The Lodge

Our History & Principles

A story of friendship, self-improvement and quiet service to humanity.

The Craft of Building Men

Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal traditions — a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Using the working tools of the old stonemasons as metaphors, we labour not upon stone, but upon ourselves.

Scotia Lodge No. 89 is a Swiss Lodge, working under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge ALPINA of Switzerland in the historic tradition of Scottish Freemasonry. It draws upon principles that stretch back centuries, and welcomes men of good repute, of any faith or background, who believe in a higher purpose and in the dignity of every human being.

We are not a secret society, but a society with its own traditions and privacy. What we ask of every brother is sincerity, discretion, and a genuine desire to grow.

Scotia Lodge No. 89 banner, i.O. Zug

Under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge ALPINA of Switzerland.

Two Traditions, One Craft

The Scottish & the Continental Style

Freemasonry is universal, yet its outward customs differ from country to country. Two great families of practice meet here in Switzerland.

Brethren in Masonic dress — from Scottish Highland attire with kilt and tartan to the dark lounge suit of the Continental tradition
From the Scottish Highland dress of kilt and tartan (left) to the dark suit of the Continental European lodges (right) — the same apron, worn two ways.

The Swiss & Continental tradition

The lodges of Switzerland and the wider Continental Europe follow their own long-established usages. Dress is usually the dark lounge suit, the work is usually carried out in their local language, and the emphasis often lies on philosophical study and quiet reflection. Each Grand Lodge keeps its own rich customs while sharing the same universal principles.

The Grand Lodge ALPINA of Switzerland & FAQ →

The Scottish & English tradition

Lodges under the Scottish and English constitutions preserve the customs of the British Isles. Brethren gather at a formal “festive board”, wear their own regalia, and — in the Scottish lodges — may appear in full Highland dress, with kilt and tartan. The work is carried out in English. Great value is placed on ceremony, hospitality and warm fellowship.

The Scottish Heritage & the reflective Craft →

Scotia Lodge No. 89 is a Swiss Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge ALPINA of Switzerland, working in the historic tradition of Scottish Freemasonry — a bridge between the two worlds.

Our Heritage

Our Tartan & Our Crest

The Historic Caledonia tartan — deep brown, midnight blue and rust

Our Colours

The Historic Caledonia Tartan

The Brethren of Scotia Lodge wear the Historic Caledonia tartan — deep tones of brown, midnight blue and rust that recall the hills and heather of the Scottish Highlands. Worn as kilt or trews, it clothes our Scottish tradition here in the heart of Switzerland.

View the Historic Caledonia tartan →

Our Emblem

What the Crest Represents

Every element of our crest tells the story of who we are:

  • The Square & Compasses with the G — the universal emblem of the Craft: the square of morality, the compasses of self-restraint, and G for Geometry and the Grand Architect of the Universe.
  • The rampant Lion — the Lion Rampant of Scotland, marking our Scottish heritage.
  • The Saltire — the Cross of St Andrew, flag of Scotland and its patron saint.
  • The mountains — the Swiss Alps, our home in the Orient of Zug.
  • The belt and buckle — bearing “Scotia Lodge · No. 89”, in the manner of a Scottish clan crest.
  • The scroll “i.O. Zug” and the green & gold — our Orient and the colours of the Lodge, under the Grand Lodge ALPINA of Switzerland.

Together they unite Scotland and Switzerland beneath the light of the Craft.

The crest of Scotia Lodge No. 89

Brotherly Love

We regard the whole human species as one family.

Relief

To soothe the unhappy and to restore peace to the troubled mind.

Truth

The pursuit of truth guides our conduct in all things.