Latest news from the Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Supports Facebook page is as follows –

	Last week	This week
Members	3729	3770
Posts	444	454
No of Members posting	200	203
Lodges mentioned	233	239
Provinces mentioned	30	31
Districts & Lodges abroad	15	15
Monetary Value	£334,664	£338,564

SCFS Overseas Report

• We welcomed 20 Overseas Brethren this week. 
• Our Overseas Membership is now standing at 1082 Members (with the anticipated 1100th. Overseas Member joining this coming week.)
• The geographical spread of new members this week saw Brethren being welcomed from ... Bahamas, Bermuda, Central South Africa, Jamaica, Lebanon, Middle East, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and The Gambia, Western Australia 
• The largest increase in membership, once again, was from the District of Lebanonclosely followed the District of Central South Africa.
• Lodge Pythagoras, No. 1841, and Lodge El-Mizab, No. 1130, had equally the largest number of Brethren joining from an individual Lodge.
• The Masonic audience viewing the examples of the excellent support being shared on the SCFS page was further extended as a new International Constitution Member from the Grand Lodge of Minnesotajoined the group. 
• An inspiring post was received from Lebanon demonstrating Al Arz Lodge, No. 1853, only consecrated on 28th. June this year, exhibiting true Masonic principles in assisting the local communities, psychologically and physically, in the wake of the Beirut Port blast. 

I attended a meeting of European Grand Masters last night and while the news on the spread of coronavirus throughout Europe was of great concern to us all, it was evident that we are all committed to doing all that we can to keep Brethren in our respective Constitutions involved and active in whatever ways we can. While we accept that zoom meetings are no substitute for the real thing, there was universal agreement that we use zoom and all other similar platforms to the best of our ability to ensure the safety and welfare of Brethren and their families. I am extremely proud that Scottish Freemasons throughout the world have displayed Brotherly Love and Relief in abundance not only within our fraternity but in local communities as well. As we face further restrictions and see the covid-19 statistics rising once more, let us all commit to putting the basic tenets of our Brotherhood into practice – let us be constantly mindful of our Brethren and the families of our Brethren who are struggling physically, financially or mentally – let’s all be there for them. Let us continue to meet by Zoom or similar means whereby we can assure that we take care of the business and administrative issues facing the Lodges and do everything that we can to enable as many Brethren to use the available technology to join in the meetings. Keep positive, keep safe and keep your sense of humour well honed.

Our Grand Secretary has now been with us for over a month and has settled well into his Office. However, it has been brought to my attention that not everyone knows him so here is a wee bit about him.

Brother William M S Semple, Past Master of The United Lodge of Dunkeld No14, Past Provincial Grand Secretary of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Perthshire West and currently the Provincial Grand Master of Perthshire West.

After a distinguished career in the Police Service, Brother Semple set up William Semple Consulting Ltd, a company providing bespoke investigation, risk & crisis mitigation services and mentoring to both the public and private sector. Having enjoyed much success both at home and abroad with his firm, the time was right for a change in direction and we were delighted to welcome him as our new Grand Secretary at the beginning of September. Brother Semple looks forward to meeting Brethren at home and abroad as soon as the current restrictions are lifted, and we can resume normal service.

 

Kindest regards

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 

 

Latest news from the Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Supports Facebook page is as follows –

	Last week	This week
Members	3663	3729
Posts	438	444
No of Members posting	200	200
Lodges mentioned	233	233
Provinces mentioned	30	30
Districts & Lodges abroad	15	15
Monetary Value	£332,594	£334,664

