A book about the rich history of Old Aberdeen featuring first time reproductions of illustrations drawn from the University of Aberdeen’s library and museum collections has been launched.
The book, titled The Lost City: Old Aberdeen, charts the architectural, historical and educational importance and beauty of the area known as Old Aberdeen.
"Lost" to the people of Aberdeen until 1891, Old Aberdeen had been a separate Burgh for more than 400 years. It is now truly immersed in the modern city landscape and this book relates the splendour and historical importance of some of the buildings, churches and University structures in the area.
Written by Peter Davidson, Professor of Renaissance Studies in the University of Aberdeen, and Jane Stevenson, Regius Professor of Humanity at the University, the book includes archival material taken from the University museum and library and gives a fascinating expert insight to the area from the Professors' historical viewpoints.
The backdrop for the book is Old Aberdeen's cobbled streets, the University's 500 year history as a renowned seat of learning, and the varied architecture of the area itself. Contemporary photography in the book is provided by David Langan and the volume is edited by Marc Ellington, a trustee of The National Galleries Scotland, and Daniel MacCannell, a widely published author and winner of the Jack Nicholson Prize.
To mark the launch of the book, local historians, members of the University, Aberdeen business community and a selection of experts who worked on the book gathered at the University of Aberdeen for a celebratory ceremony launch.
Speaking at the event, Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at the University, who contributed an introduction to the book, said:
"The University takes very seriously its responsibility as an important tenant of the Lost City. Over the past few years we have put much effort into protecting our oldest buildings and improving our more recent ones, and the aesthetic context in which they sit.
"The biggest new project is our plan to create a glorious new library – a modern counterpart to the Crown of King's for the landward side of the campus. This new addition will draw many more to visit Old Aberdeen in the years ahead."
Petro-Canada pledged its support for the production and launch of the book. Speaking at the ceremony to mark the launch of the book, John Scrimgeour, North-West Europe regional manager for Petro-Canada added:
"When I moved to Aberdeen from Crieff to attend the University of Aberdeen, I remember being enchanted by Old Aberdeen. It really is a magical part of the city that is steeped in history yet preserved so beautifully. It is a landscape that should be truly celebrated and when I heard this book was being produced, I was thrilled and wanted to give my support to this illustrious representation of Aberdeen's history."
Petro-Canada has been working closely with the University of Aberdeen to support a number of initiatives. The operator recently contributed £100,000 towards the fundraising campaign to create the new University of Aberdeen library and also announced it had committed £140,000 over a four-year period to fund 20 engineering scholars from the University of Aberdeen.