Agenda item

(A)      The Lord Provost led tributes to Denis Law CBE, Freeman of the City of Aberdeen, who sadly passed away on 17 January.

The Lord Provost highlighted that Denis was an iconic footballer, hero and inspiration to many people in Aberdeen and further afield in Manchester, Huddersfield and Italy - he was undoubtedly a role model and he never forgot his roots. The Lord Provost underlined Denis’ passion and commitment to younger generations, which was epitomised by the creation of the Denis Law Legacy Trust, which had created so many opportunities for children and young people in Aberdeen and beyond.

The Lord Provost noted that the Trust would continue to be an enduring way to celebrate such a football hero and it was fitting that Denis was recognised by the Council today for all he had done in the city.

Councillors Malik, Brooks, Greig, Copland, Crockett and Macdonald echoed the words of the Lord Provost and paid their own tributes, particularly highlighting Denis’ charity work, his love of his family, the statues of him within the city and further forthcoming tributes in Printfield where Denis had grown up.

The Council resolved:-

to concur with the remarks of the Lord Provost and the various Councillors; and to express condolences to Denis’ family.

(B)      The Lord Provost led tributes to former Councillor Muriel Jaffrey, who sadly passed away on 21 January.

The Lord Provost advised that Muriel was first elected as a Councillor in 1999 and served continuously before “retiring” in May 2017, although he believed she never truly retired. In her 18 years representing Bridge of Don, Muriel had provided a passionate and consistent voice for her community but also Aberdeen as a whole. The Lord Provost noted that Muriel had been Convener of the Licensing Board from 2007 until 2012 and subsequently a Baillie. He added that he had served alongside Muriel from 2012 until 2017 and it had been a great privilege; she had provided him with very wise counsel upon first being elected.

The Lord Provost stated that Muriel was known for being forthright in her dealings with everybody and she would be sadly missed by all who knew her as a colleague and political adversaries. He emphasised that the city had lost a true Aberdonian who always wore her heart on her sleeve. The Lord Provost expressed his condolences to Muriel’s family and close friends and thanked her for all that she had contributed to the city.

Councillors Malik, Greig, Brooks, Allard, Mennie, Boulton, Ali, Grant, the Depute Provost, Crockett, Macdonald, Al-Samarai and Clark each paid their own tributes to Muriel, recollecting many stories and time spent with her. The tributes recognised Muriel’s passion, loyalty, strong public service, friendliness, commitment to the SNP and the independence movement, and strong advocacy for social values - she was a remarkable lady and a force of nature.

Councillor Alphonse thanked the Lord Provost and colleagues for their kind words and stated Muriel (her Mum) would have been delighted with the tributes.

The Council resolved:-

to concur with the remarks of the Lord Provost and the various Councillors; and to express condolences to Muriel’s family.