Monday January 26th 2026
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
An historic masonic lodge in Coldstream is to open its doors by allowing the public to enter its inner sanctum for a beer or dram.
Lodge St John No.280 at St John Masonic Hall in Duke Street is the oldest institution in the Berwickshire town.
The lodge, which still promotes ‘the art of conversation’, has now won approval to open its downstairs bar to the public.
Established in 1811 and based at its current premises since 1819, the lodge is a charitable organisation raising funds for groups in the town.
When Scottish Borders Council’s Licensing Board met on Friday, January 23, members approved an application to convert the hall’s downstairs bar into as public bar as part of a bid to increase revenue.
Lodge spokesperson James Bell said: “This licence will give us much more flexibility to maintain that work and stimulate the knowledge of freemasonry and, more importantly, to help with the financial ongoings of the lodge for the future.
“We offer a very relaxed venue where the old fashioned art of the conversation is very much to the fore with no TVs or music.”
Board member Councillor Tom Weatherston said: “I think this is another example of a club or organisation needing a bit of help, we’ve seen it in rugby clubs, bowling clubs etcetera, etcetera and I’m happy to support.”
“I support this”, said Councillor Neil Richards, adding: “My father-in-law was a great man for the lodge, until he found golf clubs of course, which is the ultimate lodge.”
Councillor David Parker said: “This is a very good new proposal. Having another public establishment is good because I know the town sometimes struggles for that.”
Mr Bell thanked SBC’s licensing officers for their support during the application process, stating: “You’ve got a good team”.
There were no objections to the application from Police Scotland.
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