People and Places

List of Commemorative Plaques in Aberdeen

There are 90 Commemorative Plaques in Aberdeen. The erection of commemorative plaques on buildings in Aberdeen began in the nineteenth century. It was an ad hoc initiative which owed much to the lead and finance of private individuals, clubs and societies. These plaques are classified as 'Non Standard Plaques and Memorials'. In 1978 Aberdeen City Council took over and a degree of regularity was introduced into the plaque series. Plaques were from then of a distinctive circular yellow design, when they commemorated a person. The City Council also began a short lived series of rectangular 'court' plaques which sought to draw attention to the location of former closes, vennels, wynds and courts. In the late 1990s a freeze was placed upon Council funding for plaques. In 2000 the Rotary Club of Aberdeen, as part of their millennium project, undertook a condition survey of the commemorative plaques. They also generously sponsored the production of a new information booklet 'People and Places' and the erection of several new plaques. In 2001 two new plaques were erected following nominations being received from various private bodies and groups. In response to this new guidelines for the nomination of people for a commemorative plaque were drawn up.