Grand Master Mason’s Message by Brother Alexander Moncreiff 

This Quarter has been a particularly busy one for Grand Lodge staff and Grand Lodge Officebearers. At the end of June, we witnessed what can only be described as an exceptional event – the Apprentice Pillar meeting. Congratulations are extended to all who took part in a unique and historic event when young masons from all over Scotland, and several overseas Districts took part in an exemplification of the Entered Apprentice Degree. To add to the apprehension on the day, the team conferred the degree on none other than the Depute Grand Master, Brother Alexander Moncrieff. The future of Scottish Freemasonry is in safe hands.

At the beginning of July, we had an excellent deputation heading to Comrie in Perthshire West to install the new Provincial Grand Master of Perthshire West, Brother John K. Bryce, who took over the reins from Brother William Semple, better known to many as Grand Secretary. The following week, Grand Hall was transformed for the inaugural Grand Lodge Burns Supper which was voted an outstanding success by all in attendance. It will hopefully lay the foundation for future events. 

From Edinburgh to Jordan, where Grand Secretary and I had the privilege to carry out the rededication of Lodge Jordan No. 1339 on what was their Centenary meeting. We were well looked after and in between meetings were able to visit the ancient settlement of Jerash. While Grand Secretary was taken on a tour that included the site of the Baptism of Jesus, I had the privilege of meeting with some of the Brethren from Lodge Wisdom. Our final duty was to visit a joint meeting at which the Brethren from all three Lodges came together for a tremendous night of Freemasonry. We left Amman and travelled to Freetown in Sierra Leone, arriving there after two flights, a bus ride and a thirty-five-minute sail at 02.00 hours on the morning of Wednesday 23rd July. Eight hours later, Grand Secretary and I were at a meeting with the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Wonie Bio, after which we travelled to the British High Commission where we met with the new High Commissioner, Josephine Gauld, LVO. From there it was a short journey to the City Chambers to meet Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown. On Thursday morning after a cultural tour of the markets and the Sierra Leone Museum, we headed to the Georgacland Masonic Temple for the first of two rehearsals. I had a double mission: on the Friday I installed MEC Magnus Cassius Coker as Grand Superintendent; the following day, assisted by Grand Secretary, I installed Brother Nicholas Colin Browne Marke as the new District Grand Master of Sierra Leone and the Gambia. On our return to Scotland, we attended a Civic Reception in the magnificent setting of Glasgow City Chambers to mark the Centenary of Lodge Kenmuir No. 570, and the following day a large Grand Lodge Deputation made their way to Lodge Kenmuir for the rededication ceremony.

The following week, we experienced a first for Grand Lodge when a joint team from Grand Lodge and the Province of Ross and Cromarty launched the new Grand Lodge Gazebo at the Black Isle Show. The two-day event was voted a great success but more importantly, we learned some valuable lessons from the initiative. We even had a visit from the World’s Strongest Man and his brother—The Stoltman Brothers.
 
On Saturday 16th August, my Depute, Brother Alexander Moncrieff, led a large deputation to the Scottish Borders Province where he installed the new Provincial Grand Master, Brother James Thom. The following two Saturdays saw Grand Lodge travelling north—first of all to Dornoch to install the new Provincial Grand Master, Brother David Williams, and the following Saturday, overseas again to the beautiful island of Orkney where we installed Brother Colin J. MacLeod. This was a first visit to Orkney for a number of the Grand Lodge Deputation and by all accounts, they are keen to return and explore the Island further. 

I was indebted to Brother Dr Douglas Nicol who carried out the Installation Ceremony of the new District Grand Master in Newfoundland and Labrador. Douglas managed to get there, but Grand Secretary and I experienced problems with airline strikes and could not travel. The following two weeks were taken up with Royal Arch Installations in Bahamas and Barbados, which were very successful events. Possibly one of the highlights was a Family Day on the Sunday where the Brethren and Companions and their families all came together for 
an outdoor party—everyone, children included, had a tremendous time. 

On Friday 19th September, I returned once again to the City Chambers in Glasgow for another Civic Reception, this time in honour of Lodge Riddrie. The event on this occasion was hosted by Bailie Norman M.T.M. MacLeod, Past Assistant Grand Secretary. It was good to catch up with him on what was a memorable night. The following night was equally memorable when Ann and I attended the Renfrewshire East Dinner in the Glynhill Hotel. A truly enjoyable time. 

