A Scottish Welcome

A Scottish Welcome – Visiting Lodge Carron 139

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By Tony Sahota October 15, 2026

Visiting another Lodge has to be one of the greatest highlights of Freemasonry. There is something particularly special about entering a Lodge where you may know very few people, yet being greeted with the warmth, friendship and smiles that make you feel immediately at home. On Wednesday 14th October 2026, I had the great pleasure of travelling north of the border to attend the initiation of my brother into Freemasonry at the historic Lodge Carron 139, in the Province of Stirlingshire, Scotland. I already knew it was going to be a special evening. As a member of The Commercial Lodge No. 1391, the connection with Lodge Carron No. 139 was certainly not lost on me. There was something rather fitting about a Mason from 1391 visiting a Lodge numbered 139! I was not alone on my journey from England. I was accompanied by two dear Brothers from Queen Street, London – members of Lodge Fulcrum 4012 – making the evening an even more memorable occasion.

A Warm Scottish Welcome

The Lodge is based in Stenhousemuir and the Temple itself dates back to 1903. On our arrival, we were warmly greeted by the Lodge Secretary, Kenny Maclennan. Lodge Secretaries rarely receive enough recognition for the enormous amount of work they undertake behind the scenes. Their attention to detail, organisation and commitment are fundamental to the smooth running of any Lodge – something I am regularly reminded of by our own Secretary, Jason Hall. However, this was no ordinary welcome.We were shown into the bar area and almost immediately offered a wee dram of 15-year-old Highland Park single malt whisky.Now, I’m sure there is no better way to begin a Scottish Masonic evening! We were then introduced to the Worshipful Master of Lodge Carron, Jim MacAulay, who spoke passionately about his Lodge, its history and, most importantly, what it means to its members and the wider community. It quickly became clear that Lodge Carron is a Lodge with a remarkable story to tell.

259 Years of History

Lodge Carron No. 391 was consecrated in 1767. As someone who is incredibly proud of the fact that The Commercial Lodge has been meeting for 152 years, I found it quite astonishing to stand in a Lodge that has been part of Freemasonry for an incredible 259 years. That is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the generations of Freemasons who have sustained Lodge Carron throughout its long history. But the Lodge’s history is closely intertwined with something much bigger than Freemasonry. It is linked to the famous Carron Iron Works, founded in 1759 near Falkirk, on the banks of the River Carron. Carron Iron Works became one of Scotland’s most important industrial enterprises and played a significant role in the country’s industrial development. By the early 19th century, it had grown into one of the largest ironworks in Europe. Perhaps its most famous creation was the Carronade, a short, lightweight but incredibly powerful naval cannon developed at the works in 1778. Carronades were adopted by the Royal Navy and famously saw service aboard HMS Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar. Standing in Lodge Carron, you can still see reminders of this extraordinary industrial heritage.

A Piece of Carron History

One of the highlights of the evening was being presented with a small Carron penny, kindly gifted to us by Worshipful Master Jim MacAulay, together with a Carron tie. Small objects like these can sometimes tell the biggest stories. They provide a tangible connection between the Lodge, its members and the remarkable industrial heritage of the community in which it has stood for generations. It was a very generous gesture and one that I will certainly remember.

The Initiation

I won’t go into any detail about the initiation ceremony itself. Some things are best experienced rather than described. What I will say is how proud I was to watch my Brother take his first steps into Freemasonry. The ceremony was excellent, and congratulations must go to all the Officers of Lodge Carron for the manner in which they conducted it. A number of Officers had stepped in at very short notice, which makes their performance all the more impressive. Particular credit must go to the Senior Deacon, who stepped up when required and played an important role in making the ceremony such a memorable occasion.

Fellowship, Friendship – and Whisky!

As with so many Lodge meetings, the formal business eventually gave way to the festive board.The atmosphere was lively, the conversation flowed and, unsurprisingly, some Brothers needed very little encouragement to enjoy themselves – Derek, thank you for your company! The generosity of our hosts continued throughout the evening, with another dram – and, I believe, at least another half – of whisky finding its way into our glasses. It was a wonderful evening of Masonic friendship, laughter and fellowship. And isn’t that what visiting is all about?

Same, Yet Different

Having now experienced an initiation ceremony in Scotland and having attended many ceremonies in England, I couldn’t help but reflect on the similarities and differences between the two. My conclusion can be summed up in just four words:

“The same, yet different.” The principles, traditions and purpose remain familiar, but the character, atmosphere and traditions of Scottish Freemasonry give the experience its own unique identity. And that is perhaps one of the greatest joys of Freemasonry. You can travel hundreds of miles, cross a border and walk into a Lodge you’ve never visited before – and yet still feel that you have arrived amongst Brothers. To Lodge Carron 139, Worshipful Master Jim MacAulay, Kenny Maclennan, all the Officers and Brethren: thank you for your incredible hospitality and for making three English visitors feel so welcome. And to my Brother, congratulations on taking your first step into Freemasonry. It was a privilege to be there. Same, yet different. You really do need to experience it yourself.

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