PGL Argyll & the Isles

Freemasonry in Argyll, Bute and Arran, Scotland

Cams Campbell

Installation of Ryan Higginson

On Saturday 31 October, Bro. Ryan Higginson was installed as Master of Lodge Glencoe No 884 for his second term. The installing masters were Bros Allan Macleod, PM The Lodge of Fortwilliam No 43, John McNaughton, PM Lodge Kyles of Bute No 1120, and Arthur French, PM Lodge St Munn Ardnadam No 496.

A particularly moving moment of the ceremony was when Bro. Higginson named his late grandfather, Bro. John Kennedy, as Depute Master. Bro. Kennedy passed to the Grand Lodge Above in May this year.

Bro Allan Macleod presented Bro Higginson with a mallet that he had had made from a garden hoe that Bro. John Kennedy, had given him. See the photo in the gallery below.

The installation meeting was preceded by a regular communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge.

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Installation of Robert Hay McDonald

Bro Robert Hay McDonald was installed into the chair of Lodge Earraghaidheal No 1822 on Saturday, 17 October 2026. The installing masters were Bro Kenny Stewart, PM The Oban Commercial Lodge No 180 and Bro Archie Chalmers, Master of The Anchor Lodge of Research No 1814.

Lodge Earraghaidheal No 1822 is a lodge of research and the youngest in our Province. The lodge will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2027.

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A&ASR Newsletter from South Wales and Monmouthshire

Back in April this year, V. Ill. Bro Paul Kelvin-Smith 33°, Inspector General of the District of South Wales, was visiting Arran and, through mutual friends in the Province of South Wales, he was able to connect with Andrew Perrie. He came along to a rehearsal at St Molios Royal Arch Chapter and then accompanied us to the Provincial Communication at Taynuilt in April.

Bro Kelvin-Smith wrote about his trip for the September 2026 issue of their A&ASR District newsletter and has given me permission to post it here for our brethren’s interest.

Enjoy!

September 26 Newsletter[5]Download

Annual PGL Clay Shoot 2026

The annual PGL Clay Shoot was held at Tarbert Gun Club on Sunday, 6 September 2026.

Congratulations to Lodge Tarbert, Tarbert Loch Fyne No. 1306, who took first place with a score of 72. The New & Young Masons All Stars finished second, with The Oban Commercial Lodge No. 180 in third place.

The New & Young Masons Trophy was won by Bro. John Winnard of Lodge No. 1306, with a score of 24. Joint second place went to Bros. Tom Kennedy of Lodge No. 180 and Shaun Johnson of Lodge No. 1306, both scoring 23. Third place was awarded to Bro. Kevin Johnston of Lodge No. 180, with a score of 15.

It was a most enjoyable day, with several non-Masons also joining us. Sincere thanks go to Bro. Andy Peden, WSW of Lodge No. 1306, and his team for organising the event, and to Tarbert Gun Club for the use of its excellent facilities and for its hospitality, including tea, coffee and rolls.

A brilliant day of Masonic fellowship was enjoyed by all. Apologies were received from three Brethren from Arran, who were unfortunately unable to attend due to ferry cancellations.

Photos provided by Bro. Kevin Johnston.

Donation to Arran Community First Responders

Receiving the donation were first responders Hannah and Lyla Taylor, David McLintock and Fiona Laing. They are pictured with PGM John Stewart and Master Derek Fleming

On Saturday, 20 June 2026, Lodge St Molios No 774 and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Argyll and the Isles presented a cheque for £4,000 to the Arran Community First Responders.

The donation was made through the Grand Lodge of Scotland’s charitable matched funding scheme, which enables individual lodges to apply for additional funding in support of local charities across Scotland. Lodge St Molios No 774 and the Provincial Grand Lodge each contributed £1,000 before submitting a successful application to the scheme, doubling the amount and bringing the total donation to £4,000.

The Arran Community First Responders are highly trained local volunteers who provide vital, life-saving medical assistance, including CPR and defibrillation, while an ambulance is on its way to emergencies such as cardiac arrests and severe chest pain. They operate across nine schemes throughout the island, including Brodick, Lamlash and Whiting Bay.