The Winds of change are blowing through the hallowed halls of 96 George Street!

In a little over 24 hours the Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, Sir Archibald Donald Orr-Ewing will demit his exalted office and pass the mantle to his successor in office, Brother Reverend Canon Joseph (Joe) John Morrow.

Nothing so particularly unusual about that, you may say: until you realize that since 1736 Scottish Freemasonry has drawn its Grand Masters from the ranks of the nobility (including a Prince of the Blood Royal) and the landed gentry. Sir Archie will be the last in that unbroken noble line...

This fact has not been lost on the Brethren within the Scottish Craft and this change has been the topic of discussion at many a Harmony Board across Scotland.

I am quite sure that it is Brother Joe Morrow's populist appeal which has generated the phenomenal interest in this year's Grand Lodge Installation and Festival of St Andrew, rather than the sea-change which his appointment engenders.

Check back tomorrow for a report on the function with photographs...