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Motion · S7M-00525 · 29 Jun 2026

UNESCO Status Granted to Exceptionally Rare University of Aberdeen Foundation Document

Lodged by Jackie Dunbar (Scottish National Party) Standard Motion 10 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament welcomes the recent recognition of the document granting permission for the establishment of the University of Aberdeen with UNESCO Memory of the World status; understands that the Foundation Bull, dated 10 February 1495, contains authorisation from Pope Alexander VI for King James IV of Scotland to establish a university in Old Aberdeen; notes that, prior to the reformation, the patronage of higher education in western Europe fell under the authority of the church, making papal permission necessary for the creation of universities; understands that the University of Aberdeen was the last university in the United Kingdom to be founded under such authority, and recognises that the inscription of the Foundation Bull on the UNESCO UK Memory of the World register, which lists documentary heritage of outstanding universal value, highlights both the historical and cultural significance of the document as well as its importance to higher education within Aberdeen and the north east of Scotland.

Supporters (10)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.