An Aberdeen charity, which is celebrating 150 years of changing the lives of the most vulnerable people in the north-east, has been forced to put some festivities on hold due to coronavirus.
Aberdeen Association of Social Services – known today as VSA – was founded in 1870 by lord provost Alexander Nicol, who had become concerned at the condition of the city’s poor.
Having bought premises at 38 Castle Street in 1899 for £1,600, the charity has been based there ever since.
VSA is planning various activities throughout 2020, whereby communities across the region can get involved to celebrate the historic milestone.
One event which is sure to be a highlight is an exclusive, one-off anniversary ball which will take place on the Queens’s private estate at Balmoral Castle in Royal Deeside.
A civic reception, tea party, and ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ event have also been scheduled.
But although these events were due to take place this month, they have been postponed, following the outbreak of coronovirus.
Chief executive Kenneth Simpson said: “2020 is a huge milestone in VSA’s history, and we are extremely excited to celebrate this iconic achievement.”
