Working class socialist Barney Crockett cuts an unusual figure as the Queen’s representative to Aberdeen.
The former factory worker has however been appointed the Granite City’s Lord Provost.
Born in 1953 in a tenement close to the harbour without indoor toilets, Mr Crockett admits that little was expected of him academically.
Leaving school he held a number of jobs including washing dishes on an oil rig in the Brent field of the North Sea and working in a fish processing factory.
But he discovered his love of education and studied history at Aberdeen University – with a special interest in Russia and eastern Europe.
Teaching posts around Scotland then followed from the appropriately named Farr in Sutherland where he was headteacher, a role he also went on to fill in both Orkney and Shetland.
He moved from education into public service, with time served at housing associations and the Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC) before first seeking election in 2007.
Unsuccessful attempts were made to take north-east seats for Labour in Westminster and Holyrood while a councillor.
But Mr Crockett hit the height of council power in 2012, leading his Labour group to an unexpected victory by winning 17 seats and forming an administration with the Conservatives and the independents.
But just two years later he was unceremoniously ousted in a coup organised by former finance convener Willie Young to install education convener Jenny Laing as the new leader of the authority.
Mr Crockett and Mrs Laing now hold an apparently cordial relationship, holding the two most senior positions in the town house.
While proving divisive in some circles, the Provost said that he enjoyed the rough and tumble of political life but would now be seeking a more civic role.
He said: “Despite my reputation I remember first coming into the council and being shocked about how confrontational it all was.
“Aberdeen tends to be a a bit of a microcosm of Scottish politics generally and I quickly got used to the heated nature.
“The best thing about the council is the central role it plays in so many lives, there is nothing like it on any other level of politics.
“I think the most special thing about Aberdeen, which sets us apart from anywhere in the world really, is the continuity of our history, the tradition and the cohesiveness and welcoming nature of the people.
“I’m first and foremost an Aberdonian and it will be an honour to serve the city.”
