Nairn – 2005

In the summer of 2005, members of the Lodge, together with their families and friends, packed up caravans, motorhomes, tents, and enough supplies for a memorable few days away, and headed to the beautiful seaside town of Nairn for what would become one of the most fondly remembered social weekends in recent Lodge history.

The caravan and camping weekend was organised not simply as a short holiday, but as an opportunity for brethren and their families to spend time together away from the formal surroundings of the Lodge room. The result was a relaxed and laughter-filled gathering that perfectly captured the spirit of friendship and fellowship that exists beyond regular meetings.

From the moment the first caravans rolled onto the campsite and tents began appearing across the field, there was a genuine atmosphere of excitement. Families settled into accommodation ranging from fully equipped motorhomes and touring caravans to modest two-man tents bravely occupied by those determined to enjoy the “full camping experience.” While some campers arrived with every possible home comfort, others relied on little more than sleeping bags, folding chairs, and optimistic weather forecasts.

Over the course of the weekend, the campsite became a lively hub of activity. Days were spent enjoying the fresh Highland air, strolling along the beaches, and taking part in a variety of games and activities organised for both children and adults alike. Informal competitions sprang up throughout the weekend, with football matches, races, and campsite games generating plenty of friendly rivalry and even more good-natured banter.

As evening approached, the unmistakable smell of barbecues drifted across the campsite as groups gathered together to cook, eat, and socialise long into the night. Stories were exchanged, songs were sung, and the “grown-up refreshments” flowed freely, helping to ensure that the laughter became louder as the evenings wore on. The relaxed atmosphere allowed members’ families to get to know one another better and created friendships that lasted well beyond the weekend itself.

The event proved especially enjoyable for the younger members of the group, who embraced every opportunity for adventure, games, and mischief. It was very much a family occasion, with children racing around the campsite from morning until night while parents attempted, with varying degrees of success, to maintain order.

One particular moment from the weekend has since passed firmly into Lodge folklore and continues to be spoken about whenever old stories are revisited. During one of the now-legendary campsite football matches, competitive instincts perhaps overtook common sense when John Simpson, determined to secure victory for his side, unleashed an enthusiastic shot at goal. Unfortunately for everyone involved — especially the goalkeeper — he momentarily forgot that standing between the posts was 9-year-old Ewan Mackay, a disabled child who nevertheless threw himself bravely into the game.

The incident immediately produced equal measures of shock, laughter, and disbelief among spectators and players alike. Thankfully, Ewan took the episode in good humour, displaying the same character and determination that would later see him become Right Worshipful Master of Lodge St Olaf. Depending on which side of the story one hears, John’s moment of over-commitment is remembered either as a disgracefully competitive act or as one of the funniest moments ever witnessed on a Lodge outing.

To ensure the event would never be forgotten, the entire episode was captured on video and has since become required viewing whenever memories of the 2005 Nairn trip are discussed. The footage, together with the photographs in the gallery below, perfectly captures the spirit of a weekend filled with friendship, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

For everyone who attended, the 2005 Nairn caravan and camping weekend remains a cherished reminder that some of the very best Lodge memories are created not during formal meetings, but around campfires, football pitches, barbecues, and shared laughter among friends and family.