• The Group saw its membership rise to 7292 Brethren from not only the Scottish Constitution but from many of our Sister Constitutions throughout the world.

• This week saw the total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group rise to 1799, submitted by 509 of its members.

• These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 446 Lodges, from within 59 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 

• Thanks are extended to the following Lodges who had posts submitted on their behalf this week:

• Bannockburn Bruce & Thistle, No. 312 (Stirlingshire) supporting The Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund.

• Thistle, No. 127 (Ayrshire) supporting Whiteleys Retreat.

• Andrew, No. 1443 (Dumfriesshire) supporting Annan Warriors Ladies Rugby Team.

• The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £3,660,233.

This week we welcomed Brethren from Lodge St. John, No 618 (Hong Kong, Far East), Lodge Api-Api, No. 1826 (Malaysia, Middle East), Lodge Aladro, No. 1757, and Lodge Academic, No. 1150 (both Nigeria). 

This brings our total of Overseas Members to 1982.

Brethren from other Masonic constitutions (ICMs) were similarly welcomed, such as Brethren from Lodges under the GL of Ohio, GL of New York, GL of Florida, and UGLE. 

We now stand at 1799 ICMs and look forward to welcoming our 1800th this week. These Brethren help spread news of the wonderful support featured in the post on SCFS to a worldwide audience. 

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Bro Billy Grant, SPGM of Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire, became aware of the Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) project in Ireland and thought something similar could be done in Ayrshire. The Grand Lodge of Ireland have had tremendous success with the project so, the Province decided to support an Ayrshire version. They donated Teddies to Crosshouse Hospital and Ayr Hospital Paediatric Emergency Departments (A&E), where nursing staff (at their discretion) can give a bear to a child who may be in excessive pain and/or traumatised while attending the Emergency Department.

It has been proven to work in other parts of the UK to help children focus on something other than their distress or discomfort and help the nurse gain their confidence. The child gets to keep the teddy bear. 

The child also can have a positive feeling of their trip to A&E. This project will be ongoing and is funded by the Freemasons in Ayrshire through PGLA.

Other Provinces may wish to pursue a similar project in their own area.

Tomorrow, I look forward to being in one of our oldest Lodges, The Lodge of Journeymen Masons No 8 to celebrate 150 years in the Blackfriars Street Temple.

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

Two very interesting posts related to the support of Overseas Lodges were published this week. 

• Brother Sasi Dharan shared an article by Brother Abel Arumugam, DGM, Middle East, about a Charity Event organized by Lodge Lane Xang, No. 1632, Thailand, in support of the Duang Prateep Foundation. The foundation has been operating for 40 years and has made an immense impact through its invaluable efforts in aiding the impoverished communities residing in the slums of Bangkok.

• Brother George Barrie, PM, informed the group of a wonderful donation made by Lodge Pattaya West Winds, No. 1803, Thailand, to “Take Care Kids”,a marvellous scheme helping abused children up to teenage years and mothers with small children who need a safe haven from abusers. The Lodge’s donation will supply a further fresh water filtered supply system.

This week we welcomed Brethren from Lodge Darul Takzim, No. 1836 (Middle East), Lodge Remo, No. 1682 (Nigeria), and Lodge Claremont, No. 931 (Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope). Brethren from other Masonic constitutions were similarly welcomed, such as Brethren from Lodges under the GL of the Philippines, and the GL of Cuba. 

Yesterday afternoon I was delighted to welcome the DGM of East Africa (EC), Brother Dr Virendra K. Talwar into Grand Lodge. Brother Talwar has been a great friend to the Scottish District in East Africa and is a splendid example of how the two Constitutions should work together. It was a real pleasure to welcome him and his family to Edinburgh.

Tomorrow, I am looking forward to a run down to Ayrshire to witness a Fellow Craft Degree being delivered by a Degree Team formed of members of the five Ayrshire Lodges chartered in 1771.

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

An excellent example of cross constitution support of almost £300 by the Brethren in the Philippines was posted by Brother Cameron Sloan, PM, Past Depute District Grand Master, (Far East).  Lodge Perla del Oriente, No. 1034, Manila City, Far East, donated a cheque for P10,000 (over £140) to representatives of United Service Lodge 1341 EC of Hong Kong to be added to their fund-raising efforts to assist in the costs of dialysis of a Filipino Brother of that Lodge.  The donation was matched by Widow’s Sons Scotland - Perla del Oriente Chapter

• This week we welcomed Brethren from Lodge Ratanakosin, No. 1833 (Thailand, Middle East). 
• Brethren from other Masonic constitutions were similarly welcomed, such as Brethren from Lodges under the GL of Newfoundland and Labrador, GL of the Czech Republic, GL of Nebraska, GL of Indiana, and the GL of Ireland(Middle East). 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

As I mentioned above, Grand Secretary and I will be leaving on the 06.00 flight on Tuesday morning to our District Grand Lodge of Sierra Leone. It has been over 30 years since a Grand Master Mason visited the District. We will only have one full day in Freetown, but it will be action packed before flying on to Lagos, Nigeria where I will be installing the new District Grand Master, Brother Professor George EdaghoghoEriyamremu,and his Commissioned Office-Bearers.

