 Bro Bob Scott master of Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho No.85 headed a large and distinguished deputation to St. Leonards Loanhead and Lasswade No. 580 on 2nd April 2026 and witnessed an excellent first degree. The meeting was almost complete when the host master Bro Mark McCluskey requested a special presentation. Bro Mark R. Nevin PM 85, much to his astonishment, was presented and thereafter when his shock subsided, was made a Honorary Member of 580 by the RWM Bro McCluskey for services rendered to 580 over the years. Bro McCluskey made special emphasis that Bro Nevin, his cousin, is now part of the 580 family too. Bro Nevin suitably responded thanking Bro McCluskey and all the brethren of St. Leonards Loanhead and Lasswade No. 580 for such a great honour and to the deputation from 85 for their support of the keeping of a wee secret.
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 The brethren of Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho No.85 send warm and hearty congratulations to Bro Kenneth Ewan McMaster, IPM85 on being awarded as a Honorary Substitute Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire at the February 2026 Communication. Bro McMaster has tirelessly served the PGL of Linlithgowshire for ten years as the Provincial Almoner, supporting two Provincial Grand Masters and has been rewarded for his outstanding service, dedication and efforts by the outgoing Provincial Grand Master, Bro Ronnie Gemmill, now IPPGM at the February Communication. Such awards are very rare and such conferrals by the PGM require the approval of the Grand Master Mason, which was warmly granted.
 Returning a visit, last night we visited Lodge Lockhart St. John 248 in the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire and witnessed a Mark Degree by Lodge Mauldslie Castle 1630 on one candidate, a very hard worked young man meeting many old friends. We were well entertained with their generous hospitality and friendship to round off an enjoyable evening of masonry.
 It is with great sadness that I have to advise the passing to the Grand Lodge above of Bro George Mitchell Preston, PM 272, PPGM Linlithgowshire, Past Senior Grand Deacon and Honorary Member 85 on Thursday 29th January 2026. George was a great inspiration to us all and was instrumental in the assistance to Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho No.85 during our 250th anniversary in 2011 and shall be sadly missed. Sincere condolences to Margaret and the whole family.
  RWM Bro Robert W Scott headed a deputation of distinguished Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho No.85 brethren to Lodge Kirkliston Maitland 482 on 17th Dec 25. It was the new master's first deputation since being reinstalled on 8th December, some 40 years after his first installation in our Mother Lodge. The master then took part in, what was an exemplary exemplification of the first degree, the 85482 degree worked by the master of 85 and the brethren from 548 and 482. The next 85482 degree will be hosted in 85 around October 2026, date for your diary's. It was a successful evening and 85 also profited by a win of a bottle of plonk in the raffle!!!!!
Donation to 9th Pentland Scouts, Ratho, Friday 24th October 2025 Tonight, with Brother David Watt, the master Bro Kenny McMaster, on behalf of Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85 went along to St Mary's hall Dalmahoy to present the Ratho Scouts with a donation of £500 towards their fundraising efforts to attend an International Scouting event in May 2026. The scouts will travel to Kandersteg, Switzerland to attend this event and are currently raising £12,000 to fund the travel of some 65 Ratho boys and girls. On behalf of the Lodge we wish them a safe and enjoyable trip and every success in their fundraising efforts. The donation from the Lodge was received with sincere thanks from the Ratho Scouts.  |
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April 2026
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