The 'Head Office' for Scottish Freemasonry. Contains adminstrative offices, Museum and Library as well as a number of function/meeting rooms.
The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland administers the Scottish Craft across the world. Freemasons' Hall houses, as one would expect, all the departments necessary to operate an international organisation. These include: Finance, Homes for the older person, a shop, administration and a Museum and Library. It is in this building that Grand Lodge meets to take all major decisions relating to the Scottish Craft.
Operating as usual
On Hogmanay, the words of Auld Lang Syne, by our Brother Robert Burns, mark the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, a year for modernisation and advancement of our Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland.
Wishing you and your families a very happy new year!
The Grand Master Mason, Brother W.Ramsay McGhee, addresses Scottish Freemasons worldwide as we prepare to start a new year, 2023.
Sequel to the recently concluded 4th International Scottish Masonic Conference where the Grand Lodge of Antient Free & Accepted Masons of Scotland presented its vision towards 2023 and beyond, Brother McGhee called for support by all Brethren for change at both Grand Lodge level, with the introduction of the new governance structure, and also at Lodge level, to ensure our meetings remain interesting to our younger Brethren. Both these changes are necessary to ensure “Scottish Freemasonry continues to move with the times and ensure the sustainability of our beloved Craft.”
The Grand Master Mason charged Scottish Freemasons to "promote new and exciting ideas so that, irrespective of our age or length of service, we can all look forward to attending meetings with a sense of excitement."
Brother McGhee concluded his address by wishing all Brethren and their families "A very happy healthy and prosperous 2023" quoting the late Doddie Weir to all Brethren “Whatever your situation, make the most you can of each and every day. Be nice to people, and laugh as much as possible.”
On behalf of the Grand Master Mason and all Grand Office Bearers of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free & Accepted Masons of Scotland, wishing all Scottish Freemasons across our provinces and districts a blessed and joyous Christmas.
Families suffering from the cost of living crisis were the beneficiaries of the Christmas spirit at the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, for this year.
The staff and tour guides decided that, instead of the usual £5 Secret Santa gift at their Christmas Meal, they would each donate the £5 towards buying food for the local food bank.
It resulted in two large crates of food items being delivered to Alison Roxburgh, the General Manager of Edinburgh North East Foodbank.
FREEMASONS’ HALL CLOSURE DURING THE FESTIVE PERIOD - Grand Lodge Offices and Freemasons’ Hall, 96 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DH, will close completely at 1.00 p.m. on Friday 23, December 2022, and remain closed all throughout the festive period. There will be no staff working during this period and no telephone service.
Grand Lodge and Freemasons’ Hall will re-open at 08.45 hours on Wednesday 4, January 2023 for the resumption of full-service delivery.
We trust all will experience a very enjoyable Festive Season and a very Happy New Year!
The Revd Dr.Angus Kerr, B.D., Cert.Min., Th.M.,D.Min., Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland shared his Christmas message of Light and Hope to all the Brethern of the Scottish Constitution spread over the entire Globe.
Please note that due to Covid-related absence, the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, at Freemasons’ Hall, will only be open to the public from 09.30 AM – 02.00 PM on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
Office times will resume as normal as of Thursday, December 1, 2022.
Thank you
The Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason, Brother William Ramsay McGhee, thanked the Chair of the Organizing Committee, Brother Kennedy Kennedy, for the successful ex*****on of the 4th International Scottish Masonic Conference and informed all delegates that the 5th International Scottish Masonic Conference to be held in 2025 in Beirut, Lebanon. He then declared the 4th International Scottish Masonic Conference officially closed.
At the recently concluded 4th International Scottish Masonic Conference held in Edinburgh, Brother Rabih Jarmakani presented his paper titled 'Making Freemasonry Relevant in the Digital Age.'
Brother Jarmakani offered practical solutions to all the Lodges under the Grand Lodge of Antient Free & Accepted Masons of Scotland defining the steps needed to achieve a healthy digital presence. He further laid out the Grand Lodge's strategy for a global plan for Scottish Freemasonry through the interconnectedness of its digital assets.
