Despite a shower of rain, the bowlers from Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85, Kirkliston Maitland 482 and St Margaret's South Queensferry 548 had a splendid day at Ratho Bowling Club on Saturday 13th September. Up for grabs were three trophies in a round robin competition and here are the results:
The Phoenix Trophy (548v482) winners were 548, 15 shots up
The Viking Ship (85v548) winners were 85, 21 shots up
The Potter Ritchie Cup (85v482) winners were 85, 12 shots up.
Highest up winning skips were
85:  Derek Cowan +29
482: Peter Ritchie +12
548: Dean Crane(sub) -5
Congratulations to the bowlers and thanks all that supported the event. Special thanks to Liz and Margaret-Ann for the food and selling raffle tickets.

Another event in the annals of Scottish freemasonry took place at Queensferry on Tuesday 9th September 2025. The new home of the 18th century stone Mural or Sculpture, depicting the emblems of the craft and the first GMM of Scotland, which predates the invention of tracing boards was unveiled in the presence of a large assembly of brethren at the regular meeting of St Margaret's South Queensferry no. 548. The stone mural was carefully removed from the east wall in Kirknewton and Ratho 85's Lodge premises prior to the property sale by Bro Murray Robertson PM1186 and the eight pieces were carefully transported and painstakingly installed into the north wall of 548's lodge by Bro Richard Reid WSW and Bro Steve Berry of 548. The master of 548 Bro John Anderson HM85 said, "we are absolutely delighted to look after such an artefact and such a piece of masonic history and on behalf of our dear friends from Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho No.85 it certainly enhances our Lodge in all it's splendour."

The Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85 bowlers played a major part to help Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire lift the Inter Order “Friendship Trophy” at Bankton Mains BC on Sunday 3rd August. In a PGL team from lodges 85, 636 and 1601, the 85 team were outstanding, said team manager Wallace Allan (1601) which sealed the victory, the highest up rink sweep, and a cheeky wee bottle of red.
PGL Linlithgowshire triumphed over the Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Linlithgowshire and the District Grand Priory of Forth Valley by a margin of 18 shots in a sun kissed afternoon on a very quick playing surface at Bankton BC. Many thanks to Bankton BC for their hospitality, and Andrew Fleming for organising the event. A great day was had by all participants. 

Progress has been made by the Kirknewton and Ratho No.85 bowlers to acquire masonic bowling success by having two teams entered in the LMBA Triples at Glenmavis BC on Sunday 13th July 2025. Bro's Harrower, Crane, Cowan (skip) and Bro's Watt, Aitken and Potter (skip) played very well during the 25deg C searing heat, but the elusive four wins in the round-robin narrowly missed the 85 lads. Best of luck in the pairs on the 27th July Brethren. (perhaps the scrumptious bacon breakfast rolls and lunchtime steak pies had something to do with the form? I think there's a theme emerging here!!)
Bro Harrower IPM is taking names if any brother would like to play in the LMBA pairs at Bankton BC on 27th July 2025. Please contact Bro Harrower direct.

​It is indeed very sad to report the passing on 7th July 2025 of Bro. T. Ian Black, PM Lodge Tyneside, No. 714, PM Lodge Nisbet, No. 1112 and Past Depute Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lothian following a recent illness and period in hospital. Our thoughts are with Bro. Black's family at this sad time. Bro. Ian was a well respected Freemason, an honorary member of Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85 since January 2016 and many Scottish lodges and will be sadly missed by the brethren of 85 and all who knew him.

85's bowlers continue their hunt for a LMBA Trophy at Bathgate BC on 15th June. Even the score was a big secret, but the brethren redeemed themselves what appears to be the pie eating competition. Better luck next time lads? 

IPM (aka Kookie) getting the practice in ahead of the LMBA Lyndsay Trophy at Bellsburn Sat 31st May. Play well Team 85. ​

The feet of our RWM were blown away at Lodge Hopeton St John, said Bro McMaster RWM last night in his reply after receiving honorary membership from Lodge Hopeton St John 1232. It was a very well kept secret on a superbly organised special meeting at 1232, a true one off. Bro McMaster received this honour from RWM Bro. Martin Nelson for his services as Provincial Grand Almoner. In recognition of this honour, the PGM also brought a distinguished ad-hoc deputation and a plethora of Kirknewton and Ratho No.85 brethren were there supporting too.