All too brief visit to Edinburgh. GLoS visit June 2026

I was in England to attend the communication meetings of Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons and it transpired Grand Lodge of Scotland was meeting in the same week.

This was an opportunity I could not miss so I arranged to attend the meeting.

I travelled to Edinburgh by train. It was very comfortable, surprisingly cheap and only took four hours.

I think the city turned it on a bit for my first ever visit as I arrived to lovely summer sunshine and the views of all the Georgian buildings and the castle were amazing. It is a beautiful city with wide streets linked by cobbled lanes, beautiful buildings and many green spaces. And, just to make my visit complete, the people were really friendly.

I spent most of the morning just walking around the centre of the city looking at the views before going up to the Grand Lodge of Scotland on George Street. Another very attractive building inside and out with lovely stonework and polished wood panelling.

I did want to look at the Museum but that was unfortunately closed. I did however manage to successfully plunder the shop and then met with a couple of the staff and then with Bro. William Semple, Grand Secretary, who was very welcoming and presented me with a Grand Lodge tie. In turn I was able to present him with a personal copy of my book “Scottish Freemasonry in New Zealand” and a further copy for the Grand Lodge library.

I was then taken to lunch by Bro, Ronnie Forbes, Grand DC, and seated adjacent to Bro. Alexander Moncrieff, RW Grand Master Mason, and Bro. Ramsay McGhee, Past RW Grand Master Mason. It was a really nice lunch and everyone’s spirits were well kept up by liberal doses of brandy in their coffee. I again presented copies of my book.

The Grand Temple was absolutely full for the meeting. I was impressed with the way they delivered comprehensive eulogies for several past Grand Officers as the first item on the agenda – I think it would be fair to say that the service given by each was appropriately acknowledged. During the meeting my attendance as Depute DGM and representative of the District was formally acknowledged by the RW Grand Master Mason.

After the meeting, a number of those attending, myself included, walked a couple of blocks to a smaller masonic hall where we attended the installation meeting of Lodge Sir Robert Moray No. 1641. Sir Robert Moray was initiated into Freemasonry at Newcastle on 20 May 1641 by members of Lodge of Edinburgh, making him the first non-operative member of a freemasons lodge, even before Elias Ashmole. The meeting was very interesting as it was conducted in the first degree which, I was told, does happen sometimes in Scotland. I was very privileged to be invited to be part of the escort for the Grand Master Mason during his entry and exit.

After the installation, we walked to the New Club on Princes Street for dinner. The club has stunning views of the city and the skyline, dominated by the Castle. I was hosted by Bro Ewan Rutherford, Deputy Grand Master & Governor of the Royal Order of Scotland. The meal was great and the company better.

Sadly, I had to return to London the next day so was unable to fully explore the city. I loved the city and count myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to spend even a brief time there. I will be going back.

Bro Tony Mansfield

Left to right

GLoS - With Bro. Ronnie Forbes

GLoS - With Bro. Alexander Moncreiff

GLoS - With Bro. Ewan Rutherford

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