The presentation included the use of the new tools recently presented at the conference which include the new website as a hub for scottish freemasonry, an online resource center, and a debranded digital version of its logo for the Grand Lodge of Antient Free & Accepted Masons of Scotland Free.
An entire tech support team has been formed to provide all the provinces, districts, grand superintendencies, and lodges the assistance needed to accomplish their own transformation.
Today, at the Festival of St Andrew, The Grand Master Mason, Brother William Ramsay McGhee, presented Adam Gaines, director of Prostate Scotland, a cheque for £1.125 million on behalf of Scottish Freemasons.
The money, raised over a 10-year period, has already begun to make an impact on men with Prostate Cancer.
Adam Gaines said: "This very generous donation enabled us to complete an appeal to raise funds to help bring about robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery in the east and west Scotland.”
"The £126,000 raised by Freemasons who completed a zip slide in 2016 was specifically used to pay for robotic surgical equipment.”
"This form of surgery is the most advanced technique available and
already a few thousand men have been treated in this way."
William Ramsay McGhee added:
"I would like to thank each and every one of the Scottish Constitution Freemasons at home and abroad who have worked so hard for more than 10 years to raise this magnificent sum…And I'm sure, like me, you are delighted it is being put to such great use."
To coincide with the International Masonic Conference this week, we
are delighted to offer a number of special discounts from our shop at
Grand Lodge.
There is 25% off our Polo Shirts and 15% off our Masonic Crest Kilt Hose.
The shop and other interesting news about Grand Lodge can be found by
following this link: https://www.grandlodgescotland.com/
The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted of Scotland at Freemasons’ Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 24th, 2022, due to the Annual Installation of Grand Office-Bearers, followed by the Festival of St Andrew.
Our offices will be open again on Friday morning, 25th November 2022.
As our Grand Lodge adopts new initiatives to keep up with the changing times, Brother Joseph John Morrow, past Grand Master and the current Lord Lyon King of Arms of His Majesty King Charles, moderated a session where he asked members to field difficult questions to a panel of 7 senior masons.
This event was held on day 1 of the ongoing 4th International Scottish Masonic Conference in Edinburgh!
NEW WEBSITE LAUNCH
The Grand Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, Brother William Semple, announced the launch of the new Grand Lodge website yesterday during his presentation at the 4th International Scottish Masonic Conference in Edinburgh.
The new website aims to showcase how Scottish Freemasonry is continuing to modernize and maintain its unique position in the masonic world today. The website will act as a global hub connecting Provinces at home and Districts overseas.
Brother Semple said: "while it is our strategy to continue to change in this digital age, we must never lose sight of the rich masonic history that makes Scottish Freemasonry what it is today and always remain true to its heritage."
The new website is available at www.grandlodgescotland.org
OPENING CEREMONY
The 4th International Scottish Masonic Conference was formally opened this morning by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, Brother William Ramsay McGhee, in Edinburgh, Monday 21st of November 2022.
This marks the beginning of a 3-day conference attended by Scottish Freemasons who converged on Edinburgh from the home provinces in Scotland and the various Districts spread over 40 countries worldwide. The 4th International Scottish Masonic Conference’s objective is ‘to increase awareness and understanding of Scottish Freemasonry in the 21st century with its Vision for 2030 and beyond.’
Many of the conference delegates are accompanied by their ladies/partners who will similarly have their own special program over the 3-day duration.
The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland continues to work on improving the Masonic journey for its members worldwide by scaling up conversations about the future and defining new ideas that will motivate and inspire Brethren in the 21st century.
TOWARDS 2030
The Grand Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, Brother William Semple, presented his paper at the 4th International Scottish Masonic Conference titled ‘Towards 2030.’
Brother Semple explains some of the plans undertaken by the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland in modernising and advancing the way the Grand Lodge supports and assists its provinces, districts and Lodges worldwide.
