While the work of the Lodge has always been centred on friendship, charity and Freemasonry, the members of Lodge St. Olaf have never been slow to enjoy each other’s company away from the Lodge room.
Over the years, members organised a series of annual outings, weekends away and informal adventures that became affectionately known as the Lodge “sabbaticals”. These trips provided an opportunity to relax, strengthen friendships and create memories that would be recounted for years to come. From the scenic shores of the Isle of Arran to the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands and beyond, Lodge members travelled the length and breadth of Scotland in search of good company, fine hospitality and the occasional challenge.
Among the most memorable destinations was the famous Old Forge at Inverie on Knoydart (pictured above), long regarded as the most remote pub on the UK mainland. Reaching it was often as much of an adventure as the visit itself, and it perfectly captured the spirit of these excursions—friendship, laughter and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
The stories and photographs collected here offer a glimpse into the lighter side of Lodge life. They record not only the places visited, but also the camaraderie and good humour that have always been hallmarks of Lodge St. Olaf. We invite you to browse these memories and share in some of the enjoyable misadventures experienced by generations of Lodge members, over a timeline of nearly 40 years.
A notable moment in the recent history of Lodge St. Olaf No. 1188 was captured at the Ullapool bike run, where Past Master Trevor Cooke, and his faitful companion Carla, (she's the wee blonde in the red coat), proudly represented the Lodge in his capacity as the newly...
The Great Sabbatical of St. Olaf – A tale of fortunes lost and lessons learned! In the summer of the Year of our Lord 2025, under skies both fair and fickle, the brethren of Lodge St. Olaf did set forth upon a journey spoken of in whispers and recorded in scroll and...
The Chronicles of St. Olaf: A Journey to the Grand Lodge and the Mystical Chapel On the 21st day of June in the year 2024, beneath a brightening sky that heralded the height of spring, the brethren of Lodge St. Olaf assembled for a quest of both enlightenment and...
Adventurers Bill Murray Jim Conner Trevor Cooke Doug Sheal Barrie HarperThe Road & The Miles Tae Dundee A Journey to the Tay: The Fellowship’s Coastal Quest In the Year of Light 2022, on the 11th day of June, five brethren of Lodge St. Olaf set forth on a quest...
AdventurersDoug ShealGordon MackayBill MurrayEwan MackayNeil DanielCraig WightmanBarry HarperDavie PlattGordon DalyMark DunnRaymond Thomson Jim ConnerEwan RobertsonLodge St. Olaf Annual Sabbatical 2015 – A Memorable Weekend in Elgin The annual sabbatical of Lodge St....
AdventurersEwan RobertsonNeil DanielCraig WightmanDavie PlattRyan SimeLodge St Olaf Brethren Embark on an Oktoberfest Adventure in Germany - 2007 In 2007, a small but spirited delegation from Lodge St Olaf Brethren set off on an unforgettable journey to Germany to...
AdventurersGordon MackayBill MurrayEwan RobertsonNeil DanielCraig WightmanDavie PlattGeorge HallRyan SimeIn 2007, the Lodge Sabbatical journey took the brethren north to the picturesque village of Portmahomack in Ross-shire, a peaceful coastal community on the shores...
Inverie Revisited The St Olaf Possee revisited Knoydart during the early summer of 2005. The group was blessed with fantastic weather and an almost midge free time which was as pleasurable an experience as it was an unusual occurrence at this time of year. The walk to...
Adventurers Gordon MackayKenny DavidsonMark DunnAndy DunnNeilDanielJim ConnerBill MurrayEwan RobertsonRyan SymeMeticulous planning and detailed organisation from the collective brainpower of company directors and captains of industry must have assured a flawless...
Adventurers Gordon MackayMark DunnAndy DunnJohn SimpsonRichard ScottPaul ForsytheGeorge HallEwan Mackay (aged 9)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...
Inverie On the 5th June 2004, 9 of the Lodge members went to the pub! What’s so unusual about I hear you say? Well, this particular pub is the Old Forge and according to the Guinness Book of Records, it is the most remote pub in Britain! So here’s the script, the 9...
Adventurers Ewan RobertsonNeil DanielDerek ClarkRaymond Thomson ScottBarrie HarperGordon MackayMark Dunn The Lodge has ventured to Braemar on several occasions over the past few years. Initially intended to be skiing weekend, but since we never get any snow up...
Pictured above are the 4 reigning Masters taken during the celebrations. John Tolson 1183 | Robert Solway 1184 | Murray Brown 1186 | Derek Clark 1188 75th Anniversary Dance 7th May 1994 Lochgelly Town Hall Derek Clark was installed as R.W.M. of Lodge St. Olaf in...
Adventurers Gordon MackayKenny DavidsonDerek ClarkJim ConnerBarrie HarperTom PetrieDoug ShealRodger WallaceAlison MackayJoan FisherThe Tale of the Knotted Dandelion DAY MINUS ONE – AND COUNTING I write this on the eve of our journey into...
Adventurers Gordon MackayBill MurrayDoug ShealDoogi RankineThe seeds of Lodge St. Olaf’s adventurous fundraising traditions were planted in the mid-1980s, born from high ambitions, youthful optimism, and an inaugural trek along the formidable West Highland Way. Four...