Open day will shed light on Arran’s Freemasons

The open day, on Saturday February 28 from 2pm to 4pm, is part of a nationwide initiative by the Grand Lodge of Scotland in Edinburgh to allow all Masonic lodges throughout Scotland to open up their premises to the general public.

Freemasons are members of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organisation which can trace its origins to medieval stonemason guilds. It is a non-religious, non-political, and charitable society aimed at personal development and brotherhood.

Arran’s earliest lodge, Arran Castle Number 297, was chartered in November 1822 and ceased working in 1843. Subsequently, St Molios Lodge Number 774 was chartered in May 1890 and has served the island’s Freemasons for 136 years.

Members, known as brothers, meet at 7.30pm on the third Monday of the month, along with various committee and other meetings. Visitors from other lodges are frequently welcomed and Freemasons enjoy visiting other lodges.

Anyone with an interest in Freemasonry, or is curious to learn what takes place within a Masonic lodge, is invited to visit the open day where members will be happy to talk with visitors. Refreshments will be available.