A canopy of colour has been unfurled on Shiprow as the brilliant Umbrella Project returns to Aberdeen to both celebrate and raise awareness of neurodiversity.
The eye-catching display of bright brollies on one of the Granite City’s most historic streets has now been installed ahead of an official launch next Tuesday, May 6.
The event will see dancers, pipers and speakers encourage people to embrace and enjoy the project.
The umbrellas will be in place until September, paying tribute to the “umbrella” term of neurodiversity, which includes ADHD, autism, Tourette's Syndrome, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia.
As well as the brollies on Shiprow, local schools and businesses are invited to create their own mini-installations by Aberdeen Inspired, which is bringing the campaign to the Granite City in partnership with the ADHD Foundation and headline sponsor Harbour Energy, with additional sponsorship from CNR International.
And local neurodiversity organisations have been invited to find out how they can become involved in the Umbrella Project.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The return of the Umbrella Project to Shiprow is always one of the highlights of the year for Aberdeen Inspired, adding a wonderful splash of colour to the heart of the Granite City.
“More importantly, it is a fantastic celebration of neurodiversity while recognising that with one in five people being neurodiverse, it is something that touches all our lives.
“The Umbrella Project is a highly-visible way or recognising that and raising the importance of inclusivity in every walk of life.”
Tom Howcroft, head of PR and fundraising, at the ADHD Foundation, said: “Our partnership with Aberdeen has become a shining example of what can be achieved when a city embraces neurodiversity.
“The Umbrella Project is more than just an installation - it’s a commitment to changing the narrative, to celebrating difference, and to building a future where every mind is recognised and valued. We’re proud to return to Aberdeen for 2025 and to continue this powerful journey together.”
Mavis Anagboso, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Europe) at Harbour Energy, said: “As a neuroinclusive employer, we pride ourselves on taking positive action to promote neurodiversity awareness in the communities we operate in.
“We believe a starting point for everyone should be that we live in a neurodiverse world, and we hope this vibrant and visible initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of our collective cognitive diversity.”
Barry Duncan, managing director of CNR International, said: “CNR International prides itself on having a culture that has diversity and inclusion at its core. We are once again delighted to support the neurodiversity Umbrella Project this summer and its impressive display of umbrellas in Shiprow.
“We will also have our own display in our reception at St Magnus House, aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of neurodiversity.”
The return of the brilliant brollies has been welcomed by Keith Martin, operations manager of Shiprow Village.
He said: “Shiprow Village is always delighted to welcome back this colourful canopy for the Umbrella Project. It’s great to see the smiles that break out when people see them overhead, adding a vibrant splash of vivid colour to the city centre.
“Not only does the Umbrella Project help enhance this most historic street in Aberdeen, it also raises awareness of the many neurodiverse people in society and what they bring to our community. It’s a wonderful thing to be part of and I hope people enjoy the umbrellas – and their message - over the summer.”
The official launch for the Umbrella Project 2025 will be at 4pm on Tuesday, May 6, with entertainment from Citymoves Dance Agency’s Step Forward Inclusive Performance Group, Umbrella A Cappella – a neuro-inclusive community singing group, and the Robert Gordon College Pipe Band. Speakers will include Adrian Watson, Mavis Anagboso, and Councillor Martin Greig, culture spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council.
The success and joy of the Umbrella Project will also extend beyond Shiprow, with schools and businesses asked to take part and create their own mini-installations to celebrate the intelligence and ability of every human being.
Kate Timperley, project manager for Aberdeen Inspired, hopes many venues will take the opportunity to be part of the project.
She said: “The Umbrella Project has such a fantastic message and we would be delighted to see these colourful displays in as many places as possible to show just how much support and recognition neurodiverse people have in Aberdeen,” she said.
“We also want to celebrate and include as many local neurodiversity organisations as we can. I would encourage groups to get in touch with us, to find out how they can take part and raise awareness of what they do for so many people in Aberdeen.”
You can find out more about the Umbrella Project – including a range of resources around neurodiversity – plus how to sign up for your own mini-installation by visiting the Aberdeen Inspired website.