Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh

The Lord Provost is Edinburgh's civic head, an ancient office dating back to the 13th century.

The Lord Provost is usually elected every four years from among the 58 members of the City of Edinburgh Council. The Lord Provost is also Convener of the Council and continues to carry out the normal duties of an elected member, so fulfils both political and ceremonial duties.

The role also involves representing the Council on numerous bodies and organisations, such as the Edinburgh International Festival Council, the Board of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Dynamic Earth Charitable Trust.

Importantly, the Lord Provost is also the Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh and, in this capacity, greets members of the Royal family and visiting Heads of State.

Other duties include the active promotion of Edinburgh at home and