News from around Ayrshire

News and past events and meetings from Ayrshire, Scotland and overseas.

Moira Union RAC

On Monday, 12th January 2026, Provincial Grand Superintendent of Ayrshire, Along with the Immediate Past Grand Superintendent. Their ranks were swelled by several provincial office bearers and 1st Principals from across Ayrshire.

The New Provincial Grand Superintendent's First Official Chapter Visit

On Wednesday, 7th January 2026, Sam Tremble, the new Provincial Grand Superintendent of Ayrshire, made his first official visit to a chapter, attending

St Barnabas RAC No. 348.

Sam was accompanied by 6 other members of the Provincial, where they witnessed one candidate being exalted into the RA Chapter on the evening.
The Provincial Grand Superintendent is pictured shaking hands with John Breckney, the 1st Principal of St. Barnabas.

A Message from James E Bell

Dear Companions,

As my commission as Grand Superintendent will be completed on the 31st of December. I would like to thank the Companions of Ayrshire for the honour of being your Grand Superintendent and the support I received during my term of office.

I have met and made many friends in Ayrshire and beyond during my commission and will look back on the last 5 years with fond memories.

I would like to thank the commissioned and elected office bearers for their support and the past Grand Superintendent for their wisdom and assistance.

At this time, I wish ME Companion Samuel Tremble, Grand Superintendent Elect, and his Commission every success for the future and pledge my support in the coming years.
In closing, Companions, I wish you all a prosperous and happy 2026.

James E Bell
Grand Superintendent

A Christmas Message from the 1st Grand Principal

Dear Companions,

As we approach the end of another year, I like to look back over the year and reflect on all that has taken place.
Probably the biggest event in the Royal Arch year was moving our staff from St John Street to 94 George Street, into a newly decorated, fresh suite of offices with a nice outlook onto George Street. The move was highly successful, and I am indebted to MEC John Dadds and his team who carried out the bulk of the work.
Last month, assisted by MEC’s Stewart Wood and Neil Fraser, we carried out the necessary process to find a new Grand Scribe E. I thank them both for their assistance in what was another successful procedure resulting in MEC John Anderson being selected to fulfil the role. I congratulate John and look forward to working with him next year.

As we move into 2026, I am looking forward to meeting with the Past Depute First Grand Principals on 20th January, our home Grand Superintendents on 31st January and also meeting our District Grand Superintendents via zoom hopefully sometime in February, to discuss how we can best take Royal Arch Freemasonry forward strategically in order that we can grow and sustain that growth in the years ahead. We have had a good response to the appeal for Companions to put their names forward for inclusion on the Register of Interests and they too will assist in taking us forward. It is never too late to put your name forward!
Early in the new year, we will say farewell to our current Grand Scribe E, MEC Douglas Duncan. He will be greatly missed, and I would like to put on record our grateful thanks for all that he has contributed to Royal Arch Freemasonry during his term of Office and wish him and Morag a very happy, healthy and enjoyable retirement.

Can I, on my own behalf and on behalf of all Royal Arch Freemasons thank Janice and Pat for all they do for us throughout the year. Their effort is very much appreciated.
Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you, and your families, a very happy, relaxed and content Christmas and that 2026 will bring each of you good health and success in all you strive to attain.
The gift of love, the gift of peace, the gift of happiness. May the best of everything be yours this Christmas.

Kindest regards

W Ramsay McGhee
1st Grand Principal

ME Companion Samuel Tremble PZ to succeed James E. Bell as Grand Superintendent

“ ME Companion Samuel Tremble PZ of Irvine RAC No. 255 EG 19 has been approved by the Supreme Chapter Committee as my successor as Grand Superintendent. His appointment will start on the 1st January 2026. This will be approved at the Supreme Chapter convocation on the 28th November.

His commission will consist of the following companions.
Depute Grand Superintendent. ME Companion John Anderson PZ of Thistle RAC now amalgamated into Drumclog RAC No 480.
Provincial MEH. ME Companion Ivie Rennie PZ of Hurlford RAC No 253 EG 17.
Provincial MEJ. ME Companion Colin Johnstone PZ of Catrine & Sorn RAC No. 148.
Provincial Scribe E. ME Companion Derek Wilson PZ of Irvine RAC No. 255 EG 19.
Provincial Scribe N. ME Companion James Sneddon PZ of Troon RAC No. 575.

