Object: Masonic Jug

Date:  18th c

Description: Large cream-coloured jug with the spout missing, decorated with masonic emblems relating to the different degrees and orders of Freemasonry. This jug has seen a lot of use but is important because it was presented to John Blain in 1797. John Blain held many appointments since his arrival in Rothesay in 1761, including Town Clerk, Surveyor of Taxes, Collector of Customs and Factor of the Bute Estate. He is remembered on the island as the author of a ‘History of Bute’ which was published posthumously in 1880

Origin: The present Masonic Lodge is Rothesay St John’s but this was not constituted until 1821. At the time of the presentation of the jug there was a lodge called St Brook’s, which no longer exists