The final major event in the Quarter was the installation of Brother David MacKellar as District Grand Master of the Far East. The event was held in the splendid Zetland Hall Masonic Temple. It was good to be able to be back in Hong Kong—many of you may well remember the Installation of the outgoing District Grand Master, Brother Christopher Wong, which uniquely took place in Grand Lodge on the first night of the 4th International Scottish 
Conference. The Covid outbreak prevented travel to Hong Kong. It has been a bust quarter, and I would like to thank Grand Secretary and his staff for all the work put into all events over the past four months.
W. Ramsay McGhee Grand Master Mason

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Grand Secretary’s Message by Brother William M. Semple

Welcome to the autumn edition of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland Newsletter and I trust this communication finds you refreshed after an enjoyable summer.

AN INVITATION TO THE REGULAR COMMUNICATION OF GRAND LODGE ON THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER 2025

We are very much looking forward to welcoming Brethren to the upcoming Regular 
Communication of Grand Lodge, which will take place on Thursday 30th October 
2025 at Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh. It has come to our attention that there may be some uncertainty among members regarding who is eligible to attend Grand Lodge. During the summer’s Apprentice Pillars Degree, several Brethren shared that they had never attended a Grand Lodge meeting, some were even unaware that they could. Let us clarify: Grand Lodge is open to all Qualified Members in good standing. Put simply, if you are a Master Mason and have paid your Test Fees, then you are more than welcome to attend Grand Lodge. Members of Grand Lodge include all Lodge Masters and Wardens throughout our 
Constitution, and you should take the opportunity to come along as the representatives of your Lodge. If you are a member of Grand Lodge, you not only have the right to attend, but you also have a voice and a vote in its Proceedings. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage more deeply with the wider Masonic community, to witness the workings of Grand Lodge, and to enjoy the fellowship of Brethren from across the world. Whether you’ve attended before or this would be your first time, we warmly encourage you to come along and be part of the day. We look forward to seeing you in Edinburgh!

ANNUAL COMMUNICATION, INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICE-BEARERS & FESTIVAL OF ST ANDREW – THURSDAY 27th NOVEMBER 2025
Brethren are warmly invited to attend one of the most significant events in our Masonic calendar: the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, which will be held on Thursday 27th November 2025 at Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh. This important day includes the Installation of Grand Office-bearers, a ceremony that celebrates leadership, continuity, and the strength of our fraternity. It is a moment of reflection and renewal, as we welcome those who will guide us in the year ahead. Following the Communication and Installation, we will gather in celebration for the Festival of St Andrew, The Festival is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy good company, good food, and the spirit of unity that defines our Craft. We strongly encourage all Qualified Members in good standing to attend. Whether you are a seasoned attendee or considering coming for the first time, your presence enriches the occasion and strengthens our collective bond. Full details and ticket information can be found here: Festival of St Andrew 2025

SELECTION OF DIGITAL AND TECHNOLOGY SUPPLIER TO GRAND LODGE
After several months of careful evaluation and consultation with key stakeholders, we are delighted to announce the outcome of its digital and technology supplier selection process. The journey began with the development of a comprehensive, weighted scoring model. This model considered a wide range of criteria, including functional capabilities, non-functional requirements, security standards, and organisational fit to ensure a fair and consistent assessment of potential suppliers. From an initial pool of ten suppliers identified through market research, five were invited to complete a detailed questionnaire. Following this, two finalists were shortlisted for the final stage. Each submitted formal proposals and participated in presentations to demonstrate their platforms, delivery approaches, and governance structures. A rigorous comparative analysis was then conducted, mapping each proposal against our scoring model, testing assumptions, and identifying potential risks. This culminated in a recommendation presented to the Governance & Strategy Board on Monday 13 October 2025. The recommended supplier was accepted, and we aim to have the new system in place by next summer, bringing enhanced digital capabilities and improved member services. We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses.

ANNUAL REPORT 2025
The Annual Report for 2025 will be formally presented at the Regular Communication of Grand Lodge in October. Ahead of that meeting, the report will be circulated to all Brethren. This year’s report provides a comprehensive overview of the work carried out across the Constitution in support of our strategic vision and priorities – The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland. It reflects the collective efforts and progress made throughout the year, and we hope that many of your own contributions are captured within 
its pages. We encourage all Members to take the time to read the report and share your feedback. Your insights are valuable and help shape the future direction of our work. Let us continue building on the strong foundations laid this year, together.

