There were few spare seats to be found in Kirkliston Parish Church for the service held to celebrate the life of Bro. George Fairley P.M.

As well as being a well-respected member of the craft, Bro. George was very well known in the area and had gained the nickname of 'Mr Kirkliston' for his on-going activities to promote the village, especially as the local correspondent for several local newspapers.

The eulogy delivered by Bro. John Glendenning P.M., Almoner of Lodge St. Andrew Livingston Station No. 1587, included some of the many highlights of Bro. George's' Masonic career. He was a founder member and Past Master of that Lodge.

Being a dedicated family man, The Rev. Maggie Lane, minister of Kirkliston Parish Church, then went on to cover some of the many notable aspects of George's family life.

George is survived by his wife Effie, son Stewart, daughter Alison and four grandchildren and our thoughts again go our to all family and friends.

Thanks again to all the members, Honorary Members and friends of 482 who attended the service.

Bro. George was recognised as a very active and very hard working member of Lodge Kirkliston Maitland 482, going on to become Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1991. While in the Chair, he was always looking for innovative ways to raise money for the Lodge and for a wide range of charitable causes.

He was also very interested in the Lodge history, especially in relation to the Lodge’s 125th Anniversary in 1993, creating a series of three booklets to mark the occasion.

He was also highly respected in the wider Masonic community, having initiated - and then editing - a magazine for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire.

The work he carried out in these wider Masonic Circles resulted in recognition at both Provincial and Grand Lodge level. He was awarded the post of ‘Honorary Provincial Grand Senior Warden of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire’ and ‘Honorary Librarian of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.’

In 1962, before joining Lodge Kirkliston Maitland, George was one of the founding members of Lodge St. Andrew Livingston Station No. 1587 and went on to become Right Worshipful Master of that Lodge in 1965/1966. His Mother Lodge was The Thistle Lodge 270 in West Calder.

His Masonic interest also spread beyond our shores, as he held the post of Proxy Master of Lodge Royalin in Trinidad and Tobago.

George is survived by his wife Effie, son Stewart, daughter Alison and four grandchildren. The thoughts of all the Lodges he was involved with - and indeed everyone in the wider Masonic community - are with all his family at this very sad time.

It was very sad to record the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of Bro. George Fairley P.M.

Bro. George was involved in an accident on Sunday 16th February while cycling between South Queensferry and Kirkliston. As well as being a Past Master of Lodge Kirkliston Maitland, he was a founder member and Past Master of Lodge St. Andrew 1587.

His Mother Lodge is The Thistle Lodge 270. All at 482 extend their deepest sympathies to Bro. George's family and friends.

The end of our Right Worshipful Master's year in office ended on Wednesday 29th January when Bro. Les organised a special meeting a bit different from the norm!!

Instead of a degree, we had the presentation of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Mark Degree tracing boards and these were carried out by:

1st Degree - Bro. Bob Potter I.P.M. No. 85
2nd Degree - Bro. Murrie Thomson I.P.M. 482
3rd Degree - Bro. Ned Kelly I.P.M. 788
Mark Degree - Bro. Brian Clements S.M. 1063

The evening proved to be a great success, with 105 brethren signing the attendance book and afterwards we enjoyed some informal harmony.

Just a couple of days later, on Saturday 1st February, Bro. Les Duff was installed as R.W.M. for a second term in the Chair of King Solomon and the ceremony was carried out in excellent fashion by Past Masters Bro. David Swan and Bro. Gordon Yeoman.

And before admitting the Installing Masters and representatives from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Midlothian, the Director of Ceremonies, Bro. Peter Ritchie P.M. introduced a deputation of no less than 20 reigning Masters, representing Lodges from both inside and outside the Province of Midlothian.

Provincial Grand Lodge were represented by Bro. Colin Thomson, Provincial Grand Chaplain and Bro. Russell Forrester, 1st Provincial Grand Steward.

The Installation Ceremony was followed by the Festival of St. John during which the brethren enjoyed a first-class meal and some excellent harmony.

Bro. Les thanked everyone for their support on the day and assured the brethren that he would continue to do his very best for Lodge Kirkliston Maitland.