Coronavirus – Update from the Grand Master Mason – 5 June 2020

Brethren

I hope and trust that this weekly update finds you and your families all keeping safe and staying well.

The Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Supports Facebook page continues to grow.

Brother Jim Ellis has informed me that the involvement of our District Grand Lodges on the Facebook page is continuing to grow and that has to be welcomed by all. I would encourage all Scottish Lodges irrespective of where they are to contribute to the SCFS page. Many thanks to you all for all your efforts.

For the avoidance of doubt, can I make it abundantly clear that contrary to recent press coverage, neither I nor the Grand Lodge of Scotland has ever banned the use of Zoom or any similar platform. Indeed, we have been promoting its use in order that Lodge members can meet with each other, discuss any urgent business and most importantly, give those Brethren living on their own some much needed company with those whom they know.  In the past week alone, I have been privileged to attend various Zoom meetings every single day. What Grand Committee agreed was that Enquiry Committees could not use electronic interviews and that decision was endorsed by Grand Lodge at the Regular Communication of Grand Lodge on Thursday 31st October 2019. If any Brother has any queries about articles that appear in the weekly updates, please feel free to contact me and I’ll happily discuss them with you personally.

You will all be aware of the controversy surrounding Care Homes at the present time. I would like to put on record through the weekly update, and I’m sure you will all join with me in recording a tremendous vote of thanks to Mrs Dawn Oliff and the Managers of our two Homes, Wilma and Gillian and all members of staff at the Homes for the outstanding level of care, attention and dedication they have given to all our Residents during the lockdown. It has been a very difficult time but each and every member of staff has displayed tremendous commitment and devotion to duty. Thank you.

Please remember for any urgent issues whether at home or abroad – you can contact Grand Lodge on the following numbers – Dawn Oliff – 07464 683630, Sue Williams 07881 440272 and Andrew Paterson 07787 217772. Emails to Sue at [email protected] will also be picked up and forwarded to the correct person.

Please take care of yourselves and each other – stay safe.

Kindest regards to you all.

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason