In the 20th century, recognizing its historical value, Provost Skene’s House was purchased by Aberdeen City Council. The building was carefully restored and opened to the public as a museum. Collections and Exhibits The museum focuses on: Aberdeen’s Civic History: Exhibiting items related to the city’s governance and development.
Architectural and Interior Features
Provost Skene’s House retains many original architectural details and furnishings that provide insight into 16th and 17th-century urban life in Scotland. Exterior Crow-Stepped Gables: The stepped design of the roofline is a hallmark of Scottish architecture from the period, serving both aesthetic and practical purposes for rainwater runoff.
The Skene Family and the Provostship
The house takes its name from Sir George Skene, who served as Provost of Aberdeen from 1676 to 1685. The title “Provost” in Scotland is equivalent to the mayor or chief magistrate of a burgh, a position of considerable power and responsibility. Sir George Skene (1625–1708) Sir George Skene was a prominent merchant, politician, and landowner
The History of Provost Skene’s House: A Window into Aberdeen’s Past
Provost Skene’s House stands as one of the most significant and beautifully preserved historic buildings in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. Located on the city’s bustling High Street, this remarkable 16th-century townhouse offers a vivid glimpse into the life, architecture, and social history of Aberdeen from the Renaissance through to the mode