We are already a third of the way through August. Many of our Lodges at home and overseas will be preparing to get underway once again for the new Masonic Season. As we return to our Lodges, it is a good time to ensure the following: insurance policies are up to date; all Lodges are fully compliant with national and local fire regulations;we are compliant with health and safety and health and hygiene regulationsand the buildings are thoroughly cleaned before we start again. Covid is still out there, so it will do no harm to give the premises a thorough clean with hand gel etc., available for any brethren who wish to avail themselves of it.

Likewise, please ensure the external aspects of our Lodges are looking good and the environs are kept in good order. There is nothing worse than the public at large viewing an untidy and unkempt building – it gives the wrong impression.

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

The Group saw its membership rise to 7260 Brethren from not only the Scottish Constitution but from many of our Sister Constitutions throughout the world.

This week saw the total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group rise to 1773, submitted by 502 of its members.

These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 443 Lodges, from within 59 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 

During the week posts were submitted by group members representing the Provinces of Aberdeen City, Banffshire, Forfarshire, Moray & Nairn, Perthshire East, Perthshire West, and The Scottish Borders.

The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £3,631,613.

This week, an extremely interesting Overseas post was published. Bro Capt Parth Dawda, Hon. Secretary, Lodge Royal Jubilee, No. 742, Solapur, District of India, advised that Lodge Royal Jubilee, No. 742, has undertaken a charity program to support the Sanskaar Sanjeevani Foundation which is working towards supporting 27 children, aged 6 years and above. They hail from deprived tribal families where they have lost either one or both parents and are taking their formal schooling from the nearby government school. The drinking water is of very poor quality so the Lodge decided to provide a commercial water treatment plant, which can treat 50 litres of water an hour, to this institute. It is also gearing up to give them water storage tanks and plumbing towards their normal need. This is in addition to providing a residence uniform to those children and educational book/notebooks as per their requirements.

• This week we welcomed Brethren from Lodge Trinity, No. 1846(Lebanon), and Lodge Notwani, No. 1633(Botswana). Particular mention must be made to Lodge Kilwinning, No. 849 (Western Australia) from which the largest number of new members joined.

• Brethren from other Masonic constitutions were similarly welcomed, such as Brethren from Lodges under the GL of India, GL of New Yorkand UGLE. 

Last Friday night I had the pleasure of attending the Provincial Grand Lodge of Midlothian Masters’ Dinner in Loanhead. It was an excellent night with good food, good company, and outstanding hospitality. A few Districts and Provinces already have Reigning Masters’ Dinners. They are a great team-building initiative. Districts and Provinces that have never had such an event, might consider doing so. While it gives reigning Masters the opportunity to meet and socialise with each other, it also provides a great chance to organise inter-Lodge visitations and so forth – something to think about.

The following day, Saturday 29^th July, it was a real pleasure to attend the Installation meeting of Lodge St Andrew 814 in Pitlochry. What a delight it was to see an almost a full house in a Lodge that, not so long ago, was struggling to keep going. However, with a wee bit creativity, imagination and getting the sleeves rolled up, the Lodge is once again vibrant, and Brethren and visiting Brethren are enjoying being there. Let there be no doubt, it takes hard work to achieve this kind of turn around, but I have witnessed the same happening in our Scottish Lodges, literally around the world. With faith, determination, and dedication we can turn things around – never give up hope.

Tomorrow, looking forward to a trip down to Fife to celebrate 150 years of Freemasonry in Lodge St John No 540, in Crossgates. 

Our Brethren in the Bahamas are working hard to raise funds to make progress with the Scottish Masonic Complex. Last week concrete was poured and, all going well, the blocks will start to rise from the founds. This is an exciting project and we wish DGM Tony Bostwick and his team every success with fund-raising and construction. 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

• The Group saw its membership rise to 7248 Brethren from not only the Scottish Constitution but from many of our Sister Constitutions throughout the world.

• This week saw the total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group rise to 1765, submitted by 501 of its members.

• These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 441 Lodges, from within 59 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 

• During the week posts were submitted by group members representing the Provinces of Ayrshire, Caithness, Inverness-shire, Ross & Cromarty, and Sutherland.

• The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £3,626,127.

It is always interesting to read about the support for others which is being extended by our Overseas Lodges and Districts and thanks is given to those who have shared their news. 

This week an extremely interesting post was published. Brother Tebuho Mulala, Lodge Lusaka, No. 1368, in the District of Zambia, shared information related to the Lodge, in partnership with the Tebuho Mulala Foundation, adopting the Show Grounds Community School in Mazabuka, Zambia, as a recipient of its support.

The Lodge is now involved in feeding programmes and providing educational materials to the orphans who attend the school. 

