As the year draws to a close and the winter season settles in, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible contributions of our volunteers. Your dedication and energy have made a real difference, and we’re so grateful for everything you’ve done.
In this edition, you’ll find updates on upcoming events, highlights from recent projects, and ways to stay connected during the colder months. Winter can be a time for reflection and renewal, and we hope this newsletter brings warmth and inspiration as we look ahead to the new year together.
Thank you for being part of our community—your support truly makes all the difference!
Collections Care volunteers
In October, we welcomed 14 new volunteers who will be supporting Caitlin, our Care & Conservation Officer, in ensuring our art and history collections are cared for to the highest standards.
After an engaging training session at the Aberdeen Treasure Hub covering museum hazards, object handling, and basic conservation cleaning, first tasks will include winter deep cleans at Provost Skene's House and the Maritime Museum.
Archives volunteers
At the Town House, five of our archive volunteers assisted the Archives team during Doors Open Day on Saturday 6 September. They welcomed visitors at the entrance and in the St Nicholas Room and Town & County Hall. Their support was invaluable as we greeted 1,400 visitors throughout the day!
Our volunteers have also continued contributing to cataloguing and listing tasks, including:
Cataloguing Aberdeen Harbour Board bundles
Listing historic title deeds from the Aberdeen City Central Comprehensive Development Area Series
Listing photographs in City Parks albums transferred from the former Leisure & Recreation Department
Treasure Hub Open Day
Over 100 people enjoyed a Toys & Games themed Open Day on Saturday 8 November. Volunteers helped lead tours and welcome visitors, discussing the features of the building and highlighting some of their favourite objects. A variety of old and not so old toys and games were available to play with in the Hub Activity Space, including a fiendish double-sided jigsaw from 1892 and a very creepy automaton.
Bernat Klein Workshop
On 18 September 2025 we provided workshops about fashion designer Bernat Klein to Stage 2 and Stage 3 students from Gray's School of Art. Curator Morna Annandale and our volunteer Robert - showed garments, colour charts and other objects to the students. The students will use what they learned in projects they are undertaking in conjunction with the Bernat Klein Foundation.
Wellbeing Programme – volunteers needed!
Our Aberdeen, Thursdays
Our relaxed, sociable sessions at the Treasure Hub are looking for new volunteers to help support activities. This programme invites adults to discover fascinating stories about the history of the North East through objects from the city’s collection. Each session includes a free cuppa and a behind-the-scenes store tour to see objects in storage.
Musical Memories, Fridays
Musical Memories is a friendly singing group for people with dementia, their partners, families and friends. Established and delivered by an enthusiastic team of volunteers, these sessions support wellbeing, boost brain activity, and encourage creativity and participation. We’re always looking for new volunteers to join this inspiring group – especially musicians and anyone with IT skills!
For more information, please contact us and we’ll send out more information about the opportunity, our training and induction package and event details.
What’s happening at AAGM
Gray’s School of Art: 140 Years - Never make a head bigger than a melon
Marking 140 years of Gray’s School of Art, this major exhibition reflects on the evolution of studio practice, teaching, and artistic relationships across generations.
Using the School’s 1966 relocation from Schoolhill to Garthdee as a lens, the exhibition reflects on Gray’s evolving identity, from its 19th-century roots in the Mechanics’ Institute, through post-war reform, to its role in today’s creative ecology.
Discover works by important artist-educators such as James Cowie, Henderson Blyth, Sylvia Wishart, Frances Walker, Joyce Cairns, Fred Stiven and Ainslie Yule, alongside contributions that correspond with these works by current staff and alumni including David Blyth, Andrew Cranston, Callum Innes and Tako Taal.
Cowdray Hall Centenary Programme
The Cowdray Hall was gifted to the people of Aberdeen by Annie, Viscountess Cowdray, to encourage “a taste for art and music in the city of Aberdeen.”
Designed by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie, architect of the Art Gallery and the facade of Marischal College, the Cowdray Hall was opened on 25 September 1925, by King George V and Queen Mary.
You can view the programme here.
Here’s to the next 100 years!
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer roles are now listed on the Aberdeen City Council website.
If you are signed up to the Volunteer Mailing list you will still receive these through email too.
If you have any questions or ideas, feel free to contact our Volunteer Liaison Officer:
Amy Thomson – amythomson@aberdeencity.gov.uk
