The Royal Company of Archers is a ceremonial unit that serves as the Sovereign's Bodyguard in Scotland, a role it has performed since 1822 and the reign of King George IV, when the company provided a personal bodyguard to the King on his visit to Scotland. The company was formed in 1676 as a private archery club, which it still is today. In return for being endowed with "perpetual access to all public butts, plains and pasturages legally allotted for shooting arrows", the Royal Company is required to present to the Sovereign three barbed arrows on request. The main duties of the company are ceremonial, and include attending the Sovereign at various functions in Scotland, including the Order of the Thistle investitures at Edinburgh cathedral, investitures at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the presentation of new colours to Scottish regiments. Members of the Royal Company must be Scots or have strong Scottish connections. Membership is by election; the present membership totals around 530. The structure of the organisation is divided between officers and members. By seniority the officers comprise one Captain-General, four Captains, four Lieutenants, four Ensigns and twelve Brigadiers. Sir Angus Ogilvy was a member of the company.

The uniform consists of a dark-green tunic, shoulder-wings and gauntleted cuffs and trousers trimmed with black and crimson; a bow-case worn as a sash, of the same colour as the coat, black waistbelt with sword, and Balmoral bonnet with thistle ornament and eagle's feathers. The number of feathers worn denotes the rank of the member.

• The Royal Company of Archers