Two of the most colourful and influential characters to grace British Columbia History were The Laird (Lord) of Aberdeen and his wife, the Lady Aberdeen. Later described as a “Victorian John & Yoko” this dynamic couple made a lasting impact on British Columbia’s Okanagan region, among many other places.
Laird o' Aberdeen
John & Ishbel
Two of the most colorful and influential characters to grace British Columbia History were The Laird (Lord) of Aberdeen and his wife, the Lady Aberdeen. A later-day review of their biography described them as a “Victorian John & Yoko.”
Throughout his political career, John held a number of very prestigious appointments, including Queen Victoria's key representative, first to Ireland, then to Canada, then again to Ireland.
Ishbel was very progressive, and an outspoken advocate for women's rights.
The Laird o’ Aberdeen
Come lads and lassies, lend an ear
And hear my cheery tale
It’s of a certain personage to you I shall regale
And how they found their sanctuary, pleasant and serene
Sae far awa’ the bonnie howes and hills o’ Aberdeen
John Hamilton-Gordon was an interesting man
Blessed at birth by fortune, both of peerage and of clan
1st Marquess o’ Aberdeen and Temair he’d be proclaimed
Of vast, distinguished lineage in preference to his name
He’d known Queen Victoria from the time he was a “wee ane”
For his grandpa was Prime Minister of all the British Isles then
And he, himself in time would enter to the House o’ Lords
With all the pomp and circumstance such dignity affords
Decked out in all his finery, such a sight you’ve never seen
In all resplendent glory as the Laird o’ Aberdeen
He sought his bride in Ishbel, a loyal friend and true
She shared his liberal tendencies and philanthropic views
Their passion for the common good inspired the deeds they’d do
Every continent they set foot in, each country they’d go through
John was then appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
He’d later serve a term as Governor General of Canada
As all the while their family grew, though weary were the miles
They carried on as best they could, enduring with a smile
And where they travelled, far and wide, they were held in high esteem
Oh, so welcomed were the Lady & the Laird o’ Aberdeen
In time they sought a haven, in a quiet and peaceful scene
So long they’d lived at such a pace and longed for life serine
In far off Western Canada lay a land of many lakes
Where Lord and Lady Aberdeen, they sought to lay down stakes
They started out at Guisachan on the Okanagan shore
But soon discovered Coldstream, which held their fancy more
Orchards on a grandiose scale they planted all around
Which, over time has grown into a neat and lovely town
Thus concludes my story, next time you’re in Coldstream
Take in the auld Lake Country charm and panoramic scenes
Enjoy their apples, peaches, cherries, pears and nectarines
While you think upon the Lady and the Laird o’ Aberdeen