Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday - October to May at 7:30pm, (except 1st Monday in January and 3rd Monday in May).
Installation: 3rd Saturday in May.
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Brief History of Lodge Dalkeith Kilwinning - Constituted in 1724
Historians are often indebted to the records of guilds and societies in their search for historical facts about the town or country in which they are interested.
Dalkeith, like all other towns of any importance, had its Trade Guilds, but the only one which has survived the course of years is the Freemasons. According to the Statistical Account of Scotland, the Weavers were established in 1566, the Hammermen in 1694, Shoemakers in 1714, and the Freemasons in 1724. The antiquity of the latter Operative Lodge must, however, go back many years before this date, as reference to it is made in the records of the Melrose Lodge in 1681.
It is interesting to note that, until 1812, Operative Masons were admitted for 10 shillings less than the others. Unfortunately, the earliest records of the Lodge are not available, but there is almost a complete list of the masters from 1736, the date of the constitution of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, at which Dalkeith was represented by William Stirling of Herbertshire and the two Wardens, Alexander Neilson and Mungo Graham.
From 1764 to the present, all the Minute Books are extant, and they record the names of many notable men of the town and neighborhood who were identified with the activities of the Lodge. William Drummond of Hawthornden was Master in 1739, and Sir James Walker Drummond, Bart., who afterwards became Junior Grand Deacon, occupied the Chair from 1848 to 1853. The Lodge is indebted to the latter for the magnificent statue of St. Andrew, which adorns the lodge room. In 1742, Sir Robert Dickson of Carberry was Master, and Robert Dundas, Esq., of Arniston, in 1864.
There is much interesting information in the Minutes regarding the habits and customs of former generations, and it is noteworthy that benevolence has been kept at the forefront of our principles.
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 3rd Wednesday - September to 1st Wednesday - May, at 7.00pm.
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Brief History of Lodge St John Fisherrow - Constituted 15th March 1768
Lodge St John Fisherrow was Chartered on 15th March 1768. The original charter is displayed in the Temple today and was signed by Brother The Right Honourable, 8th Earl of Dalhousie, Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason.
At this time, there were two other lodges active in Musselburgh: Lodge Aitcheson Haven and Musselburgh Kilwinning. Lodge Aitcheson Haven, in existence since 1555, had the oldest known minute book, now displayed in Grand Lodge.
The lodge is unique in that we open in the third degree, and all present are tested before the lodge is opened. Our ritual is also unique, being an American ritual used only by a few lodges in Scotland.
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday - September to May, at 7.30pm.
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Brief History of The Portobello Lodge - Constituted 1st August 1808
Portobello is known as Edinburgh's seaside resort. But back when the lodge was founded in 1808, it was in the throes of becoming a thriving village in which the main industry was glass blowing.
A number of Freemasons were commuting from their homes in Portobello to their lodges in Edinburgh but were finding the Stage Coach fare of one shilling each way a severe financial burden. Consequently, a meeting was held in Portobello, and a petition to The Grand Lodge of Scotland was submitted to form their own lodge, which was granted, and No. 226 was born on the 8th of August 1808.
The Lodge to this day still plays an active part in the work of the local community. It is proud of the fact that one of its first civic duties was to be present in large numbers at the laying of the foundation stone of the local Parish Church on the 27th of October 1808.
The lodge operates from superb premises in Figgate Street, Portobello, incorporating a beautiful temple and excellent social facilities. A warm welcome awaits any Brother who comes to Edinburgh.
The Brethren are not afraid to travel and have visited lodges in the USA, Canada, England, Bermuda, and have recently formed strong ties with The Grand Masters Lodge in Ireland and St Andrews Lodge in Norway.
Address: 3 Main Street, West Calder, Midlothian, EH55 8BU
Meetings: 1st Tuesday and 3rd Wednesday - September to April, at 7pm.
Brief History of The Thistle Lodge - Constituted 4th May 1818
Masonic Meetings were first held in West Calder in 1816, when Walter Gowans, a local man, held three meetings of Lodge Torphichen Kilwinning No. 13 while he was Master of that Lodge. Two years later, he and two others were given a mandate to ‘Enter, Pass, and Raise’ candidates in West Calder.
On 13th March 1818, the first meeting was held with thirteen members, initiating 28 candidates. Over the next few days, a total of 53 members were initiated. A Petition for a Charter was submitted to Grand Lodge, supported by Lodge Torphichen Kilwinning No. 13 and Lodge Hopetoun No. 181. A Charter was granted on 4th May 1818, originally titled the West Calder Lodge, later changed to Thistle in 1821, with the number later altered to 270.
