Oil giants have rallied round to provide funding for the Aberdeen’s first ever Pride event.
The Grampian Pride parade in Aberdeen will take place along Union Street on May 26 in celebration of LGBT people across the North-east. On the day, Sandi Thom, Kit Purnell and Jack Rose will perform at Queens Links.
Aberdonian Hollyoaks actress Annie Wallace will lead the parade down Union Street. Organisers revealed they had received £50,000 in sponsorship following donations from oil and gas majors BP, Shell and Chevron.
That follows support offered from LGBT charity Four Pillars, NES Col, NHS Grampian’s Endowment Fund, The Big Lottery Fund and Aberdeen City Council.
Pride co-chairwoman and transgender campaigner Justine Smithies said: “We’ve worked hard to develop relationships with a range of local organisations and we’re really proud that so many have stepped up to help with our first event.
“Our priority has been clear from the start – to make Grampian Pride as inclusive as possible. For us that includes being a free event.”