At the installation of Craig Clifford as master of Starkie Lodge No 1070, a special presentation was made to the new master. Craig was originally a member Lodge Buchan St John No 636 from near Livingston in Scotland. Indeed, Craig’s father John had been secretary of Lodge Buchan St John and his family therefore had a long history with the lodge.
On this special day, 23 old friends made a special effort to attend and it was clear that Craig was still held in high esteem north of the border. At the festive board a special presentation was made by Kevin Taggart of Lodge Buchan St John to Craig with a bottle of whisky and a quaich.
The English Masons were most jealous of the bottle of whisky, as that aspect of Scottish culture is most popular! This was especially true as the bottle was a special Grand Master Mason’s Choice from the world-renowned Speyside whisky region.
The quaich was less well known, but it was explained that this is a traditional Scottish two-handed drinking cup, in the case made of metal. This caused great interest, especially as the size of measure for such a vessel is not trivial. The quaich traces its origin from the highlands but became popular in the 17th century in larger cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow. They were popular among the Scottish elite, with Bonnie Prince Charlie and Sir Walter Scott (author of Ivanhoe and Rob Roy) known for owning them.
The item given to Craig was certainly beautiful and of great craftsmanship, and Kevin was clearly proud to pass it on to an esteemed brother. On his part, Craig was highly delighted and most honoured to be presented with such an item by his father’s lodge, especially in front of his own lodge on the evening of his installation.
Both Scottish and English brethren did celebrate this most wholeheartedly and raised their glasses to Craig, Kevin, Lodge Buchan St John and these most fine aspects of Scottish culture.