The Lodge has met in its current premises since its formation, expanding over the years. A unique feature of the Lodge is its two winding staircases. The Lodge has played a key role in the community and will continue to do so with the dedication of its members.
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday - September to April, at 7.00pm.
Brief History of Lodge St. Kentigern - Constituted 7th March 1864
The Lodge was chartered on 7th March 1864 under the name St. Kentigern Penicuik and Roslin No. 429. The founding petitioners were from Journeyman Masons No. 8 and Lodge St. Clair No. 349.
The Lodge initially worked from an annex of the Royal Hotel before acquiring its first premises around 1900. The current main hall was built in 1923, providing excellent facilities. The Lodge’s site history dates back to 1748 when a 500-year lease was granted to an operative mason named John Clerk.
Following compulsory purchase of the old premises by the local council for redevelopment, the foundation stone for the new premises was laid on 3rd May 1982, with the consecration taking place on 3rd June 1983. After moving locations, the Lodge is now firmly established at the Masonic Hall in Loanhead.
Address: Kirkliston Bowling Club, Bowling Green Road, Kirkliston.
All Correspondence: 1 Wellhead Close, South Queensferry, EH30 9WA
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Wednesday - September to April, at 7.30pm.
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Brief History of Lodge Kirkliston Maitland - Constituted 4th May 1868
The formation of this Lodge in the Nineteenth Century was due to a desire among Brethren at Kirkliston that the benefits of Freemasonry should be extended to this part of the County. A meeting was held in the Newliston Arms on the 26th February 1868 a hostelry that still exists to this day and the twelve Brethren present and with an advance of £10 from George Simpson an application was sent to Grand Lodge for a Lodge Charter. The Maitland part of the Lodge name although not clear may have come from the Maitland Hog family of Newliston House or it may have come from Sir Alex Gibson Maitland of Clifton Hall a relative of the Newliston family.
The Lodge owned its first hall when it bought from the Friendly Society the Fellowship Hall on the Main Street Kirkliston for £245 and was consecrated on the 22nd October 1902 by Brother Major Gordon Gilmour Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Midlothian.
As if coming of age Twenty One years later the members purchased the Kirkliston Drill Hall for £1000 which was the Lodges home until 2008. It was declared open on the 4th April 1923 by Sir Henry Dundas the then Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Midlothian. Although situated in West Lothian the Lodge has strangely never been part of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire. The lodge was originally under the responsibility of the Metropolitan Grand Committee and it is recorded that they first intended to visit Kirkliston in 1877 however, if records are correct they didnt visit until six years later.
The Lodge eventually became part of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Midlothian and has been honoured with three Provincial Grand Masters, Brother James Masterton Scott the Grandson of our founder Master James Masterton in 1975, Brother Samuel Hunter Fox in 1988 and more recently Brother Barry M. Nutley in 2004. It should be noted that the first official visit of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Midlothian was to Kirkliston Maitland on the 6th October 1897.
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday - October to May, at 7.00pm.
Brief History of Lodge St. Leonard - Constituted 7th February 1876
The origin of Lodge St, Leonard can be attributed to a number of brethren residing in or near Loanhead belonging to different lodges, who desired to promote the good cause of Ancient Freemasonry within their locality.
After meeting in Thomson`s Inn Loanhead on the 31st January 1876 by about 20 of their number, it was unanimously agreed to petition the Grand Lodge of Scotland to grant a Charter for a Lodge at Loanhead.
On 7th February 1876 the Charter was granted, the number being 580 and the aptly chosen name St. Leonard which had many local significance`s. As the Lodge had several members in Lasswade, Grand Lodge was later petitioned for power to hold meetings there and this was granted in 1891.
The next milestone in the progress of the Lodge was the acquisition of a home of their own. Among numerous meeting places were Thomson`s Inn, Young`s Restaurant, Masons Arms and the Loanhead Hotel.
Bro. R. P. Gordon Gilmour of Craigmillar (the first Provincial Grand Master of Midlothian) laid the foundation stone of the new Temple on 29th April 1899.
Many worthy brethren have occupied the chair of Lodge St. Leonard including three Provincial Grand Masters, Bro. Alan A. Pinkerton, Bro. John A. Aitken and Bro. Alan S. Robertson, unfortunately Bro. Alan died two years into his commission. In 2001 we celebrated our 125th Anniversary year and now look forward to the next chapter in the history of Lodge St Leonard.
Address: 21 Main Street, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9LD
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday - September to April, at 7pm.
