PGL Argyll & the Isles

Freemasonry in Argyll, Bute and Arran, Scotland

News

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.

70-year diploma and three honorary members at St Modan No 985

Wednesday 17 June 2026 saw the annual Provincial Visitation to Lodge St Modan No 985 in Taynuilt. The deputation was led by Bro. James McMillan, DPGM, assisted by Bro. John Stewart, PGM, making a total of 29 members of the Provincial Grand Lodge. Over 80 brethren signed the sedurant, very busy and very warm! Young Bro. Russell Macfadyen received his FC Degree from the office-bearers of 985. Absolutely faultless and brilliant floor work we have come to appreciate from 985.

The Lodge also received a clear minute from Provincial and is in good order.

Then it was Bro. Ivor Leitch’s turn. He was presented with a 70 Year Diploma! Bro. Leitch is 95 years old and remains a great asset to Lodge St Modan.

Another presentation followed as three brethren were made Honorary Members:

  • Ronnie Kennedy, Lodge Lochfyne 754;
  • Joe O’Connell, PM, Lodge Lochiel No 1200;
  • and Norman Calder, the Lodge of Fort William No 43.

A very full evening and great organisation and friendship. I would like to pass on my thanks to the Master of Lodge St Modan, Bro Michael McPhee, and the brethren of 985 for once again looking after us all and for the terrific hospitality!

Photos and text courtesy of Bro. Andrew Hamilton.

Special Communication and Installation on Tiree

In 2025, the brethren of Lodge Tir an Eorna No 1775 asked whether a Provincial Communication could be held on the island, and on Saturday, 13 June 2026, it came to pass. It was the day of the Lodge’s annual installation, with the Provincial Communication being held before the installation ceremony.

The installation was conducted by Peter Barr and Alan Campbell, both Past Masters of Lodge St Modan No 985, along with assistance from Stevie Ross, Bruce Emslie and Alister Colthart. Their work was flawless, clearly showing the extent of preparation the installation team had done. Indeed, Alan explained the mechanics of some of that in his reply to Angus McKinnon’s toast to the Installing Masters, but I won’t expand on that here, as what happens on Tiree stays in Tiree 🫡 How could I not share a photo or two of Peter Barr’s wind-up during his reply, though? It was priceless!

One of Master Angus McKinnon’s first duties upon receiving the mallet was to confer honorary membership on Alan Campbell, a real pleasure for the brethren to witness. I’ve never seen Alan speechless before, but he really was.

The welcome and hospitality that the visitors received were second to none, and the brethren of the Provincial Grand Lodge and visiting brethren would like to extend their thanks to the brethren of Tiree for making the visit so enjoyable, including laying on a bus to and from the ferry terminal. In all, 90 brethren sat down to mince and tatties, a special day of Argyll and the Isles Freemasonry indeed. Thank you all. 🤝

Provincial Grand Lodge of Argyll and the Isles Golf Day

30th May 2026 at Tarbert Golf Club

Thirty-four intrepid brethren representing six Lodges journeyed to Tarbert Golf Club on Saturday, 30 May to take part in the annual PGL golf day. They were welcomed by Bro Lewis Preston, Senior Deacon of 1306, and enjoyed a breakfast of filled rolls. Bro Scott MacDonald of 335 then set the golfers on their way to tee off with a shotgun start.

While the weather ensured that there was no chance of anyone suffering from sunstroke, it still didn’t dent the enthusiasm of the players, and some great scoring ensued. It appears, to the untrained eye, that golfing can be thirsty work and the players rehydrated when they returned to the clubhouse to enjoy a fine feed served by the ladies of Tarbert Golf Club.

Presenting the prizes on behalf of PGL, Provincial Senior Grand Warden Bro Charlie Nicolson thanked Bros Preston and MacDonald for ensuring the smooth running of the day, and remembered to thank not only the kitchen and bar staff but also the green keeping staff for their efforts. Bro Nicolson also paid tribute to those golfers who continue to support the event and ensure it remains a worthwhile social way to meet the brethren from different Lodges.

Winners were as follows:

  • Team: Lodge 1306 (Bros Iain MacArthur, Mickey McNeill, Duncan Johnston, Peter MacLean)
  • Nett: Bro Dougie Galloway of Lodge 335 with a score of 63
  • Gross: Bro Peter MacLean of Lodge 1306 with a score of 66
  • The new trophy for a player from the New and Young Masons was won by Bro Kevin Barton of Lodge 496
  • Longest Drive: Bro James Dainty of Lodge 496
  • Nearest the pin: Bro Peter MacLean of Lodge 1306. 

Special meeting at Lodge Kyles of Bute

Saturday, 25 April 2026 a special meeting was held at Lodge Kyles of Bute No 1120. The Lodge of Erskine No 1566 conferred a Fellow Craft Degree in front of a fantastic turnout from both within and outwith the Province of Argyll and the Isles.

To top it off, the IPPGSW, Bro. Robert Sinclair, and the PGM, Bro. John Stewart, had the great privilege of receiving honorary membership of Lodge Kyles of Bute No 1120

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