On the last Friday in January 1900, the members and friends of Lodge Kilwinning No 557, met in the Masonic Hall at High Blantyre to celebrate the anniversary of Burns.

As of old traditions, the ceremony commenced with speeches attended by many people. Mrs Struthers, the wife of the hall owner provided the supper, which included a haggis dinner a lengthy local toast list was given, followed by various patriotic toasts given with great enthusiasm.

Brother Allison supervised and acted as master of ceremony whilst dancing was kept up until the early morning! The music was supplied by a band under the charge of Brother Thomson of Burnbank.

Pictured is the Masonic Hall and former pub at Main Street, High Blantyre. (a few years ago)

On social media:

Ray Couston It’s a pity nothing’s been done with the old Apollo Bar (As I knew it. It may have had a previous name in years gone by).

I really enjoyed the food when it was briefly an Indian restaurant around 2008-2009. …See more

The Blantyre Project absolutely agree. This is home patch for me and shame to see the building not used. Building has a long history back to the 1880s.

Joy McLennan Sure my grandpa was there…cont. in Victoria, dancing at Robbie Burns night, my mom did the Fling, too and drummed in the First Scot. Ladies PIPE band! In the early 30.s!!40.s!