The search begins for the next deserving recipient of the Edinburgh Award as nominations open today (Friday 8 October).
Established in 2007, the Edinburgh Award is a way for the Capital’s citizens to pay a lasting tribute to outstanding individuals who have made a positive impact on the city and gained national and international recognition for Edinburgh.
Recent recipients include philanthropists Sir Tom Farmer and Tom Gilzean and rugby legend Doddie Weir - each of whom has a cast of their handprints imprinted in flagstones in front of the City Chambers.
2020’s recipient - world-famous city author Alexander McCall – became the 14th person to receive the Edinburgh Award, in recognition and celebration of his bestselling writing and legal career, and academic work.
Communities, businesses and individuals across Edinburgh have three weeks to cast nominations for the 2021 award, before a recipient is selected by a panel chaired by the Lord Provost.
Urging citizens and businesses to nominate someone for the Award, the Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “Edinburgh may be a small city, but it is well known for punching well above its weight on the world stage thanks to the talents and achievements of our fellow citizens. The Edinburgh Award is your chance to celebrate those people who make Edinburgh such an inspiring place. Please help us celebrate the people of Edinburgh’s achievements by proposing a nominee.
“We continue to see outstanding commitment and care demonstrated by the people of Edinburgh. Throughout the pandemic there has been a huge community effort made by individuals and organisations to tackle the impacts of coronavirus. People continue to go above and beyond to help their fellow citizens and to help the city recover. I’m hoping to see many recognised in this year’s nominations.
"The Edinburgh Award has been presented to many truly outstanding recipients over the years, most recently Alexander McCall Smith. Nominees can come from all walks of life from culture and sport to literature and philanthropy. We need everyone’s help to tell us – who should be next? Who deserves to follow in their footsteps to become the 15th recipient?"
Nominations can be made online and must be received no later than noon on Friday 29 October 2021.
The winner will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup at a ceremony hosted by the Lord Provost and will have their hand prints reproduced on a flagstone in the City Chambers quadrangle.