Events to be held in Aberdeen in memory of MP Jo Cox

A series of events aimed at bringing people together in memory of the late MP Jo Cox will take place across the north-east this week.

Aberdeen City Council is hosting a celebration to mark the Jo Cox Great Get Together weekend at the Town House on Friday.

The local authority’s equalities team has organised the get together, which will be held from 4.30 to 6.30pm.

It will honour the work of interpreters, translators and community representative volunteers who have contributed to the team’s work over the last year.

The proposal to mark the occasion was put forward by Councillor Jennifer Stewart who previously said the late MP’s message “we have more in common than that which divides us” demonstrates the “spirit that politics and public service should embody.”

Events will be held UK-wide between Friday and Sunday, marking what would have been the Labour MP’s birthday and two years since she was murdered by right-wing extremist Thomas Mair.

Jo’s family and friends came up with the initiative, which now involves more than 100 organisations.

In Portlethen, Councillor Alison Evison has organised a community tea to mark the late MP’s birthday.

It will be held in the Jubilee Hall, Portlethen on Saturday from 2pm until 4pm and is open to all.

Ms Evison said: “This is about bringing the community together and enabling people, who perhaps do not usually meet up, to share food, play and chat together.

“The death of Jo Cox MP was a devastating tragedy, but these events across the UK in her memory, can help to ensure that her work promoting community, friendship and kindness can continue.

“I held a Great Get Together last year too, and it was lovely to see connections being developed and new bonds formed between people from various parts of Portlethen.

“I am hoping for a similar happy afternoon this year.”

Last year’s event saw people from across the community donate food for afternoon tea with any surplus donated to a food bank.

Elgin Museum has also organised its own Great Get Together on Sunday from noon to 3pm.

They are urging those interested in attending to bring their own picnic for the event, which will be at the museum.

Meanwhile, a walk has been organised around the Forglen estate, near Turriff, to mark the occasion.

Anyone can attend and it is on Sunday from 10am until 12.30pm.

The Great Get Together is also supported by Scotland’s two largest cities this year, with Glasgow and Edinburgh city councils staging events over the weekend.