Review

The Grand Lodge of Scotland Year Book is probably unique in the world of Freemasonry as it supplies information not only as to 'who is who' in the Scottish Constitution but includes articles of Masonic interest.

Over the years I have had much pleasure in meeting many Scottish Freemasons from all over the world. I always ask why are you a SCOTTISH Freemason? There have been several answers to that question the most frequent being: "My father, grandfather, great grandfather were all Scottish Freemasons and I am following in their footsteps". Other answers are that the individual enjoys the Scottish form of Freemasonry, that the Scottish Lodge's activities (Burns Suppers etc.) are an attraction or that the individual simply "feels comfortable" in a Scottish Lodge. Ultimately the feeling is the same wherever in the world Scottish Lodges meet - everyone is part of the same family, albeit it an extended family.

For those who are Scottish Freemasons, in many parts of the world, this book is an invaluable source of information. Glancing through it I am proud that so many men chose to be SCOTTISH Freemasons. Places where Scottish Freemasonry is alive and well never ceases to amaze me. Here are countries where Scottish Lodges exist:

As you may be aware Freemasonry, in England, has recently been the subject of much adverse criticism over the last few years. Baroness Knight provides a fair and dispassionate examination of the issues involved.

A personal view of Freemasonry, its past, present and future, by the Grand Secretary of our Sister Grand Lodge just o'er the water.

A fascinating history of a Scottish Lodge originally founded in Aden, South Arabia; it's activities and demise in 1967. Yet the Lodge survives! And Brother Gordon explains how and why.

The brief history of a Lodge that existed, clandestinely, for twenty years before it decided to join the Grand Lodge of Scotland!

The tale of Brother Nicol, and his wife's, visit to Lodge Victoria Zimbabwe, No1171. Delayed, exhausted, lost luggage on a holiday birthday present from his wife! Here is truly a story of Scottish Freemasonry, how each and everyone feels part a family. Proxy Masters, especially, will find this interesting. There must be many other tales of a similar nature waiting to be written - and published.

Each year the Grand Master Mason, accompanied by Grand Secretary, visits a different part of the world where Scottish Lodges meet. This is more than mere 'flag flying' as the Grand Lodge of Scotland considers it vitally important that Scottish Freemasonry, wherever it exists, recognised as part of the 'family'. Anyone who thinks that this is a 'freebie' should think again. Travelling long distances is tiring, boring and on occasions dangerous. The Scottish Brethren show their appreciation of the Grand Master Mason's 'travails' in these pages.

When one reads these pages it becomes clear that the Grand Lodge of Scotland is held in great esteem and respect. Scottish Brethren furth of this country plan, arrange, and organise for the head of the Scottish Craft, on this occasion Lord Burton, a reception that is a manifestation of their love for Scottish Freemasonry. The itinerary is too lengthy to detail here and so you will just have to buy the Year Book to find out more! Please see the Publications Page.

Since 1736 Masonic Lodges in the Capital have come under the direct scrutiny of the Grand Master Mason. That method of supervision remained effective for as long as the Grand Master Mason was a regular visitor to, or was resident, in Edinburgh. In his absence a Committee, known as the Metropolitan District Committee, appointed by Grand Lodge, had day to day responsibility for the oversight of Edinburgh Lodges. In the recent past it was realised that a small Committee could no longer oversee the affairs of 41 Lodges. It was resolved, therefore, that a Provincial Grand Lodge, in common with all other areas of the country, should administer Lodges in Edinburgh.

Brother Tait's article details the formation of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Edinburgh. This being the last possible Provincial Grand Lodge that can be formed under the Scottish Constitution. He describes the ceremony of Erection and Consecration and what a memorable occasion it was!

Did you know that there was a Lodge of Scottish Freemasons in Rome, Italy? No? Nor did I. Brother Currie, an eminent Scottish Masonic Historian tells all.

The areas available for research into the history of Scottish Freemasonry are, almost, endless. Stephen Jackson's article is an example. Stephen is not a Freemason yet the willingness of, most, Lodges to assist him in his research allowed him to obtain a Masters Degree at the University of St Andrews. His resultant thesis is held within the Library of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

There can be no doubt that his research adds to our knowledge of Scottish Freemasonry. Unfortunately there are some Lodges that do not share this attitude of academic co-operation. This is to the detriment of such Lodges and the Scottish Craft in general.

Whist the subject might, at first glance, appear to be obscure and even uninteresting Mr Jackson provides many interesting historical sidelines during the course of his studies.

A Minister (retired) of the Church of Scotland, and a Freemason, explains his Church's attitude towards Freemasonry.

This article is a thought provoking look at the changes in society, and how these have affected Freemasonry, over the last fifty years.

This year sees the 400th anniversary of this Lodge's oldest minute. This article provides brief details of these and the celebrations to take place in July of this year.

Update of the disbursement of the Dunblane Fund at 31st October 1998

The use of the fund created following the murder of the school children on 13th March 1996 is fully explained.

The establishment, and subsequent development, of the Scottish Masonic Homes is charted in this article.

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