More than 1,000 people have given their views on which iconic north-east residents should be honoured in a new “hall of heroes” in one of the city’s most historic buildings.
Provost Skene’s House has been undergoing redevelopment into a museum as part of the large-scale works on the new Marischal Square development on Broad Street.
As part of the work, the ground floor of the 16th century town house will be transformed into a “Hall of Heroes”, with residents given the final say on who is included through an online poll.
The likes of Alford chart-topper Emeli Sande, footballing legend Denis Law, newspaper publisher James Chalmbers and the cast of Scotland the What are all potential inductees among many others.
Residents are being asked to select one person from every category – drawn from stars of stage and screen, musical maestros, sporting champions, wizard wordsmiths and scientific saviours.
The two candidates with the highest number of votes in every category will be chosen for the extra display.
Since news of the poll was launched on January 23, 1,016 people have had their say on who they think should be selected.
The vote closes on February 12 and can be accessed online through the council’s website. Voting forms are also available at Marischal College, libraries and community centres.
Council leader Jenny Laing said: “It’s tremendous that so many people have given time to make their views known on this Masterplan project.
“Anyone who has already taken part in the poll will, I’m sure, have enjoyed reading about the candidates and their achievements.
“The quality of the contenders gives people plenty to consider when making their choices.”
In all, more than 100 individuals will be celebrated in the Guestrow building, which is being renovated through the £1.5 million Masterplan project.
Deputy leader Marie Boulton said: “The Masterplan requires a collaborative approach and residents, partners and stakeholders have shown themselves ready and willing to drive individual projects forward.”
Dustin McDonald, chairman of the Aberdeen city centre community council, added: “We weren’t really asked about what we thought Provost Skene’s House should be used for.
“I would have liked to have seen the cafe reinstated myself.
“But we are where we are and, if people are passionate, then I would encourage them to make their views known.”
