The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland 2018

The Grand Lodge of Scotland and Poppyscotland entered into a joint venture to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918. This takes the form of visiting every Province the length and breadth of the country where Provinces and Lodges lay wreaths at local War Memorials. The Widows Sons Scotland agreed to facilitate this by riding to each location on their motorcycles and provide a visible link.

The event commenced on Saturday 4 August 2018 at the City Chambers in Edinburgh prior to visiting Prestonpans and Haddington.

On Sunday 5 August Dryburgh Abbey, Carluke and the Korean War Memorial near Linlithgow was visited.

Below provides a brief outline of what took place. No doubt others may have other photographs of these locations.

Saturday 4 August

Day 1 – 1pm

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Edinburgh organised a ceremony at the City Chambers commencing at 1 p.m. The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Council, Frank Ross, was present along with Bro. Ewan Rutherford, Depute Grand Master; Bro. Norman McLeod, Provincial Grand Master with Bro. Rev. William Paterson, Senior Grand Chaplain conducting the ceremony. The Provincial Grand Lodge and the Daughter Lodges laid wreaths at the War Memorial.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Frank Ross addressing the assembled company.

Wreaths at the War Memorial

Day 1 – 2.30pm

Arrived at Prestonpans in the Province of Midlothian where the Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Thomas C. Smith had organised the ceremony. The Provincial Grand Lodge and the Daughter Lodges laid wreaths at the War Memorial.

Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Thomas C. Smith addressing the assembled company

PGL Piper, Widows Sons

Thanks to the local Royal British Legion for providing hospitality after the ceremony.

Day 1 – 4.30pm

Arrived in Haddington. The Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Douglas Fergie welcomed all. The Provincial Grand Lodge and the Daughter Lodges laid wreaths at the War Memorial.

HaddingtonBrethren and the WSS at the War Memorial

Haddington

Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Douglas Fergie, RWM’s of the Province, Gordon Michie (Poppyscotland) and Bro. David Reid representing Grand Lodge

Thanks to Lodge St.John, Kilwinning No.57 for providing hospitality after the
ceremony

Sunday 5 August

Day 2 – 11.00am

Arrived at The Lodge of Ercildoune No.1119 who kindly provided refreshments prior to moving onto Dryburgh Abbey (bacon rolls a delight).

Haddington

Moved onto Dryburgh Abbey for 11.30 a.m. where the Provincial Grand Master of the Scottish Borders, Bro. John W. Blackie welcomed everyone.

Brethren at the grave of Earl Haig

Adjacent to the grave of Bro. Sir Walter Scott

Day 2 – 1.45pm

A little behind schedule now. Arrived in Carluke to be welcomed by the Depute Provincial Grand Master of Lanarkshire Upper Ward, Bro. Alexander Brown.

Grateful thanks to Lodge St. John, Carluke No.187 for providing refreshments.

Depute PGM lays a wreath on behalf of the Province

Day 2 – 3.15pm

Definitely behind schedule now. Arrived at the Korean War Memorial near Linlithgow where the Depute Provincial Grand Master of Linlithgowshire, Bro. Ronald Gemmell welcomed everyone present.

Grateful thanks to Lodge Ancient Brazen No.17 for providing refreshments prior to departing for home.