The Polytechnic Lodge

On a cold, cloudy and blustery morning six members of the Polytechnic Lodge made their way from London heading due north for approximately 400 miles. Some were travelling by plane, some by train and one member drove. Our destination, Aberdeen, Scotland. Guests of the Sons of the Soil Lodge No. 1451, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

All arriving at different times we met up together in the evening and hit many of the bars and other delights in the City. The following morning, with sore heads, we took a brisk walk along the main street, named Union Street. It was busy with many shops, offices and buildings of architectural importance. Aberdeen is known as the Granite City as most of its buildings are made from that famous stone. And of course, Aberdeen has bars. Many bars. The most prominent shopping centre is the “Bon Accord” (Good agreement) named after Aberdeen’s proud motto, ‘Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again, bon accord.”  As the legend goes, the motto comes from a Masonic poem used when Robert the Bruce and his troops laid waste to Aberdeen Castle

In the afternoon, three of the more determined and hearty members of the party went off to tour the Glen Garioch Whisky Distillery about an hour taxi drive out of the City Centre. This was a very interesting visit and is well recommended for anyone travelling in that area. At the end of the tour, we were invited to taste some of the distillery’s high-end malts, which of course we eagerly accepted. Some of the fine malts that are made at the distillery sell for £750 a bottle. Needless to say, we never purchased a bottle.

We had a delightful evening at the Aberdeen Masonic Centre. From the moment we stepped inside in were treated like royalty by the awaiting members of the Sons of the Soil Lodge. We were quickly ushered into the bar where again we were sampling many whiskeys and the famous Scottish Tenants Lager. We were getting too settled in the bar when we were called into the Temple for the meeting. The Sons of the Soil Lodge delivered magnificent ritual, raising two candidates to the third degree in what only can be described as a very dramatic ceremony, worthy of an Oscar.

The Festive Board, or ‘Harmony’ as it is called in Scotland, was a very relaxed and an informal affair. No long toasts or speeches. Just a band of men gathered together in a common purpose, enjoying each other’s company while eating a plentiful and delicious buffet together. The hours simply slipped away. Before heading back to the bar, where we remained until closing time, we were treated to a very detailed guided tour of the Aberdeen Masonic Centre and Museum by one of the members. The centre, furnished and owned by Aberdeen Freemasons is grand and breath-taking. We are so lucky and grateful to the Sons of the Soil Lodge for hosting us and hope that they will come and visit us one day in London. We shall certainly be back to visit them.