Margaret Farquhar

Born in Aberdeen as Margaret Burnett, she was educated at Broomhill Primary, Ruthrieston Secondary School and then at Webster's College.^[1] In July 1948, she became a clerk at the North of Scotland College of Agriculture, and then with a hauliers' firm. In 1951 she married William Farquhar.^[2] and went on to have a family and grandchildren. Her husband died on 31 October 1992.^[1]

In 1971, Farquhar was elected to Aberdeen District Council, representing the Northfield [or Cumming's Park^[1]] ward, as a member of the Scottish Labour Party.^[2][3] She spent time serving on the council's planning committee, and representing the council on a variety of external committees. From 1986, she also served as a director of the Aberdeen Citizens' Advice Bureau. From 1994 to 1996, she was vice-chair of the council.^[2]

Farquhar was elected to Aberdeen City Council in 1995, and the following year was elected as Lord Provost of Aberdeen, also serving as Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeen.^[2] She was the first woman to become Lord Provost of the city.^[3][4] She retired from the council in 1999, remaining on the boards of several local organisations.^[2]

She was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1999 New Year Honours for services to local government.^[5]

After political life, she was awarded honorary Doctorates from both Aberdeen and Robert Gordon Universities.^[1]

Farquhar died on 26 February 2026, at the age of 95.^[1][6]