SCFS Overseas Report

• We welcomed 43 Overseas Brethren this week. 
• Our Overseas Membership is now standing at 1062 Members
• The geographical spread of new members this week saw Brethren joining from ... Bahamas, Botswana, Central South Africa, Fiji, Jamaica, Jordan, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Lebanon, Malawi, Middle East, Trinidad & Tobago and Grenada, Western Australia 
• The largest increase in membership, by far, was from the District of Lebanon with encouraging numbers also from the Districts of The Bahamas and Central South Africa.
• Lodge Trinity, No. 1846, Bhamdoun, Lebanon, had the largest number of Brethren joining from an individual Lodge.
• The recent new category of Membership, that of International Constitution Member (ICM), saw Brethren join from the United Grand Lodge of Queensland, United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Lodge of India. Examples of the excellent support being shared on the SCFS page are now reaching a much wider audience. 
• The SCFS Team wishes Lodge Polynesia, No. 562, which has been very supportive of the group, a very happy Fiji Day tomorrow on the 50th. Anniversary of Independence...... Kalougata, marau kei na sautu ki na matanitu o Viti.

As the Covid-19 situation worsens and stricter restrictions are imposed here in Scotland and a similar story emerges in some of our Districts, please stay safe, look after yourself and be constantly mindful of our Brethren and the families of our Brethren who are struggling physically, financially or mentally – let’s all be there for them.

 

Kindest regards

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 

 

Latest news from the Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Supports Facebook page is as follows –

	Last week	This week
Members	3625	3663
Posts	430	438
No of Members posting	199	200
Lodges mentioned	231	233
Provinces mentioned	30	30
Districts & Lodges abroad	15	15
Monetary Value	£324,864	£332,594

 

Kindest regards

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 

 

As we move into the last week in September, may I address a few words to our many Jewish Brethren at home and abroad.  The New Year (5781) has arrived. This is a Holy Festival when families usually gather together to celebrate. In the current circumstances, this has not been possible, due to travel and other restrictions brought about by Covid-19 and I extend my sympathy to you all as it must be very frustrating not being able to celebrate in the traditional manner.  The days between the start of the New Year and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), are a time of solemn reflection, very different from the New Year celebrations with which many of us are familiar. Yom Kippur, on Monday September 28th, is a day of fasting and praying. As it approaches, I extend my best wishes and hope these Holy Days will bring solace, and a happy and peaceful New year.

I have received detailed information from Brother Gordon Michie of Poppy Scotland regarding the procedure for Poppy crosses. An updated letter will be sent out today along with this update.

We have received many requests as to how financial support can be sent to the Lebanon in the wake of the explosion. Due to banking issues in Lebanon we have been unable to give definitive advice but Grand Secretary will hopefully be in a position early next week to circulate details of a new account in Grand Lodge which will be used exclusively for emergency aid to Lebanon. I thank you for your patience in this matter but it is important that we have a conduit that will allow monies collected to go safely to the right place.

Back in May I gave answers to a number of frequently asked questions in the weekly update but of late, Grand Treasurer has been asked again about annual fees – please find below the response I gave in May which is still the case today.

Will Grand Lodge give all Lodges a year without paying annual fees?

The answer is no. First, that would require a motion to be placed in front of Grand Lodge and there will be no meeting of Grand Lodge this year. We would ask that the Brethren continue to pay their Test Fees as normal. Each Lodge pays an annual Capitation Fee of £33 per member to Grand Lodge. In the majority of Lodges but not all, that amount is included in the annual Test Fee. It is important therefore that Brethren continue to pay their Test Fee in order that the Lodge receives its portion and that Provincial or District Lodges receive their portion. We do acknowledge and appreciate that there may be individual Brethren who, as a result of Covid-19 are experiencing extreme hardship. It is expected that the Lodge, the Province or District and Grand Lodge would all pull together to assist Brethren and their families who experience such hardship but for the vast majority we would ask that they support their Lodge in particular, Freemasonry in general by paying their annual dues.

