The Provincial Grand Lodge of
Perthshire West
"Putting the Brethren First"
The Masonic
Heart of Scotland !
Updated 14th November 2024
News & Events
2024 Charity Walk - The West Highland way
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Perthshire West will be raising funds for local groups and charities within the Province by walking The West Highland Way from the 22nd to 27th September.
Provincial Grand Master Willie Semple and Jim Alexander from Perthshire West will be accompanied by Jack Drummond of Lanarkshire Upper Ward to take on the entire 96 mile trek together with other members from Perthshire West who will join them over the six day walk.
Every year members of Provincial Grand Lodge raise money which is then split between the 13 Lodges in the Province. This money is then donated to good causes within their local communities.
You can help support Willie & Jim by donating here - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/PGLPW24
Special Presentations at the Dunkeld Communication
Presentation from PGL Glasgow To Lodge No.IX
Provincial Grand Master of Glasgow Bro Andrew Mushet presented Bro Scot Gibson RWM of The Lodge of Dunblane No.IX (left) with Bottle No. 9 of 200 of the Whisky bottled to celebrate the anniversary of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow
Charity PGL Whisky Draw Winner
Provincial Grand Master Bro W Semple presented three special bottles of Whisky donated by Bro Tom Gordon PM to Bro Duncan McDonald of The Utd Lodge of Dunkeld No.14 the winner of the PGL Whisky Draw. The Draw raised £585 for PGL Benevolence. Pictured right are Bro Tom Gordon PM, Bro, Duncan McDonald and PGM Willie Semple
Honorary Provincial Grand Rank
Congratulations to Bro. Ron Allner who was presented with the rank of Honorary Senior Provincial Grand Deacon by Provincial Grand Master Bro. William Simple at the Regular Communication at Dunkeld.
Bro Allner has been a stalwart of Lodge Breadalbane St. Fillans No.815 for many years serving as Lodge Treasurer and has become the unofficial photographer at events throughout the Province and is always delighted to assist when called upon. The look of surprise when called to receive this well deserved honour tells you everything you need to know about his selfless acts. A true mason!
Long Dozen Presentations
Congratulations also go to Bro's Ian, Trevor and Mark Currans of Lodge Bailie Nicol Jarvie No.1036 on completing their Long Dozen Challenge. PGM Bro. W Semple is pictured below presenting each of them with their certificates and badges
Honorary Grand Rank
Congratulations to Provincial Grand Treasurer Brother Martyn Greene on being presented with the rank of Honorary Grand Treasurer. Brother Greene received his award at the Installation of Elected Provincial Grand Lodge Office-bearers at Dunblane. Bro. Greene is pictured receiving his honour from PGM Willie Semple. Also in attendance was a large deputation from the sister Provincial Grand Lodges and representatives of the other Masonic Orders in the Province.
The Long Dozen
The Long Dozen is a new initiative from Lodge Bailie Nicol Jarvie No.1036 in association with PGL to promote inter Lodge visiting in the Province. The idea is to get a Visitation Booklet signed by the Master or Secretary of each of the 13 Lodges in Perthshire West. Once completed the booklet is returned to Lodge Bailie Nicol Jarvie No.1036 who will then issue a Certificate and Lapel badge.
The Visitation Booklet cost £10 with all proceeds going to charity and can be purchased from Lodge Bailie Nicol Jarvie No.1036 or by contacting Provincial Grand Secretary.
The scheme is open to all freemasons in or outwith Perthshire West.
Please note visits as part of a Provincial deputation will not count towards the Long Dozen
Lodge St. Andrew No.814
125th Anniversary & Installation of Office Bearers for 2023-24
Lodge St. Andrew No.814 in Pitlochry recently celebrated two memorable events in its history. The 125th Anniversary which should have been held in 2020 (postponed due to the Covid pandemic) and the Installation of the Lodge Master and Office-Bearers. A remarkable achievement considering the Lodge was almost closed due to lack of attending members in 2020. In order to save the Lodge a change of format and meeting dates was deemed necessary. The Lodge has transitioned into a Lodge of Education, Enlightenment and Enjoyment and now meets on the Last Saturday of the month from May to September. Since changing formats the Lodge now has in excess of 20 members with a steady stream of affiliations coming in ensuring the future of Lodge St. Andrew No.814. It was great to see Bro Matt Donaldson and Bro. Andrew Manson (now living in Germany) both having being Initiated in 814 and having moved away from Pitlochry taking the time to visit their Mother Lodge for these occasions.
Honorary Provincial Grand Rank
Provincial Grand Master Bro Willam Semple had the pleasure of conferring the rank of Honorary Provincial Grand Director of Music of Perthshire West on Bro. Bob Edwards PM Lodge Buchanan No.1499 on Saturday 29th April 2023.
