Dear Fraters All,

The Heads of Scottish Masonic Orders met on Wednesday 9 June 2021, and discussed in general the United Kingdom’s emergence from lockdown, with particular focus on the Scottish Governments strategic framework designed to facilitate a phased return to normality.

A detailed and productive dialogue noted the apparent improving health situation and effective vaccination programme being delivered to Scottish communities. It was further noted that Masonic premises were once again open to patrons as licensed premises and a recent meeting of Grand Committee of the Grand Lodge of Scotland had agreed that Masonic buildings could be accessed and used by third party organisations, in strict compliance with social distancing guidelines.

In reaching this very positive decision, it was acknowledged that attendance at Masonic meetings would be restricted by Government guidelines and legislation pertaining to size of premises and social distancing limitations in force at the material time. This will place an initial constraint on some Masonic Orders ability to meet, particularly those Orders with traditionally larger attendance numbers.

The Heads of Orders will meet again on Wednesday 11 August 2021 to confirm the aforementioned and a further update will be circulated at that time and prior to Autumn, 2021.