A Treasure chest of coins marked a fundraising drive by Freemasons who collected £23,155 for Highland Hospice in Inverness.

It made a contribution to the charity's 20th anniversary year after the Highland group launched an appeal through a 'Mile of Pounds'.

The brainchild behind the venture was David MacMaster, a Ross-shire Immmediate Past Master, helped by a former police officer and Licensed Trade Association representative, Ramsay McGhee, a Provincial Grand Master.

The mile of coins wound its way round different parts of Inverness throughout the latter part of 2006. In a bid to puch the total over the £20,000 mark fundraising was rounded off by a ceilidh there guests were entertained by Jim Tait and Cochrane Donald and recitations on north eastern farning by Lillian Ross.

The boys were marvellous, out in all weathers, gathering ion the pounds from hundreds of generous people willing to donate to the wonderful work of the hospice, a service close to many of our hearts,' said Mr McGhee.

The Freemasons also plan to support the 20th Anniversary Black Isle Cucle Ride on Saturday, 28th April, starting and finishing at Resolis Memorial Hall near Balblair.

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If any Scottish Lodge or Province has news such as the above we are happy to post it on this web site. It is always a good idea to send a picture or two so that our readers can see the weather, participants etc.