MORE than 100 Masons marched along Peebles High Street on Saturday to celebrate the tri-centenary of the local lodge.

The Lodge Peebles Kilwinning No. 24 was formed on October 18, 1716.

And for the past three centuries hundreds of local brethren have kept the organisation alive in the town.

On Saturday a rededication ceremony took place in the Lodge, by the Grand Master Mason of Scotland.

And the celebrations continued with a grand march along the High Street.

Kenny Howitt from Lodge Peebles Kilwinning No. 24 told us: "A total of 116 masonic brethren attended that ceremony and later took part in the special anniversary public march which followed along Peebles High Street.

"Taking part in the march, were masonic brethren from all over the Scottish Borders, brethren from throughout Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales and one masonic brother from Germany."

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.

In keeping with Peebles Masonic tradition, the town's Silver band led Saturday's march as they have done down the centuries.

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

A fascinating booklet highlighting the history of the Masonic Lodge in Peebles has also been published to mark the anniversary.