's been around for 160 years.

From modest beginnings in 1862 to Scottish Friendly as we are known today, we've grown substantially over the years. Explore our history with a timeline of the past 160 years.

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Scottish Friendly renamed it’s building ‘Galbraith House’ in fond memory of our late CEO, Jim Galbraith.

The late CEO, Jim Galbraith

We won ‘Best Junior ISA provider’ for the 3 year in a row at the Investment Life and Pensions Moneyfacts Awards 2021.

Award for Best Junior ISA

We completed the transfer of business from Canada Life. Assets under management more than double to over £5 billion.

Canada Life logo

Our new mobile app launched ensuring our customers can manage their My Plans investments whenever and wherever they are.

Picture of My Plans app on mobile device

We completed the transfer of business from Marine & General Mutual. Assets under management more than double to over £2.5 billion.

Scottish Friendly won the Financial Services Company of the Year Award at the Scottish Business Awards.

We celebrated our 150-year anniversary and redesigned our logo.

Redesign of logo Redesign of website

Scottish Friendly takes over Scottish Legal Life, our biggest takeover to date.

Scottish Friendly begins the first of a highly successful string of business partnerships that will include Royal London, Phoenix, Smart Insurance and Golden Charter.

Scottish Friendly, in line with industry trends, closes down its direct sales force. Major restructuring of business.

Scottish Friendly begins sponsorship of children’s literacy project in conjunction with Scottish Book Trust.

First Book tour

Scottish Friendly website launched

Picture of Original website

Prior to commencing UK-wide marketing campaigns, City of Glasgow Friendly Society becomes Scottish Friendly Assurance, following takeover of business of a small friendly society.

Old logo Old logo

City of Glasgow Friendly Society introduces its first computer.

We celebrated our 100-year anniversary.

Photograph of Branch

City of Glasgow Friendly Society General Manager Tom Johnston is seconded into the UK War Cabinet.

Photograph of Thomas Johnston

Outbreak of First World War — City of Glasgow Friendly Society provides financial support to its members fighting in the fields.

City of Glasgow Friendly Society membership rises to 104,833.

Photograph of first office

From humble beginnings in Glasgow…

Photograph of John Stewart

Who we are

Established in 1862 as the City of Glasgow Friendly Society, the name Scottish Friendly Assurance was adopted in 1992. We’re looking after assets worth more than £5.3 billion and have over 745,000 members (as at 29/04/21).

How we operate

Today Scottish Friendly operates as a financial services group offering a wide range of financial products and services. We're based in Glasgow and our staff and management team are dedicated to providing the best in customer service.

Media Centre

Here you can find our latest press releases and industry research along with details of how to contact our PR team and spokespeople.

Careers with Scottish Friendly

If you're thinking about taking the next step in your career, then Scottish Friendly could be the place for you.

Helping families to save and invest for 160 years

Learn more

Investing can seem like a tricky business, so if you have a few questions or aren't quite sure where to start, we have some useful guides to help get you started.

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