After a seven-year hiatus, the Lodge returned to Lodge Neptune No. 375 in Aberdeen City. Joining the 312 brethren were brothers from Lodges 30, 76, 129, 484, 598, and 1474.
Leaving Bannockburn at 9:30am prompt on Saturday 28 August, Bro. Max of Myles Coaches made great time, getting us to the Park Inn Hotel for midday. As our rooms weren’t ready, the 46 passengers had to get creative to change into their finery.
Duly transformed, the hotel receptionist reckoned we were like the Umbrella Academy cast, whereas Reservoir Dogs seemed more likely.
The Lodge building, inside and out, contains many glorious sights. This includes beautifully decorated ceilings, cornice work, wooden and alabaster carvings. It’s an amazing setting for quality ritual work.
Preceded by the PGLS deputation headed by RWPGM Bro. Stuart Stirling, our RWM Bro. Kenneth R. Shaw led a deputation of 45 into the impressive lodge room, swelling the attendance to 94.
RWM Bro. John Duck PM welcomed us into the Lodge, with perhaps the biggest carpet, most if not all of us, will have experienced. And once Bro. Shaw accepted the gavel the following team conferred the master mason degree on Bro. Aaron Grigor, their progressive candidate.
Office-bearers
| Conferring Master | Bro. Kenneth R. Shaw |
| Senior Warden | Bro. Derek A. Robertson |
| Junior Warden | Bro. Clint W. Swan PM, DSC |
| Senior Deacon | Bro. Barry Duffin |
| Junior Deacon | Bro. Billy Logan |
| Inner Guard | Bro. Alex Cunningham |
| Chaplain | Bro. David Stevenson PM, DSC |
| Director. of Ceremonies | Bro. David Stevenson PM, DSC |
Lecture Team
| Obligation | Bro. Kenneth R. Shaw |
| Prayers and Readings | Bro. David Stevenson PM, DSC |
| Retrospect | Bro. Derek Irvine PM |
| Raising | Bro. Robert McGregor PM |
| Solo | Bro. Thomas J. Campbell PM, DSC |
| Emblems | Bro. Paul W. Duffin PM |
| Secrets | Bro. Alex Cunningham |
| Apron Investiture | Bro. Derek A. Robertson |
| After Apron | Bro. Richard A. Kerry |
| Working Tools | Bro. Billy Logan |
| Final Charge | Bro. Derek A. Robertson |
One highlight in what was acknowledged as an excellent degree was the PGLS forming the perambulation team.
At the degree’s conclusion, RWPGM of Aberdeen City Bro. Michael Taylor, praised the quality and content of the degree. Neptune’s RWM Bro. John Duck presented our RWM with a slate, emblazoned with our respective crests that marked to occasion.
At the harmony, the brethren were each gifted a commemorative pen, while they enjoyed soup and stovies. Bro. Ryan Cowan Lodge Tulliallan No. 598 was the most successful at the raffle. A fantastic £1,200 was raised for the Neptune Lodge, which was thankfully received and will be faithfully applied.
Formalities over, the brethren went their separate ways, many congregating in the RUA Club a stone’s throw from our hotel. Traditional 312 banter ensued with the only trouble coming from split sides and sore jaws from laughter.
The record seems to be have been 4am for the last of the revellers. Unless anyone knows better . . .?
Sunday morning saw a return to the RUA Club for the live noon game. More laughter and lager, for just the three hours, before heading back to Bannockburn. Thanks to Bro. James T. Andrew PM for providing pizzas as welcome sustenance.
Bus home sounds curated expertly by David Stevenson. And our driver Bro. Max Myles retuned us to the Lodge in Bannockburn at 6pm on the dot. Planning perfection!
A great weekend with thanks to the organisers and Bro. Keith Graham for most of the photos. Lots of pre-bookings for 2027!