Royals attend ‘Showcasing Edinburgh 900’ event at City Chambers

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visit the City Chambers and learn about Edinburgh 900

The Edinburgh 900 programme has received a royal boost, with the Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron welcoming TRH The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to the ‘Showcasing Edinburgh 900’ event at the City Chambers on Monday evening.

Edinburgh 900 is a celebration of the nine centuries of history and traditions in Scotland’s capital city since the founding of the royal burgh by King David I in around 1124. 

To celebrate the event the main Council Chamber was set up to represent the ten themes of Edinburgh 900, where the royal party were given an insight into each theme by invited experts.

The evening concluded with a moving musical piece from Shionka Kamikaji-Inkster, playing the clarsach.

The city council says Edinburgh’s communities have a central role to play in these celebrations. The Edinburgh 900 Community Fund aims to allow our residents to celebrate their city’s rich heritage and inspiring present.

Community fund applications need to be led by an Edinburgh-based community group and focussed on activities or events held within their local area. Each application can be to a maximum of £5,000.

The full criteria and guidance for applications are available on our website. The deadline for applications is 27 May 2024.

If you’re already planning events for 2024 or 2025 and would like to be part of our Edinburgh 900 programme, you can apply through our separate application process to use the Edinburgh 900 logo and be advertised on the programme website and marketing activity.

For any general queries about the Edinburgh 900 programme please contact edinburgh900@edinburgh.gov.uk  

Depute Lord Provost, Lezley Marion Cameron said: “I was delighted to welcome TRH The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to the ‘Showcasing Edinburgh 900’ event at the City Chambers, which gave us an opportunity to shine a light on the main themes of the programme. It’s fantastic to have this Royal support for such a key project for our city. 

“It was wonderful to hear from a wide variety of representatives from the local community to discuss these themes. 

“I’m looking forward to the official launch of Edinburgh 900, which is due to take place in July.  

“It’s been really encouraging to have a number of community groups from across the city show interest in taking part in Edinburgh 900.

“There’s still time to get your application in for the community fund during the next week, and I’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”