TO CONCLUDE
With these few words, I wish you all a very pleasant return to Masonic Activity. As we look ahead to our autumnal Masonic endeavours, we encourage all Brethren to stay engaged,informed, and involved. Your participation, whether through attending Grand Lodge, contributing feedback, or supporting our strategic initiatives, is vital to the continued strength and unity of our global fraternity. Together, we are shaping a vibrant future for Scottish Freemasonry. Thank you for your ongoing commitment and support. Most importantly, however, enjoy yourself!! William M.S. Semple Grand Secretary

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Grand Almoner’s message by Brother Thomas Davidson

Most of our Lodges will now are back following the summer recess and things are getting busier again. I have spoken to Lodge and Provincial Grand Almoners over the summer and I never fail to be amazed at the dedication they bring, looking after the welfare of Brethren and their dependants. Their work does not stop for the summer, they should be greatly appreciated, and I express my gratitude for their support. At Grand Lodge, things have continued to be busy over the summer recess with many established projects and bedding-in new projects.

PROSTATE SCOTLAND LEGACY PROJECTS
I will attach a copy of the Prostate Scotland Review for the first six months of 2025 at the end of this report
Prostate Champions We are now almost two years since the start of the project and have an army of volunteers. A
further three volunteers have started their training, all seeking to raise awareness of prostate disease all over Scotland. We are still speaking to Masonic groups but more and more, the target groups are sports clubs, church groups etc. in the general community. We get lots of feedback from talks and from the reports received, more than one hundred men have reported being diagnosed with prostate cancer following a GP visit they made after hearing one of our talks. Many of these men say they had no symptoms. Brethren, if you recognise the symptoms, get the information—don’t delay! Get to your GP for guidance and testing! Early detection is the key to better outcomes. If you need someone to deliver a talk, please contact your Provincial Grand Master or Provincial Grand Secretary in the first instance. We are getting closer to having Prostate Champions in all parts of Scotland; now only two provinces do not have a trained Prostate Champion. Information leaflets, posters, booklets and guides are available, either by contacting your local Prostate Champion or online by accessing the Prostate Scotland Website at https://www.prostatescotland.org.uk/resources Some of our Districts abroad have already developed their own schemes of Prostate Champions.

Prospacks Project
We are almost two years since this project started and whilst it is successful in some areas, progress has however been patchy in other areas. We continually review figures to try and improve uptake. A major review is programmed for November. Research into “Living with an Enlarged Prostate” A researcher has been recruited by Prostate Scotland and commenced work in August. We have had an initial meeting with the researcher and she will, at some point, seek to recruit a cohort of men who are living with an enlarged prostate and take evidence of the successes and problem areas that men encounter with the GPs and NHS services when they seek treatment. We have many Brethren living with this disease, and we will appeal, at the appropriate time, for Brethren to register to complete a questionnaire and participate directly with the researcher and anonymously.

OTHER PROJECTS
Armed Forces Covenant We have already been awarded the Silver Level Award and are now progressing and moving towards the Gold Award, which we hope to achieve early next year. Any Brethren who are employers are encouraged to consider signing up their companies for the Armed Forces Covenant to provide support for members of our armed forces, both as Regulars leaving the forces or Reserves working in civilian posts. Provincial Grand Lodges are collating statistics of activity within their province or Lodges showing current areas of support for our armed forces. Masonic Literacy Champions We are approaching the end of the first year in a pilot project relating to literacy with the  National Literacy Trust. The pilot has volunteers in four provinces in the east of Scotland where the National Literacy Trust has its Scottish Hub in Dundee. The project is showing early signs of successful initiatives. Interestingly, the project is developing organically and differently to meet local needs in each province. We will be assessing this project early in 2026. PhD Project – Robert Burns and Freemasonry This project is being run in collaboration with the University of Glasgow and has now started its second year, and already new information is being gleaned from the records in Grand Lodge and Daughter Lodges, which will enhance the existing information. Particular areas of interest are being developed regarding Robert Burns and members of his family. Our PhD scholar has presented a proposed syllabus of talks and walks which he will undertake and thereby take the influence of Freemasonry on the development and works of Robert Burns to a wider audience. The programme is in early stages of development and more information is to follow.

Teddies for Loving Care (TLC)
Following the very successful project in Ayrshire, Grand Lodge is seeking to facilitate and support other Provincial Grand Lodges seeking to be involved with this project to provide Teddy Bears to children undergoing treatment in their local hospitals. More word of this after the October Communication. I again encourage all Brethren to keep up the good work that you have been doing in projects to support your local communities throughout Scotland and in the districts overseas. I particularly congratulate those Brethren working in support of foodbanks. You are doing a great job! Well done! Tom Davidson Grand Lodge Almoner