As the administrative body of Lodges representing the oldest masonic heritage in the world today, the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland continues to work on improving the masonic experience for Scottish Freemasonry worldwide and put in place the requisite systems and support structure that will define the vision towards 2030
edinburgh2022
During the fourth International Scottish Masonic Conference, the Grand Secretary, Brother William Semple. launched the new digital identity for the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland. The new Digital identity was designed to support the new digital drive by the Grand Lodge.
This offers an easily recognizable brand across all its digital assets and presents a more contemporary approach to the way Scottish Freemasonry is presented in the global digital space.
Celebrating Masons
Serving humanity in every other way we can.
Happy International Men’s Day
A group of young executives from the Middle East received an insight into the workings of Scottish Freemasonry from Assistant Grand Secretary, Brother Duncan McFadyen.
The visiting group are members of the Levant Branch of the Young Presidents Organisation, a global community of forward-thinking young business executives established in 1950.
The YPO, which now has 22 million members in 142 countries,aims to improve lives businesses and the world.
The group wanted to learn how the Scottish Craft’s principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth could benefit their business aspirations and asked Assistant Grand Secretary McFadyen to be their guest speaker.
Brother McFadyen was formally introduced to the company by Levant Branch chairman Omar
Shallah and invited to deliver an introduction to Scottish Freemasonry.
He gave the group, many of whom had little knowledge of Scottish Freemasonry, a broad outline of the Aims and Principles of the Scottish Craft. This included details of the charitable work undertaken the The Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Special invitation for Young Masons
The Grand Master Mason will host a Zoom meeting exclusively for our Young Masons at
2.00pm on Sunday 27 November 2022.
The format will consist of an open discussion with a presentation on the Ayrshire Young Masons Initiative, with a proposal to roll out this concept to the wider Scottish Constitution.
To confirm your place, please email [email protected] no later than Wednesday
23 November 2022.
Zoom link details and joining instructions will be circulated prior to the meeting.
The Grand Master Mason looks forward to greeting our Young Masons and emphasises they have a voice which will be listened to as we all work together to take Scottish Freemasonry forward.
The same Zoom presentation will be given to a meeting of Provincial Grand Masters, District
Grand Masters and Grand Superintendents on a date and time to be arranged.
For the purpose of this event the term “Young Mason” refers to any member under the age of 40 years or a member aged over 40 with less than 5 years membership in the Scottish Constitution.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit a talented and energetic individual to join the team at the Grand Lodge of Scotland as our Receptionist & Retail Assistant.
A comprehensive Job Description outlining the role and responsibilities is on slides 2,3,&4. The successful candidate will be professional and efficient with excellent interpersonal skills.
Suitably qualified candidates should submit a CV, together with details of two referees. A covering letter should also be provided explaining what qualities and vision candidates will bring to the role.
Applications should be addressed to The Grand Secretary, Brother William M. S. Semple, by email to [email protected].
The deadline for receipt of applications is Monday, 21 November 2022.
Further detail can be obtained from Grand Secretary on 0131 225 5577 or by aforementioned email.
# receptionistjobs
The Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland will be installing The Right Worshipful District Grand Master of The Far East, Brother, Brother Christopher M. Wong at a special meeting on Monday 21st November 2022 at 6.30pm, Freemasons’ Hall, 96 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DH.
All Grand Lodge Office Bearers and Grand Stewards are requested to attend. Dress is Morning Coat and Striped Morning Trousers. Full regalia to be worn.
Joe Morrow, CBE KC FRSE
Day 3- WEDNESDAY, 23 NOVEMBER 2022
Brother Dr Joe Morrow, His Majesty’s Right Honorable Lord Lyon King of Arms, and past Grand Master of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, presents his paper on the importance of leadership in the masonic journey.
Rabih Jarmakani
Day 3- WEDNESDAY, 23 NOVEMBER 2022
Brother Jarmakani, the District Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of Lebanon. Presents highlights the importance of Making Freemasonry Relevant in the Digital Age and the steps that need to be followed to secure the Masonic Digital Footprint.
