Stornoway Masonic Lodge, (Fortrose Lodge), Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

1767-

In 1765, a Customs House was established in Stornoway to combat the smuggling of contraband, which was rife at that time. In 1767, Archibald Smith, Collector of
Customs from Edinburgh and one of the original Petitioners was appointed R.W.M. of the first Masonic Lodge in the Hebrides - Lodge Fortrose No. 135 (now No 108 ).
Named after the then Laird of the island, Viscount Fortrose (later to become the 6th Earl of Seaforth ) the Lodge, in the ensuing years, was to become the focal point in the development of the town and its various organisations. In good times and bad, the Lodge and its building was the centre of all social activity and source of much dispensed charity during the following years.
By 2011, some 3500 candidates from all walks of life have passed through its porch or entrance. From figures of national importance and worldly fame, to men of humble origin and simple station.
The Lodge building was constructed in 1819 with subsequent extensions and boasts a Temple, Ante Room, Museum and Library, Masters Room, Candidates Room and Lounge on the first floor, and at ground level a kitchen, function room, members' bar and ladies room.
Source: Logde Fortrose 108 website http://www.fortrose108.co.uk/index.html

C0094