PGL Argyll & the Isles

Freemasonry in Argyll, Bute and Arran, Scotland

News

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

WhatsApp-Image-2026-04-25-at-20.46.18

Image 1 of 5

Regular Communication, April 2026

The Regular Communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge was held on Saturday, 18 April 2026 at Lodge St Modan No 985. This was the annual installation of Office-bearers, a full list of which can be viewed on our Elected Office-bearers page.

Two eulogies were read out at the opening of the meeting. Past PGM Bro. Frank Mapes (PGM 1998–2003, PM Lodge Kelburne No 459) passed to the Grand Lodge above in February, and Bro. John McKinnon of Lodge Lochfyne No 754 passed in March.

The Provincial Grand Master finished his annual report by reiterating the following:

I can say to the Brethren of Tarbert, as to all Lodges, that when you support the PGL and myself, then it is easy for me to return that support to you and your Lodges

The Provincial Grand Master would like to extend his thanks to Lodge St Modan for being such excellent hosts. Thank you also to Office-bearers who have been such a great support to the PGM throughout the year in attending communications, installations and official visitations in the province.

DSC0748
DSC0744
DSC0759
DSC0731
DSC0742
DSC0756
DSC0737

Defibrillator for Sandbank Community

Left to right: Substitute PGM John McNaughton, Joanne Kent and Joanne Currie from the Sandbank Hall committee with Kevin Barton, RWM of Lodge St Munn Ardnadam, and Substitute PGM Archie McCulloch.

Following an informative talk by Archie McCulloch on behalf of Prostate Scotland on 11 March 2026, a defibrillator was presented to the Sandbank community at the open day held at Lodge St Munn Ardnadam No 496.

Text from article in Dunoon Observer and Argyllshire Standard, 20 March 2026

Health awareness evening sees lifesaving boost for Sandbank Hall

An evening focused on health awareness and community support proved a success in Sandbank, as Lodge St Munn Ardnadam welcomed guests from across Cowal for a special open event.

Held on Wednesday, March 11, the evening brought together members of the public alongside Brethren from lodges throughout the area. The main focus of the event was an informative presentation on prostate health, delivered by Brother Archie McCulloch of Lodge Oban Commercial.

Mr McCulloch, who is one of the Grand Lodge of Scotland’s designated “Prostate Champions”, spoke about prostate cancer and other related illnesses, aiming to raise awareness and encourage early detection.

The evening concluded with a significant contribution to the local community, as Lodge St Munn Ardnadam, together with the Provincial Grand Lodge of Argyll and the Isles, presented Sandbank Hall committee with a new heart defibrillator.

Substitute Provincial Grand Master Brother John McNaughton said the donation was particularly meaningful. He said: “We are very pleased to assist the hall and the Sandbank community in continuing the legacy of the late Arthur Oliver, who donated the first heart defibrillator to Sandbank Hall.”

The addition of the new defibrillator will help ensure the hall remains equipped with vital lifesaving equipment for community use.