‘New’ Largs Pier

Edward James Bruce, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, was Grand Master Mason 1921—24. He was the second of the family to lead the Scottish Craft. He became Assistant Private Secretary to the Secretary State for the Colonies (1908–11) and a director of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

He also had other high offices including Deputy Grand Master and Governor of the Royal Order of Scotland. His son, Andrew, is the current Earl and also a Past GMM and possibly one of the most colourful characters in the Craft! His grandson, Adam, is the current master of Sir Robert Moray No.1641 and in the future. . .

On 10 January 1833, the foundation stone of a new pier at Largs was laid with masonic honours by Bro. William Miller, of Monkcastle, Most Worshipful Master of the Mother Kilwinning and Provincial Grand Master of the County of Ayr. Also in the main deputation was Bro. Sir Michael Shaw Stewart MP PGM of Renfrewshire West and a large number of dignitaries .

The members of the Mother Lodge, with Largs St John, Greenock St. John’s No.175, Garthland St. Winnoch No.205, Blair Dalry No.290, Rothesay St. John No.292, St. John RA No.320 and Neptune Kilwinning Saltcoats No.442, met at midday on the Green of Largs, and proceeded in procession accompanied by several bands of music through the town to where the pier was to be erected. Robert Wal-

lace MP, one of Bro. Sir Thomas Brisbane's commissioners, addressed the ceremony before the Grand Master proceeded to lay the foundation stone with plate saying This pier erected by subscription . . . in the Year of our Lord 5833 . . . by (all names included).

The pier opened the following the year at a cost of £4275.