Jim Gardiner was initiated into Lodge St. Olaf on 15th December 1977. Originally from Glasgow, Jim relocated to the North-East during his service with the Royal Air Force when he was posted to RAF Buchan.

From the moment he joined the Lodge, Jim brought with him an infectious enthusiasm, warmth, and energy that helped shape the vibrant atmosphere developing within St. Olaf at that time. His initiation came only a few years before the great influx of new members drawn to the area by the emergence of the North Sea oil industry. As families arrived seeking opportunity and a new place to call home, the Lodge experienced a remarkable period of growth and renewal.

Jim played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the “old school” brethren and the younger generation that followed during the oil boom years. He quickly became central to a close-knit circle of like-minded men who found in the Lodge not only companionship and camaraderie, but also friendship and belonging amid the pressures and uncertainties of life in a new community.

Among the many activities that flourished during this era were the famous Ythan Raft Races, events that became legendary within the Lodge over a decade of spirited participation. Jim was one of the driving forces behind these occasions, and his humour, boundless enthusiasm, and larger-than-life personality – memorably captured on video by Past Master Kenny Davidson – remain fondly remembered to this day. Those recordings have become part of Lodge folklore and continue to entertain visitors to the Raft Race pages of the website.

Jim was equally renowned for his involvement in the many fundraising sabbaticals and excursions organised by the Lodge over the years. Wherever Jim was present, laughter and mischief were seldom far behind. One particularly memorable story arose during a trip to the Speyside Way. As the group prepared to depart, Jim was the final passenger to board the minibus. He arrived visibly furious, clutching a letter that had supposedly been delivered that very morning from the local authority.

The letter informed him that the vacant plot of land directly in front of his home at Cruden Bay – land which afforded him uninterrupted views of the beautiful beach – had been purchased for the construction of a disabled public toilet. Jim, though never lacking sympathy for disabled access, was incensed at the prospect of losing his cherished view. His indignation became the dominant topic of conversation throughout the weekend as he rehearsed, in ever greater detail, the strongly worded response he intended to deliver upon returning home.

What Jim did not know was that the letter had been entirely fabricated by one of his fellow travellers as a practical joke. The prank succeeded beyond all expectations. It was only towards the end of the trip, after a superb weekend of fellowship and laughter, that the truth was finally revealed. The resulting hilarity was immense, and, to his credit, Jim eventually saw the humour in the situation himself – no doubt relieved that his beloved sea view would remain untouched after all.

In 1998, Jim was installed as Right Worshipful Master of Lodge St. Olaf, a role in which he served with distinction and dedication. Beyond the Lodge itself, he also went on to serve the Province as Provincial Grand Treasurer and Provincial Grand Secretary alongside Jimmy Stewart during Stewart’s tenure as Provincial Grand Master.

Jim’s unwavering commitment, leadership, and contribution to the life and spirit of the Lodge were later recognised through the awarding of one of only five St. Olaf Distinguished Service Jewels – an honour reflecting the profound respect and affection in which he was held. His influence upon the Lodge remains evident to this day, not only in its traditions and fellowship, but in the countless memories shared by those fortunate enough to have known him.