Freedom of the City of Aberdeen


The Freedom of the City of Aberdeen is an honour bestowed by the city of Aberdeen, Scotland.

History

The Freedom of the City of Aberdeen has its origins in the 12th century, through the city's Guild of Burgesses. Certain respected residents would be granted free entry into the Guild, earning them the title of Free Burgess. Members of the Guild would have special trading rights, such as exemption from tolls, but would also be required to own arms and be prepared to use them in defence of the city.
Today, the Freedom of Aberdeen is a purely symbolic honour, which can be bestowed by Aberdeen City Council under the terms of Section 206 of the Local Government Act 1973, Part XI – 'Admission of honorary freemen'. The Act states that:
Section 207 of the same Act – 'Limitation of rights of freemen' – further states that:

List of recipients

Since the Reform Act, the Freedom of Aberdeen has been conferred on the following persons: