25-05-2025
'A scene of jubilation and celebration as Dons parade the Scottish Cup'
When Aberdeen last won the Scottish Cup in 1990, I was on a bus embarking on a school trip to Germany, listening to it all unfold on my pocket radio.
So being at the celebrations really hammered home how long – too long – it has been since the club last won this trophy, and what it means to the city.
The Dons fans lined the streets in their thousands - well into the tens of thousands, in fact - as the open-topped bus weaved its way through the city centre.
They were in fine voice too, with 'Shinnie, he is one of our own' and the now trademark 'Shady Mo' song being among the choruses belted out as the bus crawled through the throng which filled the granite streets.
Prior to the final, there was a mood of trepidation, and very little expectation among the Red Army.
What a difference a day can make – this was a scene of jubilation and celebration.
It was a fitting reception for the Aberdeen players and staff, who now have their names etched in to the club's history books.
As they took it in turns to hold the trophy aloft from the balcony at the Town House at the Castlegate end of Union Street, each lift was greeted with delirious joy.
Of course, the challenge will be to build on this success.
But this was about savouring the moment, one which saw a city and its football team united as one.
