Margaret Farquhar

Margaret Elizabeth Farquhar, (14 March 1930 – 26 February 2026) was a Scottish politician who was the first woman to serve as Lord Provost of Aberdeen.

Life and career Born in Aberdeen as Margaret Burnett, she was educated at Broomhill Primary, Ruthrieston Secondary School and then at Webster's College. 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. and went on to have a family and grandchildren. Her husband died on 31 October 1992. 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. She retired from the council in 1999, remaining on the boards of several local organisations.

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