In August 1979, Blantyre Masons gathered to honour a man with 50 years of service to his lodge. Lodge Livingstone 599 was the venue and George McDonald presented David Straiton with his certificate. Mr Staiton’s long membership included 6 years being Depute Master.

In 1946, he was elected Lodge Secretary, a position he held until 1971 when he became Grand Master of Lanarkshire Middle Ward, serving in that post for 5 years.