The University of Aberdeen's plans to build an innovative new library have received a further funding boost after one of Scotland’s leading independent firms of chartered accountants, Johnston Carmichael, donated £20,000 to the project.
The firm's donation will be used to assist the university in building a futuristic library to replace its existing Queen Mother Library, which was originally built when only 5,000 students were on campus. It's now home to 14,000.
The ambitious project will cost an estimated £57 million to complete. A planning application for the development was successfully granted in early December.
Andrew Walker, Managing Partner of Johnston Carmichael's Aberdeen office, said he was delighted the firm could contribute to what he believes is an exciting development which will provide the students of Aberdeen University with an unrivalled, state-of-the-art facility.
He said: "Johnston Carmichael is thrilled to be able to support this fantastic project which I have no doubt will prove to be a major asset to the University of Aberdeen and indeed the North-east region as a whole.
"A first rate library is the cornerstone of any leading academic institution and it is vitally important to us that we do all we can to ensure one is available at the University of Aberdeen.
"The new library will help ensure the university continues to produce the very best in talent and the donation once again demonstrates Johnston Carmichael's commitment to the local community."
Chris Banks, who has recently joined the University as librarian from the British Library in London, expressed her delight at the donation.
She said: "The new library will provide students and academic staff with the ideal modern learning environment, and will also enable us at last to properly preserve and showcase the University's priceless historic collections.
"But it will also do more. It will be an inviting and inspiring focus for a range of cultural and educational activities for the wider community, and it is wonderful that a major Scottish company like Johnston Carmichael is joining us in this exciting venture."
Johnston Carmichael has offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Elgin, Forfar, Fraserburgh, Glasgow, Huntly, Inverness, Inverurie and Perth, and currently employs more than 400 staff throughout the country.
The firm has specialist expertise across a number of sectors including energy services, engineering, construction, food and food processing, fishing, agriculture and rural property, hospitality and the medical sector.
For further information about Johnston Carmichael and all its services please call the Aberdeen office on (01224) 212 222 or visit www.jcca.co.uk