The publishing of our Provincial Grand Lodge Year Book allows me the opportunity at the start of my five year term to thank you all for your unanimous support for my nomination as Provincial Grand Master of our fine Province. With the support of my team of Commissioned Office-bearers it is my intention to repay your confidence in my nomination by building on the solid foundation left by our Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master Brother Thomas Kerr Leckenby. The Commissioned Office-bearers and I are looking forward to serving the interests of Freemasonry in general and the Daughter Lodges of Dunbartonshire in particular.

I entertain no doubt that you will agree with me that my predecessor Brother Leckenby has had an excellent five year term and I

would extend my sincere and grateful thanks to him on behalf of the Province. He has worked tirelessly to advance the interests of this Province and has been a prolific visitor both within and outwith the Province, carrying the good name of Dunbartonshire all over Scotland. I am proud to have served as Depute under Brother Leckenby, and I know that I can rely on his knowledge, judgement and experience as another chapter in the history of the Province unfolds.

We are also extremely fortunate within Dunbartonshire to have five living Past Provincial Grand Masters who continue to be a source of strength and support, not only for me, but for all of us. With their backing, their unfaltering support and the benefit of their experience, I am truly 'standing on the shoulders of giants'.

Our charitable givings continue to be to the fore, with The National Autistic Society Scotland being Brother Leckenby's chosen charity during his term. Our collective efforts raised the magnificent sum of £30,000, with the cheque being presented at the Master's Dinner last April. This is a fine example of us working in our local communities to the betterment of those in need of our assistance.

I know how hard you are all working to keep Masonry alive and well in Dunbartonshire; let us continue to lead by example both within and outwith the Lodge. I am proud to call myself a Mason and so should we all be.

With all best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012 for you and your loved ones.