The line-up for a “hall of heroes” at one of Aberdeen’s most historic properties has been confirmed after nearly 2,000 people took part in a public poll.
The 16th-century Provost Skene’s House is being redeveloped as a museum honouring north-east residents who helped transform the wider world.
The ground floor, which has a stone vaulted roof, will become home to 10 “heroes” – picked from 50 candidates during a three-week vote, in which 1.967 people participated.
All 50 candidates will feature in Provost Skene’s House, but the ten chosen will take pride of place on the ground floor.
Among those selected are adopted Aberdonians such as Sir Alex Ferguson, who despite being born in Glasgow, inspired the Dons to European glory in 1983.
Also honoured will be the Scotland the What? team, Annie Lennox, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Denis Law, Stuart MacBride, Bishop William Elphinstone and Dugald and May Baird.
Provost Skene’s House has been closed during the construction of Marischal Square, of which it will be a focal point when it re-opens later this year.
Scotland and Manchester United football legend, Denis Law, who topped the Sporting Champions category, said: “The new attraction sounds great. I try to visit Aberdeen two or three times a year, always with the family.
“The city will always be home. When people ask me what team I support, I say Aberdeen!”
Percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie, added: “I am hugely honoured to have been selected as one of the featured subjects for the Provost Skene’s House attraction and for the Hall of Heroes.”
Scotland the What? member Buff Hardie said he was delighted the comedy trio had made it into the Hall of Heroes.
He said: “My dear friends and colleagues, Steve Robertson and George Donald, who sadly are no longer with us, would have been as gratified as I am by this success.
“We had great fun creating and performing the shows, and this vote would suggest the Fittie folk, Kitty folk, country folk and city folk who came to see them had shared that enjoyment.”
Author, Stuart MacBride, added: “As someone who tells lies for a living, I’m finding it quite surreal to be part of Aberdeen’s Hall of Heroes. Especially given the calibre of the other candidates.”
Lyndsey Bowditch, director of Studioarc, the consultancy working on the redevelopment, said: “From Bishop Elphinstone to Annie Lennox, there is so much variety and a great opportunity to visually represent these people, drawing on the characteristics and achievements which make them remarkable.
“It’s a really wonderful project and our creative team will be pulling out all the stops to interpret these Heroes in an exciting and imaginative way.”
Provost Skene’s House – which dates from 1545 – previously housed a series of period rooms, furnished to show how people lived in the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries.
Council leader, Jenny Laing, said: “The public’s contribution has been tremendously valuable and will help ensure the attraction has widespread appeal.
“The stories and achievements of our heroes – indeed all the candidates – clearly resonated with residents.”
Deputy Leader, Marie Boulton, added: “What makes our city region great is the vision and drive of our people, and that legacy continues.
“We will be conserving one of Aberdeen’s favourite historic buildings while giving it new purpose in showcasing that global influence.
“The poll captured the public’s imagination and the level of response reflects the enthusiasm for the building’s new role.”
Liberal Democrat group leader Ian Yuill said: “I am interested to see the recognition given to the citizens of the north-east in the new Provost Skene’s House.”
