Provost of Aberdeenshire

Civic head essentially means our ceremonial head. The Provost is the formal representative of the council and Aberdeenshire when meeting visiting dignitaries, hosting council functions and attending external events.

The Provost will also:

• promote Aberdeenshire to the wider community through public appearances at social, community, cultural and business events and through the media
• encourage networks with other organisations in both the private and public sectors to enhance the development of Aberdeenshire
• recognise special achievements of local people and organisations

Among their many roles, the Provost chairs meetings of the full council which convene at Woodhill House in Aberdeen every six weeks.

The Provost is keen to be invited to projects and activities taking place across Aberdeenshire and welcomes invitations to attend local and regional events.

Any concerns about local services or issues relating to council services should be directed to your local councillor.

The Provost of Aberdeenshire is keen to attend events and activities taking place across Aberdeenshire, or where Aberdeenshire is being promoted at events or shows outside the area.

In the past this has seen her, or the Deputy Provost, attend country shows, charity work, business expansion, new initiatives, staff awards.

If you would like to invite the Provost to your event, fill out and submit the form below, making sure your response is as detailed as possible. Please note she may not be able to attend all events to which she is invited. 

Request the Provost's attendance at your event

Event planners

Following receipt of an invitation to an event, the Provost's office will review your request and get back to you using the email address listed on the form. All communication related to the event will be channelled through that person.

If the Provost is able to participate in your event, you will be asked to provide the following information. This information will be due no later than ten calendar days prior to the event.

• Executive briefing
• Draft speech
• Guest list

If you plan to have a photographer at the event, please let us know and share the photos with us within a week after the event.

The following points of protocol are designed as a guide for anyone inviting the Provost to an engagement.

1. Part of the Provost's role is to have a high profile at local, civic and community events and she welcomes invitations to attend such events. Please note however that the Provost has a very busy schedule. While she is keen to attend as many events as possible, she may be unable to attend. If this is the case, every effort will be made for the Deputy Provost to attend. If neither the Provost nor the Deputy Provost can attend, every endeavour will be made to find someone suitable to attend the event.
2. Please ensure that when the Provost arrives, she is met by an official of the organisation holding the function. She should be introduced to the President, Chair or whoever acts as host, unless she is being introduced to the assembled company immediately.
3. When greeting the Provost, the formal verbal address to be used is Provost Whyte.
4. Please ensure the Provost is introduced to other guests and is not left on her own for the duration of the visit.
5. Please ensure that appropriate seating is reserved for the Provost.
6. The Provost's position is non-political and does not give prominence to any one political party. Her position should be respected as such with no attempts made to lobby her. Please refer any issues of concern to Aberdeenshire Council or your ward councillors.
7. A parking space should be allocated for the Provost's vehicle ahead of her arrival at the venue.