Councillor Robert Aldridge has been appointed as the new Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh.
The ancient office dates back to the 13th century and Cllr Aldridge succeeds Cllr Frank Ross to become the city’s 258th Lord Provost.
At the first meeting of the new City of Edinburgh Council today, councillors unanimously backed Councillor Aldridge’s nomination and he was sworn into the role in a short ceremony in the City Chambers.
As Edinburgh’s civic head, he will convene all further meetings of the Council and will represent the city on a variety of organisations including Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
An elected member for Drum Brae/Gyle, Cllr Aldridge is the council’s longest-serving member with over 30 years experience. He was part of the Council administration from 2007-12, serving as Environment leader, and has been a Bailie since 2012.
On his selection, he said:
I am honoured to have been appointed as Edinburgh’s Lord Provost. I love this City and it will be a privilege to represent Scotland’s wonderful capital – and its people – both locally and worldwide.
Drawing on my experience as a Councillor and my time as a Bailie, I look forward to being a proud civic lead for the world's best capital city and work to make sure Edinburgh remains a leading light on the global stage.
Following his selection, Cllr Aldridge had the Chain of Office placed around his neck by Returning Officer and Chief Executive, Andrew Kerr, before taking place in the Lord Provost’s chair. He then performed his first duty as Lord Provost, reading out and signing the Declaration De Fideli.
Chief Executive, Andrew Kerr, said:
As Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge will act as Edinburgh’s ambassador. He will play an esteemed role promoting Scotland’s Capital at home and around the world.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Robert to the role and to thank outgoing Lord Provost Frank Ross for his term of office.
Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron was also appointed as Depute Lord Provost.
As the Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh, he will also take on the position of Lord Lieutenant, the Queen’s representative in Edinburgh, greeting members of the Royal Family and visiting heads of state to the city.