THE CONSECRATION AND DEDICATION OF LODGE RUBUS No.107 - BLAIRGOWRIE, PERTHSHIRE

May all who assemble labour together in Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Affection, under the watchful care of the Great Gardener of the Universe.

As the good gardener tends his garden with patience and care, so should we cultivate the virtues of charity, integrity and brotherly love.

Rubus Lodge 107

Rubus Lodge 107, under GL AOFG Scotland

The Root of Our Order

The Ancient Order of Free Gardeners is a fraternal society founded in Scotland in the middle of the 17th century. Its earliest surviving record is the Minute Book of the Haddington Lodge, 16th August 1676, containing the Interjunctions for Ye Fraternity of Gardiners of East Lothian. Originally a combination of trade guild, primitive trade union, and friendly society, it shared secret horticultural knowledge, regulated the profession, and provided mutual aid sickness benefits, funeral expenses, and support for widows and orphans.

On Saturday, 8th August 2026, a historic chapter will be written in the annals of Scottish fraternal history. At The Masonic Temple, 12 Allan Street, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, the Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of Free Gardeners of Scotland, under the distinguished leadership of Most Worshipful Grand Master Bro. Iain Vincent and his Grand Lodge Officers, will consecrate and dedicate Lodge Rubus No.107.

The Officers and Members of Lodge Rubus No.107 have much pleasure in inviting Brethren of the Ancient Order of Free Gardeners, together with distinguished guests, to attend this momentous occasion. The Lodge will be opened at 1:00 p.m. prompt, with Brethren respectfully requested to be seated no later than 12:45 p.m. Dress: Lounge Suit or Highland Dress with Regalia.

The name RUBUS is deeply symbolic. Rubus is the Latin botanical name for the raspberry, blackberry and bramble the very fruits depicted in the billet's intricate border of red raspberries, blackberries, white blossoms and Scottish thistles. Blairgowrie, known worldwide as Scotland's raspberry capital, has cultivated this fruit for generations. To name the Lodge Rubus is to root it in the soil, labour and heritage of Perthshire itself.

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Gardening Heritage Insights

Gardeners in Rubus Lodge 107

The New Planting - Installed Office Bearers

This Consecration marks the planting of a new Lodge and the continuing revival of our ancient and honourable fraternity.

Lodge Rubus No.107 will be led by its founding Office Bearers:

Right Worshipful Master: Bro. Alexander Lipp
Depute Master: Bro. John Hill
Senior Warden: Bro. Gordon Hynd
Pass Master: Bro. Damon Lipp
Junior Warden: Bro. Luke Reid
Assistant Pass Master: Bro. William Donaldson
Chaplain: Bro. Dickie Davis
Secretary: Bro. Graham Wilson
Treasurer: Bro. David Lipp
Director of Ceremonies: Bro. James Christie
Bible Bearer: Bro. Euan McPherson