Latest news from the Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Supports Facebook page is as follows –

	Last week	This week
Members	3534	3625
Posts	420	430
No of Members posting	196	199
Lodges mentioned	225	231
Provinces mentioned	30	30
Districts & Lodges abroad	14	15
Monetary Value	£310,568	£324,864

SCFS Overseas Report

• We welcomed 61 Overseas Brethren this week, bringing our Overseas Membership of the SCFS Group to 999. The amazing milestone of an Overseas Membership of 1,000 will be reached this coming week. The SCFS Team looks forward to congratulating our 1,000th. member in next week’s Report.
• It is heartening to note that, once again, we had an expansive geographical spread of new members this week, Brethren joining from ... The Bahamas, Central South Africa, East Africa, Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope, Far East, Fiji, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritius, Newfoundland and Labrador, Trinidad & Tobago and Grenada, Zambia.  
• The largest increase in membership was from the District of Lebanon, followed bythe District of Trinidad & Tobago and Grenada and the District of Central South Africa.
• Lodge Mount Lebanon, No. 1312, Lebanon, had the largest number of Brethren joining from an individual Lodge ... closely followed by Lodge Jordan, No. 1339, Jordan.
• A number of new Members proved to be extremely proactive in encouraging members of their Lodges to join the SCFS group. many thanks to them.
• We received extremely interesting posts from our Overseas Lodges and Districts, sharing the support which they are providing, and thanks is also extended for this. 

Just a wee gentle reminder that if your Masonic Club is operating, as and from today you will require to adhere to the 10.00pm curfew. Full details can be found at

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-tourism-and-hospitality-sector-guidance/pages/overview/          and at The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2020

Contacting Grand Lodge

The Grand Lodge telephone switchboard is now open on a part time basis  – the days/hours will be: -

                                Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10am and 2.30pm

 

Kindest regards

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 

 

On Saturday we enjoyed a unique experience when the majority of District and Provincial Grand Masters got together via zoom to meet up with each other and discuss a variety of topics. The feedback from the meeting has been good and it will become an annual feature of the Grand Lodge Calendar. A date is now being arranged to have a joint meeting between District Grand Masters and Proxy District Grand Masters.

Some of those who have put their names forward for the Register of Interests will soon receive an invitation to join several small Working Groups. We do not have many Brethren on the Register of Interests, but I would encourage you to do so if you feel that your skills and experience could benefit Scottish Freemasonry. Please contact Grand Secretary if you wish to be included.

I have received detailed information from Gordon Michie of Poppy Scotland about the Poppy Crosses which we will circulate next week but the good news is that we will have the Poppy Crosses this year – distribution will be a bit different from normal – they won’t go out to Lodges in boxes – there will be an on-line facility made available, details of which I’ll pass on as soon as it has been set up. The other good news is that we will be planting crosses in Princes Street.

For those Provinces and Districts who are due to put forward recommendations for new Provincial and District Grand Masters, the protocol for Proxy Voting in lieu of physical meetings, has been finalised and will be circulated to all Districts and Provinces who will be affected, by Grand Secretary.

Latest news from the Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Supports Facebook page is as follows –

 

	Last week	This week
Members	3458	3534
Posts	415	420
No of Members posting	194	196
Lodges mentioned	224	225
Provinces mentioned	30	30
Districts & Lodges abroad	14	14
Monetary Value	£304,963	£310,568

 

SCFS Overseas Report

• The 900Overseas Membership milestone has now been reached. We welcomed 49 Overseas Brethren this week, bringing our Overseas Membership of the SCFS Group to 938.
• Congratulations is extended to Brother Mike Herbert, PM, Lodge East Rand Scots, No. 1093, in RSA, Central South Africa, on being our 900^th Overseas Member.
• It is heartening to note that, once again, we had an expansive geographical spread of new members this week ...  from The Bahamas, Barbados, Central South Africa, East Africa, Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope, Far East, India, Jamaica, Lebanon, Malawi, Middle East, Newfoundland and Labrador, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia
• The largest increase in membership was from the District of Central South Africa, followed bythe District of Middle East and the District of the Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope. 
• Lodge Piet Retief, No. 1501, Central South Africa, had the largest number of Brethren joining from an individual Lodge. 
• An interesting route to membership was adopted by Brother Archie Dempster, Lodge Margate, No. 1420, Kwa-Zulu Natal, who made a video call to ensure that he had correctly provided the requested Masonic details. Welcome, Brother Dempster.
• We would strongly encourage posts from our Overseas Lodges and Districts ... sharing the support which they are providing. 

