The 31st of March saw my Installation as Provincial Grand Master of Dunbartonshire within Dumbarton Kilwinning Lodge No. 18's Temple in Dumbarton. The Grand Master Mason headed a large and distinguished Deputation from Grand Lodge, with a very large Deputation from the Sister PGLs which contained 14 Provincial Grand Masters. The Ceremonial took place before an assembled audience of over 200 Brethren who witnessed a first class working of the Ritual by the Grand Master Mason, Brother Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont, who brought his own personal touch to the proceedings. The Commissioned Office-bearers were likewise installed in a most personable manner by the Grand Master Mason.

The labours being ended, I was delighted to thank the Grand Master Mason for his efforts and also made mention of the work done by the Grand Director of Ceremonies, Brother W. Ramsay McGhee both before and during the installation and the manner in which he put everyone at their ease, thus ensuring that the Ceremony went off without a hitch. I then thanked the Brethren of the Province for their confidence in me and for their attendance on what was an unforgettable day. It was with some sadness that I then mentioned the absence of 2 well known and respected Brethren, Bro David Sloss, PSGW and Bro David Cosh, Past PG Almoner who had both been called to Grand Lodge Above during the weekend prior to the Installation. I shall never forget them. Brother Derek Grindlay, Provincial Grand Almoner, then made the Appeal which raised the magnificent sum of £530 for the Benevolence Funds of Grand Lodge.

The photo call over, a most excellent five course Dinner was served in the Function Suite. The Toast List then ensued, with every toast being well received by the assembled Brethren. After the reply to the toast to Grand Lodge by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason, it was my pleasure to present a cheque for £15,000 to him for the Grand Lodge Benevolent Funds, for which the Grand Master Mason profusely thanked the Brethren of Dunbartonshire.

At the conclusion of the evening, after congratulations from the Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Thomas Kerr Leckenby, it was my privilege to thank the assembled Brethren for their attendance and bid everyone a safe journey home, finishing the evening with 'Auld Lang Syne' and the National Anthem.

All in all Brethren a day which I shall never forget. I look forward with anticipation to the next five years which I hope will bring profit and pleasure to us all.