Our Junior Warden Bro. Derek A. Robertson, visited the Grand Lodge in Edinburgh on Thursday 30 October for their Regular Communication. This is his personal report.
“Going to Grand Lodge was something of a bucket list item for a few years now. This one was perfect as I’m not working as much and certainly not the pressure of running a business.
So, I set off for the 9:30am No 38 bus from my home to Stirling. From there the 10:40 train to Edinburgh. I got off at Haymarket, so as to get my steps up for the day, and once on George Street it was akin to the gathering of the clans. In coffee houses and pubs, men in black suits had taken over. You could see all the hubbubs of conversations reminiscent of the 18th century enlightenment, I’m sure.
Arriving at Grand Lodge, you’re immediately struck by the history, architecture and finery. I was lost and was to ask about a voting form. I was directed to the first-floor admin/shop then downstairs to someone called Lennie who it turned out was upstairs, then back to the shop to be told I’d get one later. I walked around, registered on the Attendance sheets and took lots of photos. Interesting to see the bust of Lord Elgin. I’d met him a couple of times in the late 1980s when he was the President of Scottish Amicable where I worked.
I shook hands with folks I recognised like the Grand DoC had a few words with Tom Davidson, The Grand Almoner and then tried to find out about lunch. A brother showed me how to get to the lower floor where lunch was served – otherwise I would never have found it.
I know many masons eat at “spoons” or other nearby places but I’m glad I booked the lunch. I had a great time talking and getting to know four super-men. Two Grand Stewards, Brother Danny McGinlay Lodge Tower No. 1523 and Bro. Adam Provan Lodge St. John Whiteinch No. 683, The Grand Piper Bro. Robert Burns of Lodge New Battle St. Mary No. 1063 and Bro. George Nikolai of The Roman Eagle Lodge No. 160.
After lunch it was time for the meeting. The Grand Hall is totally different when full – an amazing atmosphere. I sat beside Bro George McWhinnie PM and Junior Warden Bro. Allan Baxter, from Lodge Carron No. 139. I could see from Lodge Ancient Stirling No 30 Bro Graeme Campbell PM and had a quick chat with Junior Warden Bro. Hector McLeod and Bro, Ian Taylor of Lodge Stirling Royal Arch No. 76.
Grand Master Mason’s entrance was impressive as the Grand DoC Ronald W. A. Forbes led a slow march that enforced the pageantry. The Lodge was opened, passed and raised just as we do in Bannockburn. And then the highlight. The is something awe inspiring when hundreds of voices boom out hymns with the grand pipe organ only adding to the atmosphere.
The business of the afternoon included acknowledging three Brothers who have passed to The Grand Lodge above and later the confirmation of Bro. Alexander D. C. Moncrieff as Grand Master-elect. Proper thanks were afforded to the Grand Master Mason for his additional term of office, especially as he is also Grand principal.
The many decisions were passed very smoothly and without incident. Like all good meetings, the preparatory work is all done beforehand. I was one of seven to be voted on for the three elected spaces on the Governance and Strategy Board. There was some hustle and bustle to get people, including me, a voting form (that looks just like a parliamentary election). As the completed forms were passed along our row to get to the Grand Steward, I couldn’t see any Xs for me. I settled, there and then, that I would not be successful. I also thought I would know later in the meeting but, no.
In the Grand Master Mason’s remarks there were two items that caused my ears to prick up. First was ‘Open doors days’ that will start in February 2026. And secondly a trial, in Malaysia, of jewels (bronze, silver and gold) awarded for bringing new initiates.
After the meeting was closed in due and antient form, I got an earlier than expect training home, meaning I was in good time for our own AGM.
It was an interesting and enjoyable day that I would recommend to all.”
Postscript
The following afternoon, Derek received a letter confirming that he had been successful in the elections to the Governance and Strategy Board. We wish him all the best, representing the Lodge in this forum. His first meeting is 11 December 2025.