I am aware that over the past couple of weeks, there has been a tendency to express concern and nervousness about the future in general, Freemasonry in particular. I fully accept and acknowledge that times are hard for many Lodges and that things will not get much better in the foreseeable future. However, this is a time, especially for Provincial and District Grand Masters, to take the initiative and lead from the front. Over the past six months we have all witnessed many great examples of inventive and novel ways to try and keep things on an even keel financially and socially both at home and abroad. We have a number of Lodges who, for example, have simply asked the Brethren to sign up to a monthly standing order to put a sum of money equivalent to what they would have spent at the Lodge on a normal Lodge night into the Lodge account – things like collection / raffle / drinks – if the Brethren sign up to such a scheme with even £10 per member per month, it could make a significant difference to the Lodge finances and keep the Brethren in touch. Many Lodges are engaging their members and families in on-line quiz nights and they contribute a sum of money for entry to the quiz. Others have adopted programmes to keep members fit by indulging in exercise each day and in many cases getting that exercise sponsored with the sponsor money going into the Lodge coffers or to charity. Where Covid restrictions have allowed, Brethren have organised outdoor afternoon teas or coffee mornings all of which are designed to raise sufficient funds to cover the essential costs and at the same time keep members involved. Can I actively encourage Provincial and District Grand Masters with their Commissions to take the initiative and organise events to not only build up funds that can help the Lodges but initiatives that are going to keep the members in touch and active. Such programmes are only limited by imagination – in these difficult times, we must be as imaginative, innovative, and creative as we possibly can. Let’s all adopt a positive and upbeat outlook. We will, working together, overcome the present difficulties.

Contacting Grand Lodge

The Grand Lodge telephone switchboard will open on a part time basis from next week – the proposed days/hours will be: -

                                Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10am and 2.30pm

 

Kindest regards

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 

 

Further to my Update this morning, the following general advice has now been released from the Government which answers the question about allowing non-Masonic bodies to use Lodge premises. As can be seen below, this cannot now happen given the 6-person limit that becomes law from Monday. There is no likelihood of that being lifted soon albeit it will be reviewed on 5^th October. The reference to public spaces would include Lodge premises where non-Masonic groups meet.

The following excerpt from the Government release states -

This deteriorating situation at home and abroad means that we have to take a very cautious approach to the further easing of restrictions. As set out below, we now need to delay further changes until it is safe to make them. We also need to make some changes that will reduce opportunities for the virus to spread. We have already put a range of extra measures in place to help keep the virus suppressed, our Test & Protect system and outbreak management approach have worked well, and we are today introducing our proximity app, Protect Scotland, which will support our Test and Protect system, but more measures are now required.

At this review point we will take the following steps to further reduce transmission of the virus: The limit on the number of people who can meet socially indoors or outdoors will be reduced to a maximum of six people, and they should come from no more than two households. This applies in people's homes and gardens as well as in hospitality and public spaces such as parks. It is not required to count children under 12, from within the two households, within the 6-person limit. The regulations and guidance will be updated to reflect these changes.

• Face coverings will be mandated for customers and staff in indoor hospitality. There will be an exemption for when customers are eating and drinking. Staff in non-public facing roles, such as kitchen staff, will also be exempt where face coverings may present health and safety issues due to the nature of roles. Exemptions for vulnerable groups/individuals will also apply to hospitality settings. Regulations will the take effect on Monday 14 September.

Given the developing status of the epidemic - both in Scotland and internationally - we will also continue to take a cautious approach to any further opening up of economic or social activity.

As was noted at the 20th August review when setting the 14th September indicative date. It must be stressed that this indicative date is conditional on continued progress in suppressing the virus.

