List of provosts of Edinburgh facts for kids
The Lord Provost of Edinburgh is a very important leader in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. Think of them like the mayor of a big city in other countries. They are chosen by the City of Edinburgh Council, which is like the city's government.
The Lord Provost has two main jobs. First, they are the boss of the City of Edinburgh Council meetings. Second, they are the main representative for the whole city. This means they are the public face of Edinburgh, welcoming important visitors and attending special events. They also have another special role as the Lord-Lieutenant of Edinburgh, which means they represent the King or Queen in the city.
While many towns in Scotland have a "Provost," only the four biggest cities – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee – have a "Lord Provost." This special title was given to Edinburgh's Provost in 1667 by King Charles II. He wanted Edinburgh's leader to have the same high rank as the Lord Mayor of London. The title "Lord Provost" is officially recognized by Scottish law.
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Who is the Lord Provost of Edinburgh?
There have been many leaders of Edinburgh over the centuries, with 256 people holding the title of Provost or Lord Provost.
The person currently serving as the Lord Provost of Edinburgh is Robert Aldridge.
How the Role Began
The very first known leader of Edinburgh was called an "alderman." One of the earliest recorded aldermen was William de Dederyk in 1296. Later, in 1377, the term "Provost" was first used for the city's leader, John de Quhitness.
Over time, the role of the Provost became more important. As Edinburgh grew, so did the responsibilities of its leader. In 1667, King Charles II decided to give the Provost of Edinburgh the special title of "Lord Provost." This made the leader of Edinburgh just as important as the Lord Mayor of London.
A Look at Past Lord Provosts
Many people have held the important role of Provost or Lord Provost of Edinburgh throughout history. These leaders have helped shape the city over hundreds of years.
Some of the earliest Provosts were important figures in their time, helping to manage the city's daily life and represent its people. For example, William Bertraham in 1481 was the first Provost to receive a regular salary for his work. Later, Robert Logan of Coitfield in 1520 was the first to have an armed guard, showing the growing importance and sometimes danger of the role.
The list of past Provosts and Lord Provosts includes many notable individuals who contributed to Edinburgh's development.
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Images for kids
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Sir Thomas Hutchison, Lord Provost of Edinburgh (1921–1923).