The presentation was witnessed by a fine Deputation from the PGL of Lanarkshire Middle Ward headed by PGM Bro. Andrew D Millar at the Regular Communication of PGL Perthshire West at Dunkeld
Bob has been a great assistance to the Province with his musical accompaniments at a number of ceremonies over the years and the honour was greatly deserved.
50th Jubilee Presentation's
The 15th March saw 50 year Jubilee Certificates being presented to Bro. Ron Castle PM and Bro. Jim Petrie PM.
Bro. Ron Castle was Initiated into Lodge Schiehallion No.1369 in Kinloch Rannoch (now dormant) on the 4th October 1972. Ron has served the Craft well during his 50 years having served as Master in No.1369, Tullibardine No.1484 and St. Andrew No.814 as well as being Past Junior Provincial Grand Chaplain. Ron is also currently Senior Deacon at Breadalbane No.657.
Bro Jim Petrie is also well known throughout the Province and has been a great servant to Lodge St. Michael No.38. Unfortunately Bro. Ronnie Robb was also due to collect his 50 Year Certificate from No.38 but was unable to attend the meeting on the 15th. His certificate will be presented as soon as the circumstances permit.
Pictured left is Bro. Ron Castle receiving his Certificate & 50 yr Jewel from PGM W Semple at the Annual Visitation to Lodge Breadalbane No.657.
Pictured below is Bro. Jim Petrie receiving his 50 yr Certificate from Bro Andy Brown PM on the same evening.
Presentation of Honorary Grand Ranks
Congratulations to PDPGM Bro. Gary Thompson PM Lodge No.815 and Bro. Alan Paterson PM Lodge No.792 on receiving the Honorary Grand ranks bestowed on them by Grand Master Mason Bro. Ramsay McGhee.
The brethren received their honours at the Regular Communication of PGL Perthshire West in The Lodge of Dunblane No.IX.
PDPGM Bro. Gary Thompson received the rank of Hon Senior Grand Deacon and Bro. Alan Paterson PM that of Hon Grand Treasurer for services to their Lodge and to the Province, both honours thoroughly deserved.
Duncan braves the Killiekrankie Zipslide for Charity
Following the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II the Ziplslide the Clyde fundraising event which JPGC Bro. Duncan Kinloch PM was representing the Province in was cancelled.
However we are pleased to report that the event has been rearranged and take place within our Province
Join Join Duncan at Killiecrankie for the rearranged Zipslide on Sunday 9th October at 11am. This event is part of the MAKE IT A MILLION appeal for Prostate Scotland. Still plenty time to make a donation. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/duncan-kinloch1...
Joint Province of Perthshire West & East Sponsorship
The Perthshire Highland Games Association welcomed another 2 new sponsors for the 2022 season.
The Provincial Grand Lodges of West & East Perthshire have both donated £500 towards the PHGA leagues.
Pictured here is PHGA Chairman Ian Stewart receiving one of the cheques for £500 from the PGM of Perthshire West Brother William Semple
The PHGA have 13 Highland Games throughout Perthshire. They start off their season at Blackford Highland Games on Saturday 28th May followed straight after by the Atholl Gathering at Blair Atholl on Sunday 29th May. Look out for our banner if you visit any of their Highland Games this year.
Charity Golf - Texas Scramble
Prostate Scotland have been a nominated charity for The Grand Lodge of Scotland for many years. Members of the Scottish Craft to date have donated over £850k to this worthy cause and Grand Lodge aspire to raise £1m for Prostate Scotland by November.
In pursuance of the above appeal, The Provincial Grand Lodge of Perthshire West held a Texas Scramble Golf Competition at Alyth Golf Club on Sunday 20th March 2022.
The format was teams of four consisting of Freemasons and their guests. after an enjoyable day's golfing a sum of £2,000 was raised for this worthwhile cause.
Perthshire West goes East!
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Perthshire West Walking Team set out from Oban, heading to St Andrews, West to East, on Saturday 29th May for the first section of the walk and should arrive in St Andrews on Sunday 6th June.
If you wish to support this fundraiser you can donate to it at https://gofund.me/751b0e86
Click to see all the Photos from the Walk
Honorary Grand Rank
PGM William Semple had the great pleasure of presenting the diploma and Jewel of Honorary Grand Piper to Brother John Muir, Past Master of Lodge Baillie Nicol Jarvie No. 1036 at the start of the West to East Charity Walk today. John is Piping off every section of the Walk this week.
PG Piper John Muir also surprised PGM by presenting him with the sheet music of the tune he composed for his Installation titled "William Semple Provincial Grand Master of Perthshire West"
Grand Lodge Covid-19 Challenge Appeal
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic Grand Lodge have launched their Covid Challenge Appeal, This meant the Province could claim £2000 which was matched by PGL Perthshire West and divided equally between all the Lodges in the Province. Each Lodge was asked to nominate a good cause or charity to receive a £300 donation. Pictures below are the presentation of the cheques to their nomminated charities. Click photos for more information
Provincial Grand Master Appointed as Grand Secretary
Friday 14th August
The Grand Master Mason, Bro W Ramsay McGhee, is delighted to announce that after a long, thorough and professionally conducted process by the Selection Panel, Brother William Semple, currently Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Perthshire West, has been appointed Grand Secretary and will take up the appointment in mid-September. The Grand Master Mason would like to place on record his sincere thanks to the selection panel and to the other candidates.