If the epidemic in Scotland deteriorates before this date, then the expectation must be that the date will be delayed.

Consistent with this, given the deterioration in the status of the epidemic over the past three weeks, those changes that were previously given an indicative date of 14 September will now be assigned a new indicative date of 5 October.

The full release is available at -

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-phase-3-scotlands-route-map-update-10th-september-2020/  

Could I also suggest that you give some consideration to using the new proximity app on your phones – it is easy to download by going into the App Store on your phone and searching for – Protect Scotland – thereafter follow the instructions. Many thanks.

Kindest regards

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 

 

During the past week, Grand Almoner and I had a very productive meeting with Brother Jean-Pierre Rollet, Grand Master of the Grande Loge Nationale Française and Brother Michael D. Nicholas, Sr., Grand Master of the District of Columbia. They along with the Grand Lodge of Scotland are the three Regular Grand Lodges with a presence in Lebanon. We met to discuss how we can best collectively assist after the disaster that has befallen Lebanon or Beirut in particular. We made good progress and set each other a number of tasks and we will be meeting next week again when we will hopefully be able to bring the plans to fruition.

In Grand Lodge work continues to remove the asbestos from the basement areas of the building. We have also signed a contract to bring fibre optic cabling into the building to enable us to bring our IT systems into the 21^st century. It will also give us reliable wi-fi throughout the building. It is good to be able to get this work carried out during this time so that we will have the systems working when we open up again.

Still on IT, we have made good progress with the Grand Lodge Database. Most of the wish list drawn up by the Lodge Secretaries has been implemented and we now look to bringing the Lodges in the Districts onto the system over the next few weeks.

Latest news from the Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Supports Facebook page is as follows –

 

	Last week	This week
Members	3387	3458
Posts	400	415
No of Members posting	191	194
Lodges mentioned	221	224
Provinces mentioned	30	30
Districts & Lodges abroad	14	14
Monetary Value	£294,466	£304,963

 

SCFS Overseas Report

• We had 23 Overseas Brethren recorded this week, bringing our Overseas Membership of the SCFS Group to 
• It is anticipated that the 900th. Overseas Member will be welcomed into the SCFS group this coming week ... details in next week’s Update.
• It is heartening to note that, once again, we had an expansive geographical spread of new members this week ...  from The Bahamas, Central South Africa, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritius, Middle East, Peru, Sierra Leone and The Gambia, Trinidad & Tobago and Grenada, Western Australia, Zambia.
• The largest increase in membership was seen from the District of Central South Africa (thanks to Lodges in the Orange Free State and Country Lodges area) and from the District of Western Australia (with a notable number from Lodge Balmoral, No. 896)
• An interesting post was received from Brother Rinus Grau, District Grand Secretary of Zimbabwe, which highlighted the support which our Brethren in Zimbabwe are providing for the safety of all in the Masonic Homesin Harare
• We look forward to receiving posts from other Overseas Lodges and Districts ... sharing the support which they are providing. 

As of yesterday, 161 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Scotland – our Brethren and their families in a number of areas are under lockdown procedures and family meetings are again under strict guidelines. Despite the fact that things are not improving, I am still getting questions about opening Lodges and Lodge premises. Let me once again try and make it as plain as I can that, first of all, the Heads of all Orders in Scotland have taken a joint decision, based on the fact that the health and well being of our members is paramount, that there will be no meetings of any of the Orders before January 2021 when the situation will be reviewed.

With regard to allowing non-Masonic organisations back into our premises, I have written to the Government twice and have asked that specific question, but I have not received a response from them. I will write again but for the time being, the advice is that (licensed clubs excepted) we keep our premises closed.

I hope and trust that this finds you all keeping safe and well and looking out for each other.

