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Professor Youngson and Dr King with the foundation stone in their new book at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital. (Image: supplied)
It commemorates the construction of the hospital, which opened in January 1929 and was the first institution to occupy the new Foresterhill site.
The stone was rediscovered and restored following the efforts of three retired health professionals: Professor George G Youngson CBE, Dr Derek King and Mr Chris Driver.
The trio who co-edited Healing the Bairnsa book documenting the history of Aberdeen Children’s Hospitals wanted to recover the original stone and ensure it was preserved.
After hours of searching, Professor Youngson and Dr. King found it buried under overgrown vegetation on the hospital campus.
With support from the NHS Grampian field team, the stone was moved to a new position near the Spider Dolphin and Oor Bob the Builder sculptures.
The Archie Foundation is funding its cleaning and restoration, including work to refurbish the original font.
Professor Youngson and Dr King with the foundation stone in their new book at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital. (Image: supplied)
The restoration comes as Aberdeen prepares to mark 150 years since the opening of its first dedicated children’s hospital in 2027.
Healing the Bairnssupported by the Archie Foundation, tells the story of Aberdeen Children’s Hospitals, the people who established them and the young patients they cared for.
Laura Skaife-Knight, chief executive of NHS Grampian, said: “This restored cornerstone represents much more than a piece of granite.
“It symbolizes generations of healthcare professionals, supporters and communities who have been determined to improve the lives of children and young people in North East Scotland.
“As we mark the centenary of its location, it is fitting that this important part of our history has been preserved and given pride of place.
“I would especially like to acknowledge Professor Youngson, Dr. King, and Mr. Driver, whose passion and dedication to preserving the history of pediatric health care in our region brought this project to life.”
Paula Cormack, chief executive of the Archie Foundation, said: “George, Derek and Chris have all made an outstanding contribution to pediatric healthcare in the North East throughout their careers.
“Their passion for advancing and improving health care for children and young people remains as strong as ever, and that commitment is evident in the work they do to record and share this remarkable story.”
