The Lady Provost of the city of Aberdeen, Hazel Cameron, the wife of the Lord Provost Doctor David Cameron and a member of Aberdeen City Council, gave a most interesting talk about her experiences and activities since taking up her post in the summer of 2022. She began her talk by speaking about her chain of office, known as the ‘Jewel for the use of the Lady Provost of Aberdeen’, with the pendant made in gold and commissioned by the wife of Henry Alexander, Lord Provost of Aberdeen from 1932 to 1935. It includes a central sapphire and a pendant pearl, and depicts in relief the saltire and four saints with special significance to the city, namely, St Nicholas, patron saint of the Burgh of Aberdeen, St Clement of Fittie, St Fittick of Nigg and St Machar of Old Aberdeen. On the reverse side is the city’s coat of arms in red and white enamel, depicting three towers surrounded by fleur-de-lis.
The Lady Provost went on to tell members about the council’s first official event on 2nd June 2022 to light ‘A Beacon of Light’ outside the town house in celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. She spoke of her visits to London with the Lord Provost to represent the city at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations there, and also to accompany him as he attended the Queen’s funeral the following year. She talked about how she enjoyed a tour of Windsor Castle, and meeting King Charles in the Aberdeen Town House where she presented him with a gift of his favourite whisky!
She explained that she and her husband are keen to get to know the citizens of Aberdeen. They attend charity events as well as annual local events, and support small occasions as well as larger ones including international events held in the city such as the European Pipe Band Championships 2023, the Chinese New Year celebrations and welcoming the Nagasaki School children. She also supports the Ukrainian Refugee Community which has generously gifted her several hand crafted items, and she works with the Fisherman’s Mission, CFine (Community Food Initiatives North East), the Food Standards Agency and her local Community Council.