Plaque back in ‘proper place’

Provost Skene’s House: Relief as historic panel put into wall after ‘lying around’ outside

A 344-year-old plaque from Aberdeen’s historic Provost Skene’s House which was left propped up against a wall during reconstruction work has once again been given pride of place.

Concerns were raised earlier this week after the antique stone panel was seen “lying around” outside

“It should never have been left out so carelessly in the first place”

the category A-listed building.

The armorial panel, dating back to 1673, had originally adorned a stone archway of Provost Skene’s House prior to the redevelopment of the site into a more modern museum to fit in with the Marischal Square development.

The successful planning application to redevelop the historic building included a special condition requiring the “salvaging and re-use of the armorial panel”.

When asked how long the panel had been left in the open earlier this week, the contractors declined to comment. However it had been spotted leaning against the house last Thursday, on Monday afternoon, and on Tuesday morning. But as of yesterday, it has been safely incorporated once more into the walls of the building.

Aberdeen City Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden said: “This plaque has been restored to its proper place as it should have been. It should never have been left out so carelessly in the first place. I wrote to developers about this, as there was rightly a lot of public concern about the way our heritage had been treated.

“I’m glad that this issue has now been resolved, and this is not something I want to see repeated.”

George Street and Harbour councillor Michael Hutchison said: “After days of being propped up against a wall, at risk of damage, I’m pleased this panel now has a more fitting home. It was shocking how a key part of our city’s heritage was treated, but it’s now up for everyone to see. It’s the buildings like Provost Skene’s House that make this city unique, and we need to preserve that for future generations.

“Whatever people’s views on Marischal Square, I think there was a broad agreement across parties, and supported by the Press and Journal, that what happened here wasn’t acceptable.”

Contractors Morgan Sindall did not respond to a request for a comment yesterday.

Photograph by Kami Thomson CONCERN: Michael Hutchison with the panel propped up against the wall.

The armorial panel, dating back to 1673, in the wall