Brethren
Following the latest announcements by the Government on the Coronavirus pandemic, I have no option but to inform you all that as and from today the Grand Lodge of Scotland Offices will be closed.
However, we have been working hard to continue any essential business. Three key members of staff have been issued with mobile phones to enable Brethren to contact them if at all necessary. They in turn can put you in contact with me or any other senior Office-bearer if anyone needs to contact any of us urgently. The three numbers are:
Dawn Oliff 07464 683630
Sue Williams 07881 440272
Andrew Paterson 07787 217772
Emails to Sue at pa@grandlodgescotland.com will also be picked up and forwarded to the correct person.
While all of our movements have now been severely restricted can I ask that we all do our utmost to keep in touch with Brethren, widows or relatives of Brethren who are vulnerable – especially those who are alone – loneliness can be terribly debilitating – a wee phone call or text message or email once a day might just make all the difference to them. Many Provinces and Districts have already put in place measures to assist in practical ways like collecting medicines or groceries for those unable to do so. I thank you all for the many initiatives that have materialised over the past few weeks. Truly Freemasonry at work.
The announcements last night have really hit home to us here in Scotland but Brethren, please remember those Scottish Brethren throughout the world in our Districts, under Superintendents and those who report directly to Grand Lodge. Many of them are already in lock down and are under the same pressure as we are experiencing here.
Our two Homes are still fully operational. The staff in both Homes are doing an exceptional job under very difficult conditions. Please keep the staff and the residents in your thoughts and prayers.
On a lighter note, now that we have time on our hands, if you haven’t already completed the Grand Lodge on-line survey, what better way to spend 15 minutes. The link onto the survey is – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/scottishmasonicsurvey2020 As of last night, we had over 5000 responses which is very heartening but I’m sure we can get a few more during our enforced isolation.
I will endeavour to keep you up to date with any changes that occur over the next few weeks and months – things are going to be difficult but working together, albeit in a virtual environment, I have every confidence that we can pull through and help others to do so in the process.
Please take care of yourselves – stay safe.
Kindest regards to you all.
Ramsay McGhee
Grand Master Mason