PGL Argyll & the Isles

Freemasonry in Argyll, Bute and Arran, Scotland

Regular Communications

Installation of Ryan Higginson

On Saturday 31 October, Bro. Ryan Higginson was installed as Master of Lodge Glencoe No 884 for his second term. The installing masters were Bros Allan Macleod, PM The Lodge of Fortwilliam No 43, John McNaughton, PM Lodge Kyles of Bute No 1120, and Arthur French, PM Lodge St Munn Ardnadam No 496.

A particularly moving moment of the ceremony was when Bro. Higginson named his late grandfather, Bro. John Kennedy, as Depute Master. Bro. Kennedy passed to the Grand Lodge Above in May this year.

Bro Allan Macleod presented Bro Higginson with a mallet that he had had made from a garden hoe that Bro. John Kennedy, had given him. See the photo in the gallery below.

The installation meeting was preceded by a regular communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge.

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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. 🤝

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.

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Regular Communication, April 2024

The Regular Communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Argyll and the Isles was held on Saturday, 20 April 2024, in the premises of Lodge Inveraray St John No 50. It was the annual installation of Elected Office-bearers and a small change in the Commissioned Office-bearers.

Bro. Kenny Stewart was commissioned as Provincial Grand Substitute Master.

Bro. John Fletcher was installed as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.

Several other brethren took office for the first time, including Bro. Colin Mitchell from the host lodge, Inveraray St John No 50, who was installed as Steward.

And Bro. Cams Campbell, RWM of Lodge St Molios No 774, who was installed as Assistant Secretary.

A full list of Office-bearers can be found on our Elected Office-bearers page.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Argyll and the Isles extends thanks to Lodge Inveraray St John for hosting the Regular Communication and providing such an excellent purvey. It was an excellent day and we look forward to a successful year ahead.