Coronavirus – Update from the Grand Master Mason – 22 May 2020

Brethren

In this 9^th week of lockdown, I hope you are all keeping safe and well. It is obvious that wherever we are in the Scottish Constitution, we are all affected by Covid-19 to some extent or other. Having been in touch with most of our Districts recently, I am aware that some, like the UK are in lockdown, some have night-time curfew restrictions, others have roadblocks and so on. While it is frustrating for us all and we are missing our meetings we need to keep vigilant in order to beat the horror that is Covid-19. We will overcome, we will get back, it may take a bit of time, but we’ll get there. Keep safe, keep your families safe, keep your communities safe and keep your Lodge members safe, especially the elderly and vulnerable.

I mentioned in last week’s update that Brother Douglas Fergie, PGM of East Lothian, continues to keep a record of the posts on the new Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Supports group page – I hope to provide an update from Dougie and his team each week as it continues to grow and provide us with a clearer picture of all that is happening.

Members                                                      1463

Individual Posts                                          104

Members who have posted                   82

Lodges Mentioned in posts                  78

Provinces represented                           24

Districts/Superintendence’s etc.           5

Total Identifiable Monetary                 £94,375

The direct link is- https://www.facebook.com/groups/Scottish.Constitution.Freemasonry.Supports/

As you may have seen, the Covid-19 Challenge Appeal was launched earlier this week and I am pleased to say that it has generated a good deal of positive interest.     Please note that, with the exception of Daughter Lodges which are under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge, applications for funds from the Covid-19 Challenge Appeal must be coordinated by the appropriate Province, District or Grand Superintendent and it will be for  them to decide how to manage the selection process and which community based projects are put forward to Grand Lodge to be considered for support; and to submit an application accordingly.      More than one project may be nominated for support but the combined funding for the project(s) will be a maximum of £2,000.  In order to facilitate the application process, Guidance Notes and an Application Form will be issued automatically to Provinces, Districts, Grand Superintendence’s and Lodges which are under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge as soon as finalised. Scottish Freemasonry worldwide has a rich history of helping community- based projects and we know that there is already much being done to support local Charities and Organisations during these difficult and unprecedented times.  Grand Lodge very much looks forward to being able to play a part in providing this valuable local support.

Please remember for any urgent issues whether at home or abroad – you can contact Grand Lodge on the following numbers – Dawn Oliff – 07464 683630, Sue Williams 07881 440272 and Andrew Paterson 07787 217772. Emails to Sue at [email protected] will also be picked up and forwarded to the correct person.

Please take care of yourselves and each other – stay safe.

Kindest regards to you all.

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason