The way we were – 1986 A Visit to Grand Lodge

The year is 1986 and it is the 250^th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.  The photo below shows the deputation from No XII (and 1 guest) in attendance that day at the celebrations held at the Ingliston Show Ground outside Edinburgh.




Although it is 31 years since the day, I still have vivid and rich memories of it because it made such a deep impression on me.  We travelled through in one of Peter Harte’s mini buses.  It was a gorgeous day and we stopped at an Inn in Ratho, close to the venue, for a little refreshment prior to completing our journey.  As you would expect from a Grand Lodge event, there was a great sense of occasion and ceremony.  As we drove into the Show Grounds, traffic was being directed by members of the Corps of Commissionaires.  As ever they were resplendent in their uniforms with the white topped hats and white gloves.  On this special day, the finish touch was that all were members of the Craft and dressed in their Lodge aprons.

The Ceremony had the hallmarks of quality, dignity and decorum.  The famous Scottish baritone Bill McCue sang wonderfully after we had enjoyed a delicious meal.  We had a most enjoyable time sitting with Brethren from Nigeria whose large numbers on the day were a sight to behold.  It was a day to remember.

Following the event, RWM Bro H Campbell Barr donated his 250^th Anniversary jewel to the Lodge and it is worn to this day by the RWM.