PGL Argyll & the Isles

Freemasonry in Argyll, Bute and Arran, Scotland

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A&ASR Newsletter from South Wales and Monmouthshire

Back in April this year, V. Ill. Bro Paul Kelvin-Smith 33°, Inspector General of the District of South Wales, was visiting Arran and, through mutual friends in the Province of South Wales, he was able to connect with Andrew Perrie. He came along to a rehearsal at St Molios Royal Arch Chapter and then accompanied us to the Provincial Communication at Taynuilt in April.

Bro Kelvin-Smith wrote about his trip for the September 2026 issue of their A&ASR District newsletter and has given me permission to post it here for our brethren’s interest.

Enjoy!

September 26 Newsletter[5]Download

Annual PGL Clay Shoot 2026

The annual PGL Clay Shoot was held at Tarbert Gun Club on Sunday, 6 September 2026.

Congratulations to Lodge Tarbert, Tarbert Loch Fyne No. 1306, who took first place with a score of 72. The New & Young Masons All Stars finished second, with The Oban Commercial Lodge No. 180 in third place.

The New & Young Masons Trophy was won by Bro. John Winnard of Lodge No. 1306, with a score of 24. Joint second place went to Bros. Tom Kennedy of Lodge No. 180 and Shaun Johnson of Lodge No. 1306, both scoring 23. Third place was awarded to Bro. Kevin Johnston of Lodge No. 180, with a score of 15.

It was a most enjoyable day, with several non-Masons also joining us. Sincere thanks go to Bro. Andy Peden, WSW of Lodge No. 1306, and his team for organising the event, and to Tarbert Gun Club for the use of its excellent facilities and for its hospitality, including tea, coffee and rolls.

A brilliant day of Masonic fellowship was enjoyed by all. Apologies were received from three Brethren from Arran, who were unfortunately unable to attend due to ferry cancellations.

Photos provided by Bro. Kevin Johnston.

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. 🤝