Installation: 3rd Saturday in December at 4pm.
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Brief History of Lodge Rosslyn St Clair - Constituted 7th May 1877
The Lodge is situated in the small town of Roslin some 7.5 miles south from Edinburgh City centre and is so called, along with six other Lodges in Scotland, after William St. Clair of Roslin, the first Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
The Lodge was granted its charter on 7th May 1877 and held the first meeting in the original Inn, College Hill, adjacent to the world famous Rosslyn Chapel. The present Lodge rooms, having been the public hall, have been owned by the Lodge since 1920; the previous meeting places enjoyed by the Brethren have included, the Inn, Rosslyn Castle and Creelha in Manse Road.
All Brethren are most welcome to visit without making any prior arrangement or introduction. Various social evenings are supported by the Brethren and guests but everybody is welcome to join us.
Also available are items of Lodge memorabilia such as Millennium Jewels, Mark tokens, ties, bone china mugs, cuff links, tie pins and lapel pins.
Assistance is also available to Brethren wishing the visit Rosslyn Chapel.
Address: 77 High Street, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, EH19 2DB
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Tuesday - September to April, at 7.00pm.
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Brief History of Lodge Dalhousie Bonnyrigg - Constituted 5th November 1885
November the 5th is a date which figures prominently in the history of our nation. On that date in 1885, due to the prompting of Brother Dr John Falconer of St.Annes, Lasswade, The Grand Lodge of Scotland granted a charter to Lodge Dalhousie No. 720.
The Brethren of the new lodge received permission from the Earl of Dalhousie to use the Blue and Goldcolours from his coat of arms for the Lodge Regalia. The Lodge met for the first time on the 22nd of February 1886 in the Coffee House, Leyden Place, just 50 metres from the present site of today`s lodge rooms.
Lodge Dalhousie has had it`s fair share of worthy Brethren. Four Provincial Grand Masters, starting with Brother Col. Lewis A. Hope, V.C. then Brother James Allan, then Brother Roger White followed by Brother Brian J. Kerley. Brother Angus Sinclair was the Right Worshipful Master as we celebrated our 100 years in 1985.
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Thursday - October to April and 1st Thursday in May (except 4th Thursday in December) at 7.30pm.
Business Meeting: 4th Thursday in October.
Installation: 2nd Saturday in May.
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Brief History of Lodge St. John Corstorphine - Constituted 30th November 1892
Towards the end of the 19th Century, Corstorphine was a quiet village on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The advent of the railway meant that many people were moving into the area, including of course Freemasons.
Several brethren from various Lodges in the City of Edinburgh decided that a Lodge would be an asset to the village and they, along with other organisations, planned a community centre (Public Hall) for the village. The Corstorphine Public Hall Company was formed and from the sale of shares, the hall was built and completed in 1892. Freemasons, many of whom were shareholders, were allocated a room suitable for use as a Masonic Temple.
Our Temple is small but full of character and is much the same today as it was in 1892, except of course we now have electricity . The Masters dais incorporates a fine War memorial, which immortalises the brethren of the Lodge who gave their lives for their country during both worldwars.
Visiting brethren are assured a warm welcome and a trip back in time when they enter St. John Corstorphine No. 788.
Meetings: 4th Wednesday - January to November, at 7.15pm.
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Brief History of Lodge Colinton and Currie - Constituted 1st August 1907
Lodge Colinton and Currie was granted its Charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland on the 18th of August 1907
and has existed within Currie since then. Its premises are located approximately 100 yards from the Gibson Craig
Memorial Hall, where it was originally formed. The Lodge later moved to the Society Hall on Lanark Road before being
forced to relocate due to road widening. It is now housed at No.1 Riccarton Mains Road, just a stone's throw from
the Society Hall.
Over its 116-year history, the Lodge has endured through two world wars and has only ever been forced to close its
doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, thanks to the Reigning Master and Past Masters, it continued meeting
virtually and upheld its charitable donations.
Address: 236a High Street, Prestonpans, East lothian, EH32 9BU
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Thursday - September to April, special meetings 3rd Friday at 7pm.
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Brief History of Lodge Thorntree - Constituted 1908
The name "Thorntree" comes from a tree that stood during the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745 and served as a focal point.
The Lodge possesses "Working Tools" crafted from the timber of this historic tree after it was cut down.
Our meetings are held within our own premises, which we acquired in 1950. Prior to that, meetings were conducted
in various buildings throughout the town of Prestonpans.
During our symbolic formation, the Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lothian was not in operation. As a result, the
Provincial Master of Midlothian and his Office Bearers officiated in forming the Lodge. We have remained within
the Province of Midlothian ever since.