This latest donation, to the value of £250, and the overall support given, is extremely well appreciated by all at the school. Further donations of footwear are now planned. 

• The new members who have been welcomed from our Lodges overseasduring the past number of weeks has resulted in our Overseas membership now reaching 1968. We look forward to welcoming even more this week.

• Brethren from other Masonic constitutions were similarly welcomed, such as Brethren from Lodges under the GL of Massachusettsand the GL of Ireland. 

Further to my report last week concerning Brother Bomi Mehta, I’m afraid that he passed to the Grand Lodge above on 23^rd July. Our sincere condolences are extended to his daughter and family.

More sad news was received yesterday. Past Depute Grand Master, Brother Archibald McAllister McGown passed away in hospital on Wednesday. Brother McGown was a very active and influential Freemason whose passing will be a sad loss to Scottish Freemasonry. He served Grand Lodge well, especially as Chairman of the then Petitions, Complaints and Appeals Committee and thereafter as Chairman of the Disciplinary Review Committee. Our sincere condolences to his wife Jan and the entire family.

Next Thursday, 3^rd August, I will not be in Grand Lodge because I’ll be attending the Black Isle Show – one of the biggest shows in Scotland other than the Royal Highland at Ingliston. Thereafter, normal Thursday operations will resume.

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

The Group saw its membership rise to 7245 Brethren from not only the Scottish Constitution but from many of our Sister Constitutions throughout the world.

This week saw the total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group rise to 1758, submitted by 499 of its members.

These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 441 Lodges, from within 59 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 

During the week posts were submitted by group members representing the Provinces of Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, Linlithgowshire, Stirlingshire and The Scottish Borders.

The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £3,618,533.

I’m delighted to highlight a post from Brother George Buchan, Depute District Grand Master, Western Australia. He sent news of a wonderful joint donation of over £1500 by Lodge Menzies Doric, No.  890, and The Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of Western Australia to assist in the ongoing operating costs of The Rockingham Men's Shed. This wonderful organisation has become an incredibly powerful tool in addressing men's health and wellbeing by providing a safe environment for socialising with like-minded men. 

• New members were welcomed from our Lodges overseas: Lodge Mount Lebanon, No. 1312 (Lebanon), The Lorne Lodge, No. 654(Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope), and Lodge United Brothers,  251 (Trinidad and Tobago & Grenada). Particular mention must be made to Lodge Union of Athole, No. 591 (Central South Africa) from which a significant number of Brethren joined the group.

• Brethren from other Masonic constitutions were similarly welcomed, such as Brethren from lodges under the GL of New York, GL of New Zealand, and the GL of the Philippines.

I am looking forward to being in Kilwinning this Saturday to reinstall Tom Wood as PGM of Kilwinning. There will be a sizeable Deputation from Grand Lodge which is good – and I expect that there will be many Brethren from all the airts and pairts. It promises to be a great day.

Many Brethren throughout the world know our past DGM of India, Brother Bomi Mehta. I am sad to report that he is seriously ill in the Intensive Care unit of Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. He is a legend in Scottish Freemasonry in India – our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Could I take the opportunity to stress the point I made last week? Please spread the word that Prostate Scotland has launched its new “Prostate Scotland App”. The App is available for both Apple and Android mobile phones.

The Prostate Scotland App” is free from Apple store or Google Play and contains excellent information and help for men and their families who are going through their journey with Prostate Cancer.

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

The Group saw its membership rise to 7237 Brethren from not only the Scottish Constitution but from many of our Sister Constitutions throughout the world.

This week saw the total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group rise to 1752, submitted by 498 of its members.

These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 441 Lodges, from within 59 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 

During the week posts were submitted by group members representing the Provinces of Dumfriesshire, Glasgow, Linlithgowshire, Renfrewshire East and Ross & Cromarty.

The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £3,484,029.

Two extremely interesting posts were published this week. 

• Brother Theeranet Ruanghnayshared news of a donation of money and basic necessity items for daily living for inmates, to the value of over £1550, by Bro. Phisit Charoenphan, Master, and the Brethren of Lodge Ratanakosin, No. 1833, to the Department of Corrections, Thailand.

• Brother George Rogers, Past District Grand Master, Western Australia, as Chairman of the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of Western Australia, shared news of the continuing, wonderful support of Surf Life Saving in WA by the Foundation as he presented two awards, which are sponsored by the Foundation, at the ‘Awards of Excellence for Surf Life Saving’ ceremony. 

• New members were welcomed from our Lodges overseas from the following Districts:Trinidad and Tobago & Grenada, Lebanon, Far East, Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope, Jordan. Particular mention must be made to Lodge Al Arz, No. 1853, Lebanon, from which a significant number of Brethren joined the group.

• Brethren from other Masonic constitutions were similarly welcomed, such as Brethren under the Regular GL of Italy, GL of Massachusetts, GL of Irelandand UGLE. 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason