Proposals to transform one of Aberdeen’s oldest houses into a museum, honouring famous Granite City sons and daughters, could be approved next week.
Councillors on the local authority’s education and children’s services committee will meet on Thursday to discuss the £1.875million proposal for Provost Skene’s House on Broad Street.
The A-listed building, which is in the middle of the Marischal Square complex which is currently under construction, was created in 1545 and later bought by Sir George Skene in 1669.
It was the home to a popular café until it was closed for construction of the multi-million pound complex.
The historic building is now set to showcase the talents of local people – from Annie Lennox and Denis Law to Lord Byron and Archibald Simpson.
And the new report to the committee claimed the ground floor will be turned into a “hall of heroes”.
It added: “A key element of the displays as previously mentioned will involve featuring the stories of people, past and present, including Provost Skene, who have made outstanding contributions to Aberdeen and the north east.”
Finance convener Willie Young said the new venture could prove to be a money-spinner for the city because it would attract new tourists to visit.
He added: “I think we have a great opportunity here to do something positive for the house.
“What used to happen was that a lot of people went to the café but not actually the house itself.
“We are trying to get people to recognise the rich heritage of the city, from the pioneers who left to explore new lands to the great Aberdonians who never left the city’s boundaries.”
However, Liberal Democrat councillor Martin Greig argued there could be problems in bringing the idea to fruition.
He said: “A museum of famous Aberdonians could prove very difficult to achieve, and I would want assurances that the museum’s contents will be decided by heritage staff rather than political members.
“There are many in the city who would prefer it be retained as a heritage house and I have also heard arguments there should be a new regional museum [in the region].
“So there could be a dedicated space to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Aberdeen and the north-east.
“I think a discussion on the future for Provost Skene’s House will prove very useful.”
