Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday is the day traditionally put aside to remember the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in the service of the country. In Aberdeen, serving and ex-military personnel join the Lord Provost, Councillors and other public representatives for a short service at the War Memorial, Cowdray Hall and Schoolhill. Remembrance Sunday falls annually on the second Sunday in November.
Kirkin' o' the Council
The Kirkin' o' the Council takes place on the first Sunday following the statutory meeting of the Council after the periodic ordinary election of Councillors. A procession of Councillors and civic dignitaries makes its way from the Town House to the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting for a service in which Members of the Council dedicate themselves to working for the 'common weal' (overall wellbeing) of the city and its citizens.
Freedom of the City is the highest honour that the Council can bestow. The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 states that "a local authority may, by resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members voting thereon at a meeting of the authority the notice of which specifies the proposed admission as an item of business, admit to be honorary freemen of their area persons of distinction and any persons who have rendered eminent service to their area."
In order for such a resolution to be considered by Aberdeen City Council, a motion signed by no less than two-thirds of the members must be lodged in accordance with the Standing Orders.
The most recent recipients of the Freedom of the City were Denis Law (2017), Scotland the What? (2008), The Highlanders, 4th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (2006), Professor John Mallard OBE (2004) and Sir Alex Ferguson CBE (1999).
Read more about the history of the Freedom of Aberdeen here.
