ONE of the oldest organisations in Peebles is preparing to celebrate its 300th anniversary.

The town's Masonic Lodge was officially formed on October 18, 1716.

And next month a series of celebrations will begin to mark the tri-centenary.

As well as rededication ceremony at the Lodge Peebles Kilwinning premises in the Northgate on Saturday, October 22 there will be a grand march along Peebles High Street.

Throughout November and December there will also be a historical display of artefacts from the Northgate Lodge at Peebles Museum.

Kenny Howitt from the Peebles Kilwinning No 24 Lodge told the Peeblesshire News: "Any organisation able to celebrate being in existence for 300 years can undoubtedly reflect publicly with great pride on such longevity.

"The Lodge’s 300th birthday will make it not only one of the oldest, long-established organisations in the town, but also one of the oldest Masonic Lodges in Scotland."

The premises in the Northgate date from 1772, when two houses were purchased - one from a private owner and the other from the Peebles Guildry Corporation - to create the Masonic Lodge.

It took a further 142 years, in 1914, for the two houses to be amalgamated into one.

From its earliest years the Lodge in Peebles was heavily involved in public processions and community events.

And it is appropriate that the 300th anniversary march next month will be led by Peebles Burgh Silver Band, as they have done throughout the centuries.

Mr Howitt added: "On all of these official public occasions the parade was usually led by local bandsmen – members of Peebles Burgh Silver Band – as a result of which a very special bond was undoubtedly formed between the Band and the Lodge.

"This eventually resulted in 12 bandsmen being made members of the Lodge at one meeting in 1934."

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries it became common for members of the Masonic Lodge to lay the foundation or last stones on major building projects within their towns.

Amongst the many foundation stones laid in Peebles were the Tontine Hotel in 1807, Tweed Bridge in 1834, Peebles County Buildings in 1843, and Peebles Hydro in 1878.

A fascinating booklet highlighting the history of the Masonic Lodge in Peebles is also being published in the next few weeks to mark the anniversary.

And leading up to the rededication ceremony and grand march, the Peeblesshire News will print specially commissioned articles on the history of Lodge No 24.