Edinburgh's Lord Provost Robert Aldridge reflects on 2025.
It has been another fantastic year in our capital, and it has been a real honour and privilege, as Lord Provost, to take part in so many memorable events. Some were poignant, many were inspiring, and all of them reflected the rich diversity and community that makes Edinburgh such a special city.
2025 gave us plenty to celebrate as we marked 900 years of Edinburgh’s status as a Royal Burgh and looked back on the remarkable achievements of our city over the centuries.
At the heart of Edinburgh 900 were the communities and organisations across the city who brought this milestone to life. Together, they delivered an extraordinary programme of activity from travelling exhibitions and lectures to school concerts, parades, marches and more than 300 unique events that reached into every corner of the capital.
The Edinburgh Riding of the Marches provided a spectacular finale in September, bringing the 900th anniversary to a close with a People’s Procession and horse cavalcade that thrilled the thousands of spectators lining the Royal Mile.
I was especially honoured to ride alongside The Princess Royal on beautiful grey horses from Tower Farm Stables, travelling from Holyrood Palace to the Mercat Cross, where Her Royal Highness Princess Anne addressed the crowd and brought our special year to a fitting conclusion. It was, I believe, the first time in over a hundred years that a senior member of the Royal Family has ridden up the Royal Mile, a truly unforgettable moment for our city.
And who could forget the very first Edinburgh Tartan Parade, which took place on a gloriously hot Saturday in May? A huge crowd filled the city centre, coming together to celebrate our rich heritage – our tartans, culture and, above all, our spirit of inclusivity. It was a wonderful occasion, and one I very much look forward to seeing return in 2026.
But as the year reminded us of all there is to celebrate in our city, it also brought moments that gave us pause, calling on us to reflect and to remember those we have lost.
In April, we were deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of Councillor Val Walker. I heard nothing but positive words about Val, her warmth, her commitment, and her passion for her role as Culture and Communities Convener. At the Council meeting following her death, the tributes paid from across all parties and sides of the chamber were profoundly moving, and they will stay with me for a long time.
Val is a great loss, to the Council, to her colleagues, to the city, and most of all to her family and friends. She is greatly missed.
Then in June, we sadly lost another inspirational figure with the passing of Professor Sir Geoff Palmer. Sir Geoff was a guiding hand as our city sought to better understand its history and come to terms with its colonial past.
At his memorial service, I described him as “a quiet man, a dignified man, an influential man, and an extraordinary man, whose words and guidance offered insight and wisdom to so many.” His teachings, his wisdom and his generosity of spirit will not be forgotten. We owe him a great deal, and we thank him sincerely for the legacy and lasting gift he leaves to our city.
He remains a source of inspiration to me, and I am equally inspired by the extraordinary volunteering spirit that runs through our city.
As the City’s Volunteer Ambassador, I am immensely proud of the contribution our active citizens make every day across the capital. In Edinburgh, roughly a third of adults regularly volunteer which is a remarkable reflection of the generosity, kindness and community spirit that defines our city. To everyone who gives their time to support others - thank you. You make an immeasurable difference, helping to create neighbourhoods that are stronger, kinder and better places to live, work and enjoy life.
It has been a real pleasure to meet so many volunteers throughout the year, and I close 2025 feeling inspired and optimistic about what our city can achieve together in the year ahead.
At the same time, I am mindful that this season can be difficult for those who are unable to celebrate, or who may be facing personal or family challenges. You are not forgotten, and you remain very much in our thoughts.
To our residents and visitors alike, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Winter Festival, and a safe, peaceful and successful New Year.