Meetings:2nd Thursday - September to April, at 7:00pm.
Brief History of Lodge Gorebridge Dundas - Constituted 6th February 1908
At the turn of the century, there was a notable increase in the number of lodges being established across the country.
Within our own Province of Midlothian, no fewer than four lodges had petitioned the Grand Lodge of Scotland for charters
within a relatively short period.
Before the Lodge was formed, several brethren who would later become founder members attended
Lodge Dalkeith Kilwinning No. 10. Notably, Lodge Dalkeith Kilwinning No. 10 applied to the Grand Lodge of Scotland
for dispensation to hold a meeting in Gorebridge for the purpose of conferring the Fellowcraft degree on 13 local brethren.
Permission was granted, and the meeting took place at the Inn in Gorebridge. This meeting was of great significance
because, shortly thereafter, the Grand Lodge banned Floating Charters. This decision ultimately led to the formation
of a Masonic Lodge in Gorebridge.
Soon after, the brethren gathered and agreed to petition the Grand Lodge for a Charter, proposing the name
"Lodge Gorebridge Dundas." This was in recognition of Sir Robert Dundas, First Baronet of Arniston, a great benefactor
of the village and a Past Master of Lodge Dalkeith Kilwinning No. 10. The founder members felt that naming the Lodge
in his honor would be a fitting way to preserve the family name.
The first Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge was Bro. Sir Edward Moss of Middleton Hall, an owner of the
London Hippodrome, Empires, and Music Halls. The petition, duly completed and signed by the founder members and
sponsors, was submitted to the Grand Lodge, seeking permission to practice speculative Masonry in Gorebridge.
The Charter was officially granted on the 6th of February 1908.
In 1912, a significant event in the history of the Lodge took place—the initiation of Bro. Sir Henry Dundas.
Sir Henry was later appointed Sub-Grand Master of the Grand Lodge and became the Right Worshipful Master of
Lodge Gorebridge Dundas No. 1039 in 1914. He was further honored in 1919 when he was appointed
Provincial Grand Master of Midlothian.
The brethren of Lodge Gorebridge Dundas can take great pride in the achievements of the past 93 years.
They firmly believe that the prestige, morale, and social standing of the community have been positively influenced
by the presence of Freemasonry in Gorebridge.
After over 100 years in Gorebridge, economic pressures necessitated the sale of the Lodge premises in 2009.
As a result, the brethren of Gorebridge accepted an offer from Lodge Newbattle St. Mary No. 1063 to share
premises in Newtongrange.
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday - September to April, at 7.00pm.
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Brief History of Lodge Newbattle St. Mary - Constituted 1st December 1909
In 1909, 32 founder members signed a petition for a Charter to establish a new Lodge,
designated as Lodge Newbattle St. Mary No. 1063. Some neighboring Lodges in the surrounding
area voiced concerns that this could be detrimental to their own membership. However,
Lodge St. Leonards, Loanhead, and Lasswade No. 580, along with Lodge Dalhousie Bonnyrigg
No. 720, sponsored the petition.
At a Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge, held on 4th November 1909,
the petition was proposed by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Midlothian,
Bro. Col. Lewis M. Hope CB, ADC, and seconded by Bro. Munro Denholm. A large majority
granted the Charter.
The first Master Elect of the Lodge, Bro. Mungo Mackay,
(General Manager of the Lothian Coal Company and a much-feared figure within the mining community),
along with the proposed Office Bearers, met the very next evening, Friday, 5th November,
in the United Free Church. During this meeting, Lodge furniture, clothing, and colors were selected.
Subsequent meetings were held weekly, each Tuesday, until the Consecration, Erection, and Installation
of Office Bearers on 1st December 1909. The ceremony was conducted by the Right Worshipful
Provincial Grand Master and his Officers. Bro. Mungo Mackay remained in Office as Right Worshipful Master
for three years.
Regular meetings were held monthly, with special meetings taking place weekly in between.
The first special meeting, held on Tuesday, 7th December, saw seven candidates proposed,
balloted, and initiated.
Notably, on several meeting nights, two degrees were worked. On one occasion,
seven brethren were Raised to the High and Sublime Degree of a Master Mason,
followed by three candidates being Initiated.
The Lodge continues to meet in the same premises, having purchased them in 1947.
It has continued to prosper, and recent refurbishments to the Jubilee Lounge
have drawn many complimentary remarks from members and visitors alike.
