When was the Third degree first performed in Scotland? The precise date of the first performance of the Third Degree in Scotland is not definitively recorded in historical documents. However, evidence suggests its presence by the early 18th century. According to "History of Freemasonry in Scotland" by David Murray Lyon, the Third Degree, or Master Mason's Degree, was certainly in practice by the 1730s. The Grand Lodge of Scotland, established in 1736, inherited existing Masonic practices, including the Master Mason's Degree. While earlier informal instances may have occurred, the formalization and widespread adoption of the Third Degree likely solidified around this period as Freemasonry became more organized. The degree represents the culmination of a Mason's journey, symbolizing spiritual growth and the attainment of higher knowledge.