I think when we consider this question we need to look much closer than we think.

Without a doubt, lodges of masons are recorded much earlier in Scotland than anywhere else.

Although there are lodges of masons or organized companies or guilds associated with English cathedrals and castles which also date back to the 13th-14th century.

However, the term "lodge" would suggest that you have not considered the differences in the make up of the word and to which form of masonry you are referring.

Scottish lodges evolved entirely different from English lodges and from lodges of Free and Accepted Mason, therefore your question is a little ambiguous as it stands. Perhaps you could share a little more of you own obviously well thought out ideas. 

http://www.encyclopediaoffreemasonry.com/a/aitchison-s-haven-lodge.html

The Year Book of the Grand Lodge of Scotland [ my latest one is only 2004 but I assume that nothing has changed ] gives both Kilwinning No 0 and Edinburgh [Mary's Chapel] No 1 and also Melrose St John No 1/2 as being " before 1598 ".

I wouldd say the " Mother Kilwinning " is usually regarded in Scotland as the oldest, but I am open to being corrected.

Tibi gratias agimus quod nihil fumas

They were all represented in court by a Col. Fullerton of Kilwinning and the government recognised them all as grand lodges in their own right.

With the exception of the GLoAE, all the others have what we believe to be a continuous line. even if the particular lodge is defunct, the freemasonry which it was working was recognised by the other lodges in its area.

If it is just the mention of masonry and ceremonies then the york masons i think take the title, as they were listed in the 900's.

The first Masonic lodge, I would still say it is the york masons

The first recorded minute, Lodge Aitchesons haven in 1598

The first Lodge to admit speculative masons, lodge St Mary's chapel no.1 June 1600

The first Wholly speculative masonic lodge < this i have yet to find out but i will update the post soon.

I love Freemasonary and look forward to all my meetings.

Craft, Mark & ARK, RA, RCC, RC and KT.

FSB

ITNOTGAOTU

The Haughfoot lodge is recorded as the first formed non operative lodge in Scotland, but I'm sure that the above is a typing error!

Auchinleck is recorded as the earliest non operative to be present at a lodge meeting in Scotland at Holyrood palace. Now whether this was a proper meeting of the lodge or as Harry Carr suggests a trial to try a John brown who was eventualy fined £40 for his trouble, who knows! 

The earlest recorded ceremonials regarding non operatives are recorded in the Lodge of Edinburgh No1's minutes dated 3rd July 1634.

Lord Alexander, Viscount Canada, eldest son of Earl of Stirling, Sir Anthony Alexander, 2nd son of Earl of Stirling,(Master Gunner to Charles I), and Sr Alexander Strachan, Bart, of Thornton, Kincardinshire, were admitted a Fellow craft without any mention of their apprenticeship.

Page ; The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel) No1, Quatercentenery of Minutes 1599-1999.

regards
bob

I can ask one of it's members when I see him next.

Hopefully in the next 2 weeks.

regards
bob