(Photo opportunities: Wednesday, 29 and Thursday, 30 May)
The University of Aberdeen, the City of Aberdeen and Her Majesty The Queen are each to receive a rowan tree from the Scottish Parliament to mark its historic sitting in the city later this week.
Sir David Steel will present Aberdeen's Lord Provost with the City's tree on Wednesday 29 May, Aberdeen University's on Thursday 30 May, and the Queen's will be specially sited at the new Holyrood Building when it opens next year.
Presiding Officer, Sir David, said: "I am delighted to be presenting both the City of Aberdeen and the University with the gift of a rowan tree to mark the Parliament's historic sitting in Aberdeen. The city has welcomed us wholeheartedly and it is entirely fitting that this traditional symbol in Scottish folklore should be presented in recognition of all its hard work and hospitality.
"Our visit to Aberdeen also marks the Queen's Jubilee and her historic address to our Parliament, and a third tree will be planted outside our new home at Holyrood in honour of this momentous occasion. According to tradition, a rowan tree would be planted at the door of a house for protection against evil spirits, giving the occupants peace and refuge from their foes.
"Let us hope that it guards Holyrood well!"
The University of Aberdeen's Principal, C Duncan Rice, was extremely grateful to receive the rowan tree gift. "On behalf of the University of Aberdeen, I would like to thank Sir David for his generosity in presenting us with a rowan tree, from The Scottish Parliament." he said.
"We are deeply proud to have been able to work in partnership with the City Council to bring The Parliament to Aberdeen. Combined with the Golden Jubilee visit of Her Majesty The Queen, it has been an historic event for the City, the North-East of Scotland and indeed for the University, " he added.
Both events will be a very short ceremony with photo opportunities of Sir David planting the rowan trees.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
1. City of Aberdeen Presentation (Wednesday 29 May)
1.00 pm Kirk of St Nicholas, Union Street
Sir David Steel will present the Lord Provost of Aberdeen with a rowan tree
2. University of Aberdeen Presentation (Thursday 30 May)
1.00 pm University of Aberdeen, Old Aberdeen
Sir David Steel will present the Principal of Aberdeen University with a rowan tree.
TV cameras, press photographers and reporters, both accredited and unaccredited to the Parliament, are invited to attend both events.
Members of the media wishing to attend the University of Aberdeen's photo opportunity, should contact Angela Begg, on: (01224) 272960.
Full details of the comprehensive programme of public events to mark the visit of the Scottish Parliament to Aberdeen this week is available from the website: www.abdn.ac.uk/scottishparliament