PGL Argyll & the Isles

Freemasonry in Argyll, Bute and Arran, Scotland

News

Installation of Ryan Higginson, Lodge Glencoe No. 884

On Monday, 1 December 2025, Bro. Ryan Higginson was installed as Master of Lodge Glencoe No. 884 by his grandfather, Bro John Kennedy, PM Lodge Lochiel No 1200, in front of a lodge room filled with visitors from far and wide. John was assisted by Bro. Allan MacLeod, PM Lodge No 43 and 884, and Bro. Peter Barr, PM 985. SPGM Bro. John McNaughton led the deputation of twenty-three from Provincial, a testament to just how popular this young man is in the Province. Ryan turned 26 on 2 December, so it was an auspicious evening on which to end his first century.

And as if the night wasn’t emotional enough, PGM Bro. John Stuart had the pleasure of conferring the Honorary Grand Rank of Honorary Grand Junior Deacon on IPM Donnie McGillivary.

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150th Rededication, St Blanes RAC No 163

The Provincial Grand Master, Bro. John Stewart, was pleased to lead a deputation from Provincial Grand Lodge into St Blanes Royal Arch Chapter in Rothesay on 29 November 2025 on the occasion of their 150th rededication ceremony.

The ceremony was conducted by the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland, headed by W. Ramsay McGhee, First Grand Principal for Scotland.

Grand Superintendent Robert Wilson headed a deputation from the Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Argyll and the Isles.

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Photos courtesy of Andrew Hamilton, PG Steward (PGL) / PGH (PGRAC)

Joint Divine Service, Rothesay

A joint divine service was held in Isle of Bute Parish Church in Rothesay on Saturday 13th September.

What a marvellous Service of Thanksgiving led by Bro Revd Peter Park Senior Warden Lodge Oban Commercial 180. He was also accompanied by Bro Revd Jonathan Fleming Senior Chaplain Lodge Greenock St John No 175.

It was a very special service and was enjoyed by both Brethren and Companions from Argyll and the Isles.

Thank you so much everyone that made this day possible,the organisation and planning made everything go without a hitch.

We were lead in the music by Organist Bro Tom Adams Lodge Oban Commercial No 180 and we all assisted in the fine hymn singing!

After a fine Harmony, with a fine selection of buffet food and the biggest strawberry tart you ever saw, we were given a very solemn and interesting presentation on Prostate Cancer by our very own Prostate Champion Bro Archie McCulloch Substitute PGM Argyll and the Isles. If anyone would like more information or support please contact Bro Archie direct, or ask anyone from both orders for more information. Bro Archie would welcome anyone who would like the short 20 minute presentation and would be happy to provide this.

The two orders then presented a cheque to the Rev Sibyl Tchaikovsky for which she was very grateful.

The Grand Superintendent MEC Robert Wilson and Provincial Grand Master Bro John Stewart would like to thank Lodge Rothesay St. John, No. 292 and Isle of Bute Parish Church for hosting the Service of Thanksgiving.

Text and photos by Andrew Hamilton, PG Steward / PGH

PGL Annual Shoot

The PGL Annual Shoot took place at Tarbert on 6th September 2025

The weather was dry and bright and a good day was had by all.
Brethren from Lodges Tarbert Lochfyne 1306, Lochfyne 754, Campbeltown St John 141, Oban Commercial 180, Kyles of Bute 1120 and St. Molios 774 all took part.

After a hard-fought contest, the team from Tarbert Lochfyne 1306 came out on top and the trophy was presented to them by Provincial Grand Secretary, Jim McMillan.

The PG Secretary thanked Tarbert Gun Club for providing their facilities, the brethren of Lodge Tarbert for hosting the event and RWM David Munro of Lodge Kyles of Bute for expertly organising and administering the Shoot.

The funds raised on the day will be split between two charities – Prostate Scotland and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.

Photo attached of the winning team, Tarbert Lochfyne 1306.