Lord Provost's blog

A fond farewell to the Fortress of the Sea

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:44:00 +0100

Bowing out after three decades and with more than 793,500 miles of global operational service under her belt, the ship sailed into Ocean Terminal on May 15 for a week-long celebration of her 30 year affiliation with the city.

Tomorrow, at my invitation, members of the crew will exercise their Freedom of the City with a Privilege Parade through our historic streets.

Starting out from the Palace of Holyrood at 11.20am, the parade will march past the Scottish Parliament, up the Royal Mile and halt on High Street beside the Wellhead, where I will present Commander Borbone with the Privilege scroll.

The crew will then continue up the Mile as far as the City Chambers where I will take their salute at 12.10am. The parade will finish in the Lawnmarket.

And I will then further honour her long and strong relationship with the ship by hosting a special reception in the Chambers.

The pomp and ceremony, however, gives way to more informal hospitality on Saturday, as the ship throws open her gangway for the final time from 11am to 5pm. Having been aboard for the first, and last, time yesterday, I would encourage you all to take the opportunity to visit the ship and to say you farewells to the 'Fortress of the Sea'.

Tribute to fallen Edinburgh soldier

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:53:00 +0100

Private Robert (Bobby) Hetherington attended Craigmount High School and served with 51st Highland, 7th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 Scots). He was killed alongside Corporal William Savage and Fusilier Samuel Flint when their heavily armoured vehicled was hit by a massive roadside bomb during a patrol in Afghanistan.

It is a terrible tragedy when a member of the armed forces loses their life in service of this country and we feel it even more keenly when that person is one of Edinburgh's own. Our hearts go out to Private Hetherington's family at this very sad time.

Top Scots

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:59:00 +0100

Around 450 soldiers from The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (to give them their full title) took part in an emotional Homecoming Parade, watched by thousands of well-wishers.

The parade was led by The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and 1 SCOTS Pipes and Drums. They were followed by the Regiment’s official Mascot, Shetland pony, Cruachan IV.

Then, under the watchful eye of The Princess Royal, I presented Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ben Wrench, with the Freedom scroll (pictured, right).

Conferring the ‘privilege’ upon this fine and historic regiment was a clear and fitting demonstration of Edinburgh’s steadfast support for the brave men and women who continue to put their lives at risk in service of this country.

It was, of course, also be an occasion tinged with sadness as we remembered those who will tragically not be returning, including Captain Walter Barrie from Edinburgh.

Open your eyes to refugee destitution

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:18:00 +0100

Co-ordinated by Scottish Refugee Council and Refugee Survival Trust, the campaign calls for an end to the UK Government policy of making asylum seekers destitute by stopping their support when their claim is refused.

I recently met with Rachel Farrier, Development Manager, Refugee Survival Trust (pictured with me here), and Soran, from northern Iraq, whose claim for asylum was turned down due to an administrative error.

It was heartbreaking and frustrating to hear of Soran's plight - who has now been destitute in Edinburgh for two
years - and there are so many more just like him.

Read the full story here. And why not join me in signing up?

Hearts in the right place

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:41:00 +0100

Hearts has a proud and distinguished history closely linked with that of Gorgie, Edinburgh and, indeed, Scotland.

Without doubt, the proudest but most tragic episode in Hearts’ history was the contribution and sacrifice that Hearts players and supporters made in the 16th Royal Scots Battalion under Sir George McCrae during the First World War, the centenary of which is fast approaching.

There are, of course, many happier on-field memories that will, I'm sure, be remembered fondly by fans when they see behind the scenes at Tynecastle and enjoy the many rarities, photographs and other unusual artefacts that make up this fantastic new exhibition.

Congratulations to everyone at the Club and, in particular, the Big Hearts Community Trust for all their hard work in delivering this project.

Pic courtesy of SNS Group

Sir Chris Hoy announces his retirement

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:50:00 +0100

He has proved beyond any doubt that hard work, dedication and sheer determination can help turn natural talent into world-beating success.

