Aberdeen council bosses are continuing preparations for a celebration of the anniversary of the signing of an historic document by the most legendary king of Scots.
This December will mark the 700th anniversary of the signing of the Stocket Charter by King Robert the Bruce.
Bruce signed the scroll as a reward to the Granite City for sheltering him as an outlaw during his wars with the English.
Perhaps the most lasting legacy of the charter is the city’s Common Good Fund which is used for a number of charitable causes every year.
He gave Aberdeen the Forest of Stocket, now the Midstocket area of the city, in return for a yearly rent.
As a result of the finances generated from the forest, the Common Good Fund was created to benefit the people of the city.
The fund helped to create Marischal College and helped citizens during the 1640 plague.
Other recognised Aberdeen institutions also benefitted from the funds, and cash was also given to the Aberdeen Art Gallery, the Central Library, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the purchase of Hazlehead Park.
A motion by Lord Provost Barney Crockett went before a full council meeting last year, calling for the city to honour the anniversary by holding a civic dinner for people from all 13 council wards.
The opposition SNP group called for an event “freely accessible to all” and it has now been confirmed that the council are looking at wider-scale events.
Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden said: “The civic team are now investigating what kind of events we could run to mark the occasion this December.
“I think it is important that we keep a close eye on our history as a city and remember the importance of signing this charter in making modern Aberdeen.”
Lord Provost Barney Crockett said: “Aberdonians are always keen to celebrate and learn about our history as a city.”
