Freemasonry in Argyll, Bute and Arran, Scotland
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
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.
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.
Lodge St Molios No 774 on Arran held an open day on Saturday, 28 February as part of the Grand Lodge of Scotland’s initiative. It was a fantastic day and we were pleased to get this article in the Arran Banner issue of 6 March 2026.
Saturday, 27 December 2025 saw the traditional St John’s day meeting at Lodge Inveraray St John No 50. The long-standing tradition is for Lodge Lochfyne No 754 to visit on that day and confer a degree. Led by their master, Lachlan Wood, Lodge Lochfyne conferred a splendid FC degree on a progressive candidate of Lodge Inveraray. The tracing board lecture was delivered flawlessly by PM Bro. Ian Smith.
