...a title going back to the 13th century

Councillor George Grubb was elected by the Council as Lord Provost of the city of Edinburgh on 17 May. Many of you will have heard of the office of Lord Provost but how many of you know what it actually involves?

Here we tell you a little about this important role.

The Lord Provost is best described as Edinburgh’s civic head. It is an ancient office dating back to the 13th century.

The Lord Provost is elected every four years from among the 58 members of the City of Edinburgh Council.

As well as being the chairman of the Council, the Lord Provost retains his duties as a councillor and fulfils both political and ceremonial duties.

The Lord Provost is the principal representative of the Council on numerous bodies and organisations. For instance, he chairs the Edinburgh Festival Council and the Board of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

In addition, he is Lord Lieutenant of the city of Edinburgh and, in this capacity, one of his principal roles is to greet and convey the Sovereign, members of the Royal family and visiting Heads of State whenever they come to Edinburgh.

The Lord Provost’s many other duties include the active promotion of Edinburgh at home and abroad through the hosting of civic receptions for visitors to the city and acting as the city’s ambassador.

He also chairs or takes part in a wide variety of activities involving many groups and organisations in Edinburgh.

These range from associating himself with charity fundraising events to opening fetes and gala days.

The Lord Provost is assisted in the carrying out of his duties by six Baillies who may deputise for him in his absence.