Today I had the privilege to meet Lord Provost of Aberdeen – Peter Stephen. The Lord Provost is the Chairman of the Aberdeen City Council and the ‘public figure’ of Aberdeen. Only 4 cities in Scotland have a ‘Lord Provost’ the other towns in Scotland have a leader called ‘Provost’. If I could equate the Lord Provost to a position in America – it would be a Governor position in a state!
We shook hands and did the very ‘ceremonial’ tasks – signing of a ‘visitors book’, pictures by the Lord Provost’s personal photographer, exchanging of civic gifts. I gave the Lord Provost a gift from West Virginia University, a letter from President Clements of West Virginia University stating the appreciation of cultural exchange and hosting me in Aberdeen this year, a West Virginia State Quarter, as well as a Morgantown Rotary Banner! The Lord Provost gave me a personalized Christmas card, a ‘City of Aberdeen’ manicure set, and a pin with the Aberdeen City seal. Following the exchange of gifts we had coffee, tea, cookies, and shortbread over a chat about the Ambassadorial Scholarship program and life as ‘Lord Provost’.
Following the visit with the Lord Provost, we were then led by Steven – the Lord Provost’s Sergeant of Arms through the historical Aberdeen Town House! Favorites of the Town House:
1). Bohemian Crystal Chandeliers!
2). Armorial Ceiling with 82 different panels commemorating families, individuals and institutions who have made their mark on the history of Aberdeen!
3). An original painting of Queen Victoria!
4). The ‘flying staircase’ – the spiral staircase that is made from slate and built into the external wall so it is completely unsupported and looks like it is hanging in air!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I am so appreciative of the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship program and the opportunities I have to meet such extraordinary individuals through my participation in the Rotary. Many Thanks.
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