Tributes to businessman, philanthropist and advocate Sir Ian Wood KT GBE were made today (Wednesday 19 August) at Aberdeen City Council’s Full Council meeting.
A motion by Councillors Brooks, Malik, Allard, Yuill and the Lord Provost noted the sadness of the passing of Sir Ian Wood, who passed away on 26 July 2026 at the age of 84.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, said: “Through his leadership in business, his commitment to education and young people, and his dedication to strengthening the North East economy, Sir Ian helped shape Aberdeen and created opportunities that will continue to benefit generations to come.
“On behalf of Aberdeen City Council, we send our deepest condolences to Lady Helen and the Wood family, and our heartfelt thanks for all that Sir Ian did for Aberdeen and its people.”
Born in Aberdeen in 1942, Sir Ian joined the family fishing and marine services business before building Wood Group into one of the world’s leading energy services companies, operating in more than 50 countries and employing more than 42,000 people at it’s height.
Sir Ian established The Wood Foundation alongside his family in 2007, investing in education, young people’s prospects, economic development and poverty reduction across the North East of Scotland and East Africa.
He also founded Opportunity North East to diversify and strengthen the regional economy, and served as Chancellor of Robert Gordon University from 2004 to 2021.
Sir Ian’s contribution to Aberdeen was recognised by his appointment of CBE in 1982, his knighthood in 1994, appointed Knight of the Order of the Thistle in 2018 – Scotland’s highest order of chivalry – and awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2019.
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The motion further asked the Chief Executive to bring a report to Council, following consultation with The Wood Foundation and the Wood family, on appropriate ways the city could recognise and commemorate Sir Ian’s lasting contribution.
A Book of Condolence in memory of Sir Ian can be found in the reception area of Aberdeen’s Town House until Friday 21 August.