At this time I would like to congratulate the Grand Superintendent Elect and his commission and wish them well for their term of office and also pledge my personal support.

James E Bell
Grand Superintendent

Saltcoats & Ardrossan RAC No. 223

Saltcoats & Ardrossan chapter recently held their annual BBQ, and the weather didn’t stop the companions from having a great time. MEZ Jim Taylor was in charge of the cooking and had a special apron for the occasion. Great to see the companions still getting together during the summer recess.

Royal Arch News

Download and read the latest edition of Royal Arch News produced by The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland.

In the latest issue: New Offices, Register of Interest and Recruitment and Retention.

Turning the Page to a New Chapter

The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland has moved to a new location:

94a George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 3DF

We look forward to upholding our long-standing tradition and values here. We look forward to seeing familiar faces and creating new, lasting memories in our new home. Visit

https://sgrac-scotland.com/ for more details.

On Saturday, the 17th May, I attended my Mother Chapter, where, after a successful charity meeting, I had the pleasure of investing ME Companion Ian Caldwell PZ with Honorary Grand Rank as Honorary 1st Grand Standard Bearer. Companion Caldwell has been a member of Loudoun RAC for over 50 years, and for the last 23 years, and still is the treasurer of the Chapter. As a token of his dedication and hard work, the Supreme Chapter has recognised Companion Caldwell, and it was great to see ME Companion John Nisbet Steel, Deputy 1st Grand Principal of Scotland, in attendance at the meeting. Or as John described it, “ just 3 Newmilns boys who went to the school together”

James Bell
Grand Superintendent

Saltcoats & Ardrossan RAC No. 223

On Wednesday, the 28th May, a deputation from the Provincial Grand RAC of Ayrshire attended Saltcoats and Ardrossan RAC No. 223. While there, I had the privilege of investing M E Companion James B Young PZ with Honorary Grand Rank as 1st Grand Standard Bearer. Companion Young was exalted into 223 on 5 April 1971 and served as First Principal from 1977 to 1979. He is also a past WCN and TIM. For over 50 years, Jim has been a regular attendee of the chapter, carrying out degree work and serving as an Installing Principal on many occasions in his own Chapter and in numerous sister chapters throughout the Province. I think I speak for all companions in the Province in congratulating Jim and wishing him well in the future.

James E Bell
Grand Superintendent

Saltcoats & Ardrossan RAC No. 223

On Saturday, 24th May, a team from Saltcoats & Ardrossan RAC, along with members of sister chapters in Ayrshire, attended Bertram Shotts RAC in Lanarkshire Middle Ward. The 223 Companions conferred the Royal Arch Degree on one progressive candidate; all had a great afternoon of Royal Arch Masonry.

Loudoun RAC No.251 EG 6

A charity degree was held at Loudoun RAC No.251 EG 6 on Saturday 17th May in the presence of deputations from Supreme Grand RAC of Scotland and the Provincial Grand RAC of Ayrshire. An affiliation to the Mark & Excellent Master degree was carried out on a substitute candidate after which the companions sat down to an excellent festive board. We were joined for the meal by Miss Emma McGregor from the Beatson Charity when a cheque for £1000.00 was presented from the chapter by MEC Liam Stewart MEZ.

Well done to the companions of Loudoun RAC for a great achievement.

Bowling

Tournament

On Saturday, 17th May at Glenfield Bowling Club, Irvine RAC No. 255 EG19 won the Ayrshire Royal Arch Triples Competition, with runners up Hurlford Chapter No. 253 EG17. A great day's bowling in the Kilmarnock sunshine.

Commemorative Bench - Tarbolton Fishery

On 11th May, Provincial Grand Superintendent, James E. Bell, attended the dedication ceremony of the commemorative bench to all the Brethren, Companions and Fraters who have cast their last line in support of the fundraising events held at the various fisheries. The Rev.Bro. Steve Clispson carried out the ceremony, supported by Rev.Bro. Alexander Shuttleworth, P.G.M., James Bell, and I.P.G.S. David Ramsey.

Drumclog RAC

Thursday 21st November, Drumclog RAC No. 480, Masonic Hall, Darvel at 7.00 pm

Installation of office bearers.

Saltcoats and Ardrossan RAC

A good turn out of companions at Saltcoats and Ardrossan RAC No. 223 on 26th October for the installation of MEZ Companion James Taylor and Office bearers.