Friends of the Elphinstone Institute

Friends of the Elphinstone Institute

Relaunch and AGM

The Elphinstone Institute researches and promotes the culture of the North and North-East of Scotland

At the recent Relaunch and AGM, on Wednesday 19th April 2023, Jenny Shirreffs, and John Ledger retired from their positions as Chair and Treasurer respectively, after more than 20 years of extraordinary support to the Friends of the Elphinstone Institute, and to the Elphinstone Institute. They were thanked profusely by members of staff and the Friends for their sterling efforts over the years. The new office bearers elected are David Francis as Chair, and Jim Brown as Treasurer. Eilidh Whiteford and Alison Sharman were welcomed onto the committee.

Friends of the Elphinstone Institute | Elphinstone Institute | The University of Aberdeen (abdn.ac.uk)


The Friends of the Elphinstone Institute was formally constituted at an inaugural meeting held at the Queen's Hotel, Aberdeen, 12 March 2001.

The aims of the group are:

  • tGroup photo in front of Johnshaven harbouro support the work of the Elphinstone Institute and its objectives of studying, recording and promoting the cultural traditions and language of communities in the North and North-East of Scotland;
  • to establish closer ties between the Elphinstone Institute and communities in the North and North-East of Scotland;
  • to help the Elphinstone Institute raise funds.                                            
Officers   Committee Members  
Robbie Shepherd  

Honorary President
(see tribute)           

Elizabeth Campbell Margaret Forbes
David Francis Chairperson Thomas A. McKean Malcolm Reavell
Barbara-Ann Burnett Secretary Ian Russell Alison Sharman
Jim Brown Treasurer Jenny Shirreffs Eilidh Whiteford


Annual membership of the Friends of the Elphinstone Institute costs £20 from February 2024 to March 2025, . You will receive Elphinstone Institute newsletters and a copy of the constitution. Look out for news of forthcoming Friends events. To join please download a membership form here, and send it along with a cheque made out to 'The Friends of the Elphinstone Institute' to:

The Friends of the Elphinstone Institute, The Elphinstone Institute, MacRobert Building, King's College, Aberdeen AB24 5UA Scotland.

Registered Scottish Charity SC047342