When presenting him with the Freedom of the City last September, what struck me most about him was his humility and all-round human decency. Sporting and other celebrities have much to learn from Sir Chris and the way he has handled his success over the years.

Naturally, we are disappointed - as Sir Chris quite obviously is himself - that we won't have the chance to cheer him on in Glasgow next year but it is the mark of the man that he didn't want to take the opportunity away from an up-and-coming young cyclist. I know he will be a fantastic ambassador and mentor to the Glasgow 2014 team.

I wish him all the very best with his future endeavours, which I am sure will be equally successful, and look forward to welcoming him back to his home city soon.

Fruits of the loom

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:58:00 +0100

Housed in what was once Edinburgh’s oldest public baths (on Infirmary Street), Dovecot Studios is the UK’s oldest practicing tapestry studios and one of only a handful in the world.

I met two apprentice weavers, the first to be employed by Dovecot in 25 years, who are working on a number of commissioned pieces, including a limited edition series of tapestries by quintessentially British ‘pop’ artist Sir Peter Blake.

I am pictured here learning the tricks of the trade from master weaver, David Cochrane, who is currently working on a large scale tapestry of renowned Scottish artist Victoria Crowe’s painting ‘Large Tree Group’.

For those of you who swam, or even bathed, in the Victorian pool, it’s well worth a visit to see what’s changed, and what’s not, in this fantastic building. And, of course, to see the weavers hard at work at their craft.

Further details are available from their website.

Tom Buchanan

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:04:00 +0100

During Tom’s time at the Council he made a huge impact, not just on the Council, but on the City as a whole.

His immense talent and skills will be missed. Beyond that however, he will be missed as a person. He believed passionately in what he was doing and was a great support to his friends and colleagues.

I would wish to extend my sympathy to his wife at this sad time on behalf of the Council and the City who owe him a great debt of gratitude.

Recognition fit for a Queen

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:49:00 +0000

Marie Anderson, Douglas Currie, Thomas Gilzean and Rosemary Ritchie have all, in their own way, made a huge contribution to community life and it was entirely fitting that they were honoured in this way.

Thomas Gilzean (pictured with me here) is a well known face around Edinburgh, most commonly in full Highland dress on the Royal Mile, collection tin in hand. Even though he only started collecting six years ago at the age of 86, he has so far raised over £150,000 pounds for charity.

Turning a set of disused shops into what is now known as the Broomhouse Centre, Marie Anderson’s personal commitment, courage and dedication has been the driving force for positive change in Broomhouse, making a real difference to people’s lives, many from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Douglas Currie has made an immense contribution to his local community by serving and supporting education and amateur dramatics for a period of over 60 years.

And last, but not least, Rosemary Ritchie’s hard work and dedication, over the last 30 years has led her to be known as one of the RNLI’s most tenacious and determined volunteer fundraisers, turning the Queensferry RNLI shop into one of the most successful in Scotland.

Once again, my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to them all.

Nominations open for Inspiring Volunteers

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:25:00 +0000

Of course by their very nature, volunteers don’t give their time in hope of reward, but every so often it’s nice to be able to recognise the work they do, which is why I’m extremely proud to once again play host to the annual Inspiring Volunteering Awards organised by the Volunteer Centre Edinburgh at the City Chambers on 5th June.

The event, which tops off Volunteers’ Week, is now in its 7th year and recognises the contribution of volunteers nominated by charities and non-profit organisations representing all sectors and from all areas of the city.

This year, several new special recognition categories of awards will be featured for areas including Arts, Culture & Heritage; Charity Shops; Environment & Conservation volunteering; Fundraising; Health & Social Care; Sports; and Organisational Governance, as well as special awards for outstanding contributions from a young volunteer (aged 11 – 25) and a long standing volunteer award for a volunteer contributing more than 10 years service to the same organisation.

All nominations will also be considered for the Lord Provost’s Inspiring Volunteer of the Year Award.

The nomination process is open until 31st March. So if you represent a charity or non profit organisation and have a volunteer or team of volunteers that you believe should be recognised for the work they do, then either contact Volunteer Centre Edinburgh or complete the nomination form online

Good luck!