Aberdeen Shines as Dons Celebrate Scottish Cup Victory
A sea of red and white filled city centre streets as thousands gathered for the Dons’ homecoming parade.
Aberdeen’s city centre shimmered in red and white today (Sunday, 26 May), as tens of thousands turned out to celebrate Aberdeen FC’s Scottish Cup victory at Hampden the day before. This moment wasn’t about anyone else; it was Aberdeen’s own story. It was about pride in what’s been achieved right here, by the club, by this city, and its people. The streets pulsed with energy that belonged to everyone who stood along them, a show of shared identity and belonging.
The Dons’ open-top bus parade made its way from Albyn Place down Union Street, past Marischal College, and onto the Town House, where first team players appeared on the balcony with Lord Provost Dr David Cameron. At every turn, streets were packed with supporters singing, drumming and waving flags.
Would you like to see your message here? Let's talk.
Have you signed-up for the Belmont Cinema Newsletter yet?
The team working to reopen the Belmont release a newsletter once a month with all the latest updates on their campaign, details about how you can get involved, and their exciting events calendar.
Next Up from the Belmont? A Lost Cinemas Walking tour with Hidden Aberdeen, and Nautical Screenings in partnership with Aberdeen Art Gallery’s Monsters of the Deep Exhibition.
A Celebration Through the City
“It was a fantastic and emotional occasion and a very fitting way to mark the Dons winning the Scottish Cup,” said Dr Cameron. For many, the silverware was a reason to come together and celebrate as a city.
The parade’s route passed landmarks that tell Aberdeen’s story. The Texo Deeside Caledonia pipe band led the way, their music echoing off granite buildings as families, friends, and neighbours filled the streets. Some had travelled miles; others just stepped outside their front doors. What mattered was that it was Aberdeen, coming together.
A Day of Pride
Reports suggest up to 100,000 people attended, one of the biggest turnouts Aberdeen has seen in recent years, but the real focus was on the atmosphere. Despite the crowds, the day stayed good-natured, with people of all ages filling the city centre. Children balanced on parents’ shoulders, pensioners waved scarves from benches, and drums rolled with chants of victory. It was a celebration without chaos, where small, shared gestures tied the crowd together.
Today was a reminder that Aberdeen has plenty to celebrate, with the city’s spirit shining through in every detail, as if every flag waved and every drumbeat echoed the pride of a community brought together. This was a parade that let the city feel good about itself, and it did so, loudly and proudly.