Kindest regards

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 

 

The joy of knowing that our two Masonic Homes have remained Covid-19 free thanks to the commitment and professionalism of the Homes Managers and their staff was tinged with sadness this week when we learned that the Marcus Humphrey Home in Bridge of Weir was the target of mindless vandals who, for reasons best known to themselves, decided to smash the garden ornaments and flower pots which give so much pleasure to our residents. Police Scotland have been informed and have issued a reference number in respect of the vandalism but as far as I understand will not make any enquiry. However, the good news is that Brethren and Lodges from far and wide have responded magnificently. My sincere thanks to you all for your kindness and generosity – I can assure you that the staff and residents greatly appreciate the response.

I was recently sent an article regarding prostate cancer testing for men which is taking place in Lodges in Wales. I copied the article to Grand Almoner and to Brother Marcus Humphrey, Chair of the Benevolence and Care Committee who has reminded me that now would be a good time to reiterate the availability in Scotland of a PSA test from their General Practitioner free of charge and the willingness of Adam Gaines from Prostate Cancer Scotland to speak to any forum about it. I’m sure Adam would be an ideal speaker on some of the Zoom platforms organised by our Lodges at home and abroad – this affects men throughout the world and I have no doubt that Adam’s advice would prove valuable irrespective of where you are in the world. One aspect that Adam frequently mentions is that an important part of the process is the relationship between the man and his GP and the requirement for the GP to properly assess and prepare the patient, talk through the potential results of the test (whether positive or negative), available support and the psychological effects on the man. This is based on Adam’s often repeated statement that more men die with prostate disease rather than die of prostate disease. While we have been and continue to be concentrating on Covid-19, let us not forget that advice. Prostate Cancer, like Covid-19, has not disappeared – it is still very much an issue for all men in our Provinces and Districts.

Latest news from the Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Supports Facebook page is as follows –

 

	Last week	This week
Members	3332	3387
Posts	386	400
No of Members posting	186	191
Lodges mentioned	218	221
Provinces mentioned	29	30
Districts & Lodges abroad	13	14
Monetary Value	£287,661	£294,466

 

SCFS Overseas Report

• We had 26 Overseas Brethren recorded this week, bringing our Overseas Membership of the SCFS Group to 866.
• We had an expansive geographical spread of new members this week ... from The Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Central South Africa, Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope, Fiji, Jordan, Lebanon, Kwazulu Natal, Middle East, Namibia, New Zealand South, Sierra Leone and The Gambia, Trinidad & Tobago and Grenada, Western Australia Goldfields District.
• The largest increase was seen from Fijithrough a Lodge under the Supervision of Grand Lodge ... Lodge Polynesia, No. 562. 
• The first posts from Fiji were also published on the page.
• The attraction to become part of the SCFS membership was exemplified by our first member to join by providing the required Masonic details via a voice message whilst driving (safely) home from work. Well done, Brother Dennis Flor Cruz, Lodge Cargill Kilwinning, No. 632, in New Zealand South. 

The support of the SCFS Group continues to be extended to our Brethren in the District of Lebanon. Those Brethren, and their loved ones, remain in all of our prayers.

(Details of the online contribution page, incorporating a link to facilitate donations, have been published.)

Brethren, as I compile this update, I’m listening to the morning news on Radio Scotland and the news is not good. Following an increase in the number of coronavirus cases in Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire, additional restrictions will be introduced for people living in these areas for an initial two-week period. We have another spike in the Highlands in Grantown on Spey. Many of our Districts are still very much affected by the virus and we are seeing an increase in travel restrictions. This virus is still very much in our midst - please stay alert, look after yourselves, your families and the Brethren who are in any of the vulnerable categories.

Finally, I am repeatedly asked if I have had any response to my letters to the Scottish Government – the answer is no. Given that the Heads of Orders have agreed that no meetings will take place this year, the first part of the letter regarding the opening of Lodges is no longer urgent but I will continue to chase up the second issue – the need for definitive guidance for many of our Lodge buildings throughout the country that are effectively community hubs housing a vast array of non-Masonic organisations. 

 

Kindest regards

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason