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Freemasons in Scotland are celebrating the 200th anniversary of their Stornoway lodge building.

The history of Lodge Fortrose stretches back far longer than the present premises - it is one of the oldest Masonic Halls in Scotland, holding meetings in Stornoway since 1767, some 256 years ago.

The original base in the town was located on what is now Cromwell Street, near its Church Street junction.

They moved to their present premises on Kenneth Street two centuries ago.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland held a rededication ceremony to mark the milestone with over 100 people gathering at the event, many from the mainland.

Guests of honour were Scotland’s Grand Master William Ramsay McGhee, and Raymond MacKeddie, the Provincial Grand Master for the Ross and Cromarty district which includes the Outer Hebrides.

Right Worship Master, John Robertson, of Stornoway highlighted the importance of the building being a Masonic lodge for 200 years.

“It been going that long and is a huge asset in the area. It has a long, long presence on the island,” and played a big role in local life over the generations.

Mr Robertson said the lodge number of 108 highlights the heritage significance of the lodge and its early presence on the island in the history of Freemasonry in Scotland. The amount of lodges in Scotland now number over a thousand.

Grand Master William Ramsay McGhee said the building has “significant, historical importance in the town.

“Its 200 years old this year and ranks in important with some of the other historical buildings in Stornoway.”

He gave a rundown on the ceremony.

“We re-dedicate it in quite a special way. We use elements of corn, wine and oil.

“Each of those elements have a significance in Freemasonry dating way back to the building of the holy temple in Jerusalem.

“We are rededicating the building to Freemasonry, to virtue, benevolence and charity.”

Provincial Grand Master, Raymond MacKeddie, who oversees the 12 lodges within the boundaries of the former Ross and Cromarty district, was “delighted” to be present for such an important occasion.

He hailed Lodge Fortrose as an “inspiring adventure,” and echoed the words for former Lewis’ landlord, Lord Leverhulme that it should be an “inspiration for the whole of the West.”

He highlighted many Freemasons have travelled to visit the island in this anniversary year of the building.  

“The Western Isles is a very hospitable place and Lodge Fortrose is a very famous old Lodge. So they come here as it’s a special place and the Freemasonry is of a very high standard.”  

Freemasons celebrate milestone anniversary of Stornoway’s Lodge Fortrose

 27 May 2023

Local members of Lodge Fortrose with Scotland’s senior Freemasons   

Lodge Fortrose Brethren  

Right Worship Master, John Robertson, of Lodge Fortrose flamked by Scotland’s Grand Master William Ramsay McGhee (left) and Raymond MacKeddie, the Provincial Grand Master for Ross and Cromarty (left)

The Kenneth Street building is 200 years old