Our Congratulations go to Provincial Grand Master Bro. William M. S. Semple on being appointed Grand Secretary. Bro. Semple will take up his position in mid September and I'm sure he and Grand Master Mason Bro. W. Ramsay McGhee will make a great team and forward the interests of the Craft.
Alan S. Duff
Provincial Grand Secretary
PGM William M.S. Semple
PGL History Now Available
Provincial Grand Lodge has reprinted the excellent booklet
"A Short History of Provincial Grand Lodge and Daughter Lodges" compiled by PPGM John S.Brockie and first printed in 2008.
The booklet gives a brief history of the Province and includes a separate history of each Daughter Lodge.
The Short History costs £5 with all proceeds going to PGL benevolence and can be obtained by contacting
PG Secretary.
125th Anniversary of Lodge Breadalbane St.Fillans No.815
On Saturday 8th February The Provincial Grand lodge of Perthshire West carried out a rededication ceremony, in the McLaren hall Killin, to mark the 125th anniversary Lodge Breadalbane St.Fillans No.815. The Ceremony was ably performed by Past Depute Grand Master Rev Bro. Andrew E Paterson in his own inimitable style. Following the Ceremony RWM Bro. Gary Thompson conferred Honorary Membership upon Bro. Ken of Lodge Eardulph 6645 EC. After the ceremony the assembled brethren enjoyed a celebratory dinner, toasts and good craic amongst friends!
For more pictures from the day click here
On Monday 25th March Bro. Bill McLeod PM of Lodge Tullibardine No.148 was presented with his diploma for 50 Years service to the Craft. Bill is a seasoned ritualist and strong supporter of 1484 so this honour is well deserved.
Bill is pictured below with PGM Roger Bullard and RWM Harold Ingram, the members of Tullibardine No.1484 and his celebratory cake.
PGM Roger Bullard presents Provincial Grand Lodge Honours
After an excellent Installation Ceremony at Lodge St.Andrew No.814 Bro. Ian Condy PM was made an Honourary Provincial Senior Grand Warden by Provincial Grand Master Bro. Roger H. Bullard to show gratitude for his many years service to Provincial Grand Lodge. Bro. Bullard thanked Ian for his devotion to the craft over the years and although ill health had curtailed his Provincial duties Bro. Condy still remained an active member of Lodge St.Andrew. Bro Condy was presented to the assembled brethren who congratulated him on this well deserved honour.
Bro. George B. Reid PM
A REMARKABLE MASONIC LIFE
Brother George Buchanan Reid (8 October 1918 - ), P.M., P.P.G.S.C., H.G.S.D.
The regular meeting of the United Lodge of Dunkeld No.14, (founded 1737) on Thursday 25 October 2018 was dedicated to celebrate the 100th birthday of Brother George B. Reid, a Past Master of the Lodge and Past Provincial Grand Senior Chaplain of Perthshire West.
Brother Reid was born on 8 October 1918 and Initiated into the Craft over 71 years ago at Dunkeld on 29 March 1947. He was Passed, Raised and received his Mark later that same year. Brother Reid went through the various offices and served as Master from 1957 to 1959 and again from 1999 to 2001. During the intervening years between 1957 to 1999 he served as Lodge Secretary for a remarkable 36 years, with two breaks totalling 6 years when he filled other offices in the Lodge.
Brother Reid progressed through the offices of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Perthshire West and was Provincial Grand Senior Warden from 1968 to 1970, later being commissioned Junior then Senior Provincial Grand Chaplain. He also holds the rank of Honorary Grand Senior Deacon in the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
Brother Reid remains an active Freemason and stalwart of the United Lodge of Dunkeld No.14 where he is currently Depute Master and has served as such since 2002. He is an inspiration to all that know him, still delivering ritual on the floor, and has never been out of office since his Initiation over 71 years ago. During that time he has served under 15 Grand Master Masons of Scotland, 15 Provincial Grand Masters of Perthshire West and 36 Masters of his Mother Lodge.
As you would expect, Brother Reid is an active member of his local community in and around Dunkeld, where he has been an Elder at Dunkeld Cathedral for 57 years. He is also the oldest former member of the Black Watch, a milestone which was marked recently at the Regimental Headquarters, Balhousie Castle, Perth.
Brother Reid is the embodiment of all that is good and enjoyable about this great fraternity and a real example of living history connecting younger members to a different age. Bro George was delighted to see his many Masonic friends, both old and new, attend the Lodge to help celebrate a remarkable 100 years.
