The 25th March saw my installation as the 29th Provincial Grand Master of Dunbartonshire within Dumbarton Kilwinning Lodge No 18 in Dumbarton. The Grand Master Mason headed a large and distinguished Deputation from Grand Lodge together with a very large Deputation from the Sister Provincial Grand Lodges headed by Bro William A Perry the Provincial Grand Master of Lanarkshire Middle Ward. The Ceremonial took place before an assembled audience close to 200 Brethren who witnessed a first class working of the Ritual by the Grand Master Mason, Bro 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 to make mention of the work done by Grand Director of Ceremonies Brother William H Gauld both before and during the installation and the manner in which he put everyone at their ease. Brother Derek Grindlay, Provincial Grand Almoner then made the appeal which raised the magnificent sum of £606 for the Benevolent Fund of Grand Lodge.

Having adjourned to the Function Suite a most excellent five course dinner was served after which The Toast List ensued with every toast being well received by the brethren. During my toast to the Grand Lodge of Scotland it was my pleasure to present to the Grand Master Mason a cheque for £15,000 for the Grand Lodge Benevolent Fund for which the Grand Master Mason profusely thanked the brethren of Dunbartonshire. The evening concluded with "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem. All in all Brethren a most successful and memorable day and I look forward to the next five years with great anticipation hoping that profit and pleasure will be our reward.