In 1765, 20 years after Culloden, A Customs House was established in Stornoway to combat the
smuggling of contraband, which was rife at that time. 2 years later, Archibald Smith, Collector of
Customs from Edinburgh and one of the original Petitioners was appointed R.W.M. of the first Masonic Lodge in the Hebrides - Lodge Fortrose No. 135 ( now No 108 ).
Named after the then Laird of the island, Viscount Fortrose ( later to become the 6th Earl of Seaforth ) the Lodge, in the ensuing years, was to become the focal point in the development of the town and its various organisations. In good times and bad, in joy and sorrow, in celebration and tragedy, in famine and plenty, the Lodge and its building was the centre of all social activity and source of much dispensed charity during the following years.
In the 235 years since its beginning, some 3500 candidates from all walks of life have passed through its porch or entrance. From figures of national importance and worldly fame, to men of humble origin and simple station, Lodge Fortrose has embraced in its members the true tenets of Freemasonry in the equality and brotherhood of all men.
The proud owner of its own Lodge building, constructed in 1819, and subsequent extensions, it boasts a beautiful Temple, Ante Room, Museum and Library, Masters Room, Candidates Room, Lounge, Showers and Toilets on the first floor, and at ground level a superbly equipped Kitchen, a large Function Room, Members' Bar, Ladies Room and Toilets and spacious car parking facilities. All this has been achieved through the most astute management of its affairs for the last 30 years and is to the credit of those involved,
Although the most isolated Lodge under the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ross and Cromarty, Lodge
Fortrose has established a close relationship with many other Lodges, extending a warm and unique highland hospitality to its many visitors, and keeping bright and clear the Light of Freemasonry on these Hebridean islands.