The Lord Provost of Aberdeen has been appointed a fellow of an historic organisation after informing discussion on how Scottish cities can come out of the coronavirus pandemic.
Councillor Barney Crockett has been welcomed into The Royal Society Of Arts (RSA) – following in the footsteps of the likes of Stephen Hawking, Charles Dickens, Karl Marx and Benjamin Franklin.
The society, dating back to the Enlightenment, focuses on finding practical solutions to social challenges.
Founded in London in 1754, the RSA has brought about much change across the country including the introduction of lifeboats, reforming prisons, educational improvement and industrial innovation.
Lord Provost Crockett said: “I am delighted to receive this prestigious honour of becoming a fellow of the RSA.
“As a keen historian, former teacher and equalities champion, I wholeheartedly believe that we can and should continue to strive to make societal changes by appreciating our heritage, through education, business and innovation to inform the future so we have a society where there is equality for all, and we can all prosper.”
His inclusion marks a milestone for Aberdeen University lecturer Neil McLennan, who serves as fellowship councillor to the society.
He made it his mission to “re-energise” the RSA’s presence in the north-east.
Mr McLennan added: “Lord Provost Crockett joining the fellowship is an important event for us.
“He has contributed to many of the key areas RSA is engaged in- improving society through education, innovation for the future and persevering our past heritage.”
