Aberdeen Trades Union Council took part in a ceremony as Aberdeen City Council unveiled a commemorative stone in recognition of the role of key workers throughout the pandemic.
The stone will be a reminder to future generations of the hard work and sacrifices made by all in the battle against Covid-19.
The ceremony took place on Sunday 27th March in the Kirk of St Nicholas churchyard, and followed a Covid-19 thanksgiving service to key workers.
There was a gathering at the Town House afterwards, where a video premier of a piece of music specially composed by the award winning composer Paul Mealor, Professor of Composition at the University of Aberdeen, was shown.
The composition and accompanying video gave thanks on
behalf of the city to all those who had made sacrifices during the
Covid-19 Pandemic and also featured key workers.
ATUC President, Graeme Farquar spoke on behalf of
Aberdeen Trades Union Council. He thanked the Lord Provost and Aberdeen
City Council for the three events.
"It was an honour and a privilege to assist in the unveiling of the
stone. The stone will now be a legacy for future generations to visit and
reflect on," said Graeme.
"We have had the most unexpected two years with this pandemic. We were all told to stay at home by Boris and Nicola, but of course not everyone could stay at home.
"We always think of the key workers being the NHS, Police, Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Service but we should also be thankful to all workers who risked their lives going out to work, which included all rail and bus staff who took us to work and home again safely; also those at the city council like the carers, the bin me and women who emptied our bins and kept our streets cleaned, the trades staff who returned to work on day one to void properties to allow the homeless off the street and in to a safe environment. And many more.
"But please also spare a thought for all the families who have lost a loved one to this pandemic with some being unable to say a final good bye and also unable to give their loved ones a proper send off."
The commemorative stone was unveiled by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett.
The Lord Provost said: “We are so grateful for the efforts of our key workers and the people of Aberdeen in their resilience throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic. I am particularly pleased to have had the support of our key civic organisations, the City Council, the Burgesses of Guild of the City and Royal Burgh of Aberdeen, The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Trades Union Council.