The Installation of the new Grand Master Mason and his Office Bearers had promised to be a well-attended day and entering the marble halls of 96 George Street yesterday it was no surprise to find a mass of humanity in their best bib and tucker with the multifarious coloured regalia incumbent upon any gathering of Scottish Freemasons. The omnipresent thistle green of the Grand Lodge, Provincial and District Grand Lodge Office Bearers weaving a thread of continuity through the colourful tapestry. The glinting chains of office resplendent on the breasts of the various dignitaries would have been enough to cause an apoplectic fit in a whole flock of magpies.

Even having left plenty of time we struggled to find seats in the main hall, and still the brethren came in in their droves. Every available seat was squeezed into every available space. Even if that meant a view of nothing more than the marble pillar in front: at least you could say you were there.

In due course the Right Worshipful Installing Grand Master and his retinue came into Grand Lodge. Surprisingly we found ourselves being adressed by JM Marcus Humphrey of Dinnet rather than Sir Archibald Orr-Ewing: it transpired that the latter was under the weather and the former had been given 48 hours notice to perform the Installation: surely that might have struck terror into the heart of a lesser man.

And so began the Masonic Aerobics with a litany of up-standings and down-sittings.

With all due pomp and ceremony and to the thunderous accompaniment of the Grand Lodge organ, the 108th Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland was installed.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason then gave the assembled throng a small taste of the aspirations which he held for the future before proceeding to close Grand Lodge.

It cannot pass without comment however that the Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason cannot failed to have been aware that Grand Lodge was tyled when the stentorian tones of the newly installed Worshipful Grand Inner Guard, Bro. Andrew Eadie Paterson rang out across the heads of the brethren during the closing dialogue. Perhaps that is one of the drawbacks of installing a minister into the position.

It was commented later that Bro Paterson could have been stationed out on George Street and the brethren would still have heard him!