ONE of Peebles' oldest organisations is preparing to mark 300 years with a march down the town's High Street.

The Masonic Lodge was officially formed in Peebles on October 18, 1716.

To mark the tri-centenary a series of celebrations will begin tomorrow (Saturday).

A rededication ceremony will take place at the Lodge Peebles Kilwinning premises in the Northgate and there will also be a grand march along Peebles High Street.

Over the past two weeks The Peeblesshire News has run features highlighting the significant contribution of the Masons in the town over the past three centuries.

And throughout November and December there will also be a historical display of artefacts at Peebles Museum.

Kenny Howitt from the Peebles Kilwinning No 24 Lodge told us: "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 rededication ceremony for the Masonic Brethren will take place in the Lodge from 12.30pm.

It will be followed by the High Street march at around 2.15pm, appropriately led by Peebles Burgh Silver Band.

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."

A booklet highlighting the history of the Masonic Lodge in Peebles is also being published to commemorate the anniversary.