Address: 60 Mount Vernon Road, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH16 6JQ
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Thursday - September to April, except 2nd Thursday in September and 4th Thursday in December and April, at 7.15pm.
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Brief History of Lodge Liberton - Constituted 6th November 1919
The Lodge was first formed within a year of the end of the Great War (1914–1918)
by brethren who had become friendly while serving together in the local Volunteer Defence Corps.
When the war ended and the platoon faced disbandment, those who were Freemasons
realized that the formation of a local Lodge would serve to continue their comradeship.
From 1919 until 1965, Lodge Liberton met in the Anderson Hall, which belonged to
Liberton Kirk (whose outline forms the Lodge crest). The Lodge then acquired a small hall
on Mount Vernon Road, Edinburgh, approximately 200 yards away. After extending the hall,
it has continued to meet there to this day.
Although many of the Lodge members are still drawn from the former villages of
the Liberton and Gilmerton area, just as those villages have become part of the City of Edinburgh,
the Lodge itself has developed a much wider outlook and welcomes visitors from far and wide.
Meetings: 4th Monday - September to April, at 7.15pm and 1st Saturday - May, at 4.00pm.
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Brief History of Lodge Royal Thistle - Constituted: 7th May 1925 in Glencorse Barracks
The history of the Lodge does not begin in 1925 but dates back to 1808.
Originally, the 4th Battalion of The Royal Scots, raised in 1804 to fight Napoleon,
formed the first Lodge Royal Thistle in 1808. It was registered as No. 289 on the
Roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and met in Edinburgh Castle. After the
4th Battalion was disbanded in 1816, the Lodge was passed to the 1st Battalion.
From its earliest days, Royal Thistle worked in close harmony with Holy St. John
Lodge No. 11 of the Irish Constitution, which was the first military lodge to hold
an ambulatory (or traveling) warrant. Notably, this warrant was issued to the
1st Battalion in 1732—four years before the formation of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
In 1838, the Lodge was renumbered as No. 222. Two exceptionally keen Masons,
Lieutenant G. Galbraith and Lieutenant Deucher, were instrumental in forming this Lodge.
Lieutenant G. Galbraith served as the Lodge’s first Right Worshipful Master (R.W.M.).
Between 1845 and 1847, a regulation was issued forbidding secret societies
and Masonic lodges in the army. As a result, Lodge Royal Thistle ceased to function.
There are no records of new members being admitted after 1845, and in 1852,
the Grand Lodge of Scotland struck the warrant from its roll,
adding it to the list of extinct Scottish lodges after five years of inactivity.
The Lodge was revived in 1925 at Glencorse Barracks—then home to the 4th Battalion of
The Royal Scots—through the formation of the present Lodge Royal Thistle No. 1338.
The first R.W.M. was Major N.H.S. Fergus D.S.O., O.B.E.
Early in 1925 that a lodge should be formed for the benefit of serving and ex-soldiers of The Royal Scots and eventually local civilians of the surrounding area.
So a petition for warrant was submitted to the Grand Lodge of Scotland on 7th May 1925.
Charter 1338 was granted and thus Lodge Royal Thistle proudly raised its head.
Address: 129 High Street, High School Close Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 3HP
Meetings: 3rd Friday in February,4th Friday in April and 1st Friday in October, at 7.45pm.
Installation: 2nd Friday in December.
Brief History of Lodge Loretto Centenary - Constituted 6th November 1930
Sponsored by Lodges St. John, Fisherrow No.112, and Lodge Royal Thistle No.1338, the Lodge was established to provide a Masonic connection with Loretto School, similar to Edinburgh Academy Centenary No.1327. The Lodge was consecrated and dedicated at a service held on the 12th of December 1930.
The minute book records two notable characters:
Bro. A.H. Buchanan-Dunlop, R.W. Master in 1932, was a former pupil who, following distinguished military careers, twice returned to become a member of the teaching staff. His name and reputation became synonymous with both the school and the Lodge during its formative years.
Bro. George Draffen, R.W. Master in 1937, was an affiliate member of the Lodge, better known as George Draffen of Newington in later life. He became one of the foremost Masonic scholars of his generation.
Financial problems and lack of support resulted in the Lodge being declared dormant on the 31st of December 1939.
In 1986, support grew in the Province of Midlothian for the formation of a Lodge of Research and Instruction. Bro. Draffen, being the last surviving former member of 1373, readily consented to sign the papers, and The Loretto Centenary Lodge No.1373 was reopened on the 12th of December 1986 to fulfill that need. Lodge business now combines a series of lectures and presentations with the occasional degree working.
