More than 1,000 people have their say on Aberdeen’s “Hall of Heroes”

31 January 2017

Votes have been pouring in from the public for a “Hall of Heroes” that will form a welcome to a new Aberdeen visitor attraction.

As part of the City Centre Masterplan – a 25-year regeneration blueprint– Provost Skene’s House is being redeveloped to tell the story of local people who helped transform the wider world.

The ground floor is to become a “Hall of Heroes”, drawn from Stars of Stage and Screen; Musical Maestros; Sporting Champions; Wizard Wordsmiths; and Scientific Saviours.

People are being asked to select one person from each category and the two candidates with the highest number of votes in each category will be chosen for the extra display.

Since the poll was launched on January 23, 1,016 people have had their say on who they think should be selected.

City Council Leader Councillor 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."

All of the heroes will be showcased at Provost Skene’s House. The vote is to give them an additional presence on the ground where familiar faces will serve as a welcome.

In all, more than 100 individuals will be celebrated in the Guestrow building, which is being renovated through the £1.5 million Masterplan project. The line-up ranges from Nobel-winning scientists to stars of the stage to sporting champions.

Deputy Leader Councillor Marie Boulton said: “Recently, more than 1,400 people took part in a survey on proposals for Union Terrace Gardens, and once again people are participating and sharing their views.

"The Masterplan requires a collaborative approach and residents, partners and stakeholders have shown themselves ready and willing to help drive individual projects forward.”

The full line-up for Provost Skene's House was drawn up with the guidance of a steering group which included representation from the tourism, cultural, academic and business sectors. If results of “Heroes” poll are tied, the steering group will have the casting vote.

The poll closes on February 12 and can be accessed online through the City Council’s website. Voting forms are also available at Marischal College, libraries and community centre.

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.

The building – 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.

To vote, visit: https://consultation.aberdeencity.gov.uk/consultation/hall-of-heroes/