PGL Argyll & the Isles

Freemasonry in Argyll, Bute and Arran, Scotland

Cams Campbell

Regular Communication, April 2024

The Regular Communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Argyll and the Isles was held on Saturday, 20 April 2024, in the premises of Lodge Inveraray St John No 50. It was the annual installation of Elected Office-bearers and a small change in the Commissioned Office-bearers.

Bro. Kenny Stewart was commissioned as Provincial Grand Substitute Master.

Bro. John Fletcher was installed as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.

Several other brethren took office for the first time, including Bro. Colin Mitchell from the host lodge, Inveraray St John No 50, who was installed as Steward.

And Bro. Cams Campbell, RWM of Lodge St Molios No 774, who was installed as Assistant Secretary.

A full list of Office-bearers can be found on our Elected Office-bearers page.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Argyll and the Isles extends thanks to Lodge Inveraray St John for hosting the Regular Communication and providing such an excellent purvey. It was an excellent day and we look forward to a successful year ahead.

Young Masons EA Degree at Lodge St Munn Ardnadam No 496

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The Provincial Grand Lodge visitation to St Munn Ardnadum No 496 on Wednesday, 11 January 2024 was an EA degree conferred on Kyle McClure. This was carried out for the first time by a degree team of young masons from the Province, organised and headed by the Master of 496 Bro Fraser Harvey. The degree was excellent and the hall was full to witness this unique event.

Mental Health Talk at Lodge Kyles of Bute No 1120

Cams Campbell, the Master of Lodge St Molios No 774 on Arran and the voice behind this piece, delved into his journey from battling alcohol and drugs to recovery. With a backdrop of family history marked by autism and ADHD, he drew a connection between these factors and his struggle with substance abuse and depression. He finished by sharing some of the tools that he uses in his recovery, including a journalling habit, stoicism and, of course, Freemasonry.

David Munro, the Master of Lodge Kyles of Bute, bared his soul, recounting his personal struggle with depression and thoughts of suicide. He also spoke at length about how helpful Freemasonry has been to him in his recovery.

Douglas Philand, Past Master of Lodge Lochfyne No 754 and Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master, brought over 30 years of mental health practice to the forefront, enlightening the audience with his insights, including a discussion of a therapy called Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprogramming (EMDR).

Each speaker exhibited strength through vulnerability, revealing how Freemasonry becomes a crucial support system for those grappling with mental health challenges. Their hope is that, by laying bare their own struggles, they’ve extended a lifeline to brethren in need—both within and beyond Freemasonry. The message is clear: If you’re wrestling with your demons, don’t hesitate to reach out. Often, brethren hide their struggles and act as though they’re fine, when really they’re not. It’s a shared responsibility to break the silence.

To drive this point home, I’ll leave you with this powerful video that captures the essence of what we are trying to achieve. Keep those tissues handy!