Stewart Wood
Day 3- WEDNESDAY, 23 NOVEMBER 2022
The Past Depute First Grand Principal of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland, Excellent Companion Stewart Wood, presents the importance of Royal Arch progression to the journey of a Master Mason
Alan Rudland
Day 2 - TUESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2022
Bro. Alan Rudland presents the Scottish University Lodge Scheme and the important role it plays in fostering the ideals of Freemasonry and the lessons behind the mystical liberal arts and sciences
M.W.BRO.DOUGLAS T.GRAY
Day 2 - TUESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2022
The Most Worshipful Brother Douglas T.Gray will be presenting his keynote address at the 4th International Masonic Conference presenting the vision for Freemasonry
Charles D. Beattie and Stephen Burnett
Day 2 - TUESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2022
Brothers Charles D. Beattie and Stephen Burnett will present some of the secrets behind the Rosslyn Chapel and the important role it plays for Scottish Freemasonry
An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit a talented and energetic individual to join the team at the Grand Lodge of AF&AM of Scotland as a Membership & Communication Administrator.
The successful candidates will be IT literate and possess excellent administrative traits and interpersonal skills. Commensurate with experience, the position offers a competitive salary + company pension.
Suitably qualified candidates should submit a CV, together with details of two referees.
A cover letter should also be provided explaining what qualities and vision the candidate will bring to the role.
The job description outlining the role and responsibilities is found on slides 2 & 3 below.
Applications should be addressed to:
The Grand Secretary, Brother William M. S. Semple, by email to [email protected].
The deadline for receipt of applications is Monday, 14 November 2022.
Further detail can be obtained from Grand Secretary on 0131 225 5577 or by the aforementioned email.
#
An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit a talented and energetic individual to join the team at the Grand Lodge of AF&AM of Scotland as a Membership & Communication Administrator.
The successful candidates will be IT literate and possess excellent administrative traits and interpersonal skills. Commensurate with experience, the position offers a competitive salary + company pension.
Suitably qualified candidates should submit a CV, together with details of two referees.
A cover letter should also be provided explaining what qualities and vision the candidate will bring to the role.
The job description outlining the role and responsibilities is found on slides 2 & 3.
Applications should be addressed to:
The Grand Secretary, Brother William M. S. Semple, by email to [email protected].
The deadline for receipt of applications is Monday, 14 November 2022.
Further detail can be obtained from Grand Secretary on 0131 225 5577 or by the aforementioned email.
#
Freemasons' Hall, 96 George Street
Edinburgh
EH23DH
Based in Scotland's capital city it is located in the city centre in easy reach of the main railway station and is approximately 30 minutes from the airport. Nearly every bus operated by Lothian Regional Transport (LRT) passes by Freemasons' Hall.
Freemasons' Hall is open for tours Monday to Friday at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm but there are occasions when the building is in use for other purposes and tours are not possible. To check opening times see: http://www.grandlodgescotland.com/grand-lodge-171/structure/kalendar2015
| Monday | 9am - 4:30pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 4:30pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 4:30pm |
| Friday | 9am - 4:30pm |
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Some great work being done by the District Grand Lodge of the Bahamas 👏 have a look at this video
Top table piped in by world champs St Johns College Pipe Band at the District Grand Lodge of Zimbabwe banquet
A digital story about how a chance discovery involving marmalade laid the foundation for a Grand Lodge charity campaign which is now on course to raise £1 million for Prostate Scotland.
A digital story about the enduring legacy of our first Grand Master Mason.
The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland administers the Scottish Craft across the world. Freemasons' Hall and houses, as one would expect, all the departments necessary to operate an international organisation. These include: Finance, Homes for the older person, a shop, administration and a Museum and Library. There are also a variety of meeting rooms. It is in this building that Grand Lodge meets to take all major decisions relating to the Scottish Craft.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum
Edinburgh CastleCamera Obscura and World of Illusions
The Royal Mile
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
The Royal Mile
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum
Edinburgh Castle
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage
Dryden Terrace