Edinburgh Award – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

20 Years of civic pride: nominations open for Edinburgh Award 2026

The capital is once again searching for a worthy recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award, with nominations for this year opening today (Monday 9 March).

Now in its 20th year, the Edinburgh Award continues to recognise exceptional individuals whose achievements have not only brought distinction to the city but have helped shape Edinburgh’s future as a global capital of ideas, culture, innovation and compassion.

Since its inception in 2007, the Award has honoured individuals whose work has left a lasting legacy. From acclaimed artists and pioneering scientists to sporting heroes and social changemakers, each recipient has helped put Edinburgh on the national and international map. Their handprints are permanently cast into the flagstones outside the City Chambers, a lasting tribute at the heart of the capital.

In 2025, the Edinburgh Award was presented to Ali Bowden, the first Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature who, whilst in her role, created a diverse and engaging range of projects and programmes to enhance our literary city and played a key role in connecting Edinburgh with other literary cities around the world.

Edinburgh has four weeks to nominate for the 2026 award, before a recipient is selected by the Civic Awards Committee.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge has urged individuals and businesses to nominate: “The Edinburgh Award gives us a chance to honour the individuals whose work and achievements continue to make Edinburgh the extraordinary city we all know and love.

“I am continually inspired by the way Edinburgh’s people support one another, and this award reflects that community spirit.

“As we mark the 20th Edinburgh Award this is an opportunity to not only reflect on the outstanding individuals who have shaped our past but also to recognise those whose work is influencing our future.

“I encourage everyone to consider who inspires them, who goes above and beyond to make Edinburgh stronger, fairer, more innovative and has made a difference to our city and please submit a nomination.”

Nominations open today Monday 9 March and close at 12 noon on Friday 10 April 2026.

To find out more and submit nomination please visit our website.

Ali Bowden to receive the Edinburgh Award 2025

The first Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Ali Bowden has been selected to receive the prestigious Edinburgh Award 2025.

The Edinburgh Award was established in 2007 to honour outstanding individuals who have made a positive impact on the city and gained national and international recognition for Edinburgh. Nominations are invited annually from Edinburgh citizens and the recipient is selected by the Civic Awards Committee. Previous recipients include bestselling authors, human rights activists and world-famous sportspeople.

Ali Bowden became Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature in 2006, following a ten-year career in publishing, and was in the role for most of its 20-year history. Edinburgh became the world’s first UNESCO Creative City in 2004 and in the following years Ali helped to welcome new Cities of Literature as they joined, recruiting others from around the world in a bid to diversify the network.

There are now 53 literary cities and more than 350 creative cities in seven artforms.

Ali will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and have her handprints set in stone at the City Chambers later this year.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Civic Award Committee, Robert Aldridge said: “Ali Bowden is a most deserved recipient of the Edinburgh Award, and I’m really pleased that she has accepted the Civic Awards Committee decision to present it to her.

“Edinburgh blazed a trail when it became the first UNESCO Creative City in 2004 and with Ali at the helm for almost 20 years it has continued to flourish in this position.

“Not only has Ali gone above and beyond to create a diverse and engaging range of projects and programmes to enhance the literary city, she has played a key role in connecting Edinburgh with other literary cities around the world.

“I’d like to congratulate Ali on behalf of the city – we will all benefit from her legacy, which builds on the Capital’s rich literary heritage while also bringing reading and literature to new and varied audiences.”

Ali’s work to promote and enhance Edinburgh as a literary city includes community-based writers’ residencies, the first citywide reading campaign, and the award-winning Great Scott! installation in Waverley railway station honouring Sir Walter Scott. She was also behind the Stars & Stories trail of illuminated quotations celebrating 500 years of Edinburgh’s publishing heritage, and an initiative with ETAG to promote literary tourism.

Ali has played a key role in making introductions, bringing opportunities and showcasing the work of writers, readers, booksellers, publishers, programmers and visitors to the benefit of Edinburgh’s literary scene.

After 18 years as Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature, Ali stood down from the role in September 2024.

Ali Bowden said: “There’s no doubt that Edinburgh has stolen my heart, and I’ve happily spent the last few decades banging the drum for this impressive, bookish, story-filled and ever-changing city.

“I am humbled, honoured and delighted – in equal measure – to be receiving the Edinburgh Award. I know it’s only possible because of all the kind souls I’ve worked with over the years, on projects big and small, locally and internationally.

“All of them equally inspired by Edinburgh, this amazing, and first, City of Literature. Thank you all for doing a bit of hard work when I asked!

Sir Geoff Palmer OBE KT

With a heavy heart, we share the sad news of the passing of our dear honorary patron and ELREC’s longest serving member, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, OBE KT.

A man of immense wisdom, dignity, and unwavering integrity, Sir Geoff’s life was a powerful testament to resilience, courage and a commitment to justice.

His contributions to science, education, and the ongoing fight for racial equality have left an indelible mark on the world.

Beyond his remarkable achievements, Sir Geoff will be remembered for his humility, kindness, and the way he inspired generations to think critically and act compassionately. His voice was one of clarity in challenging times, and his legacy will continue to guide and uplift us.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace, and may we honor his memory by continuing the work he so passionately championed.

Gone, but will never be forgotten

ELREC (Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council)

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of Sir Geoff Palmer’s passing. A tireless advocate for equality and a pioneering academic, Sir Geoff was a true inspiration and will leave a lasting impression on Edinburgh.

“In 2022 I was honoured to present Sir Geoff with the Edinburgh Award in recognition of his academic achievements and his passionate defence of human rights and justice in the city and beyond.

His handprints remain immortalised alongside those of other Edinburgh Award recipients and will give passers-by pause to reflect on the huge impact he had here.

“In chairing the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Sir Geoff made a vital contribution to recognising and profiling the Capital’s links with Slavery and Colonialism in the public realm.

“I know Sir Geoff’s legacy in academia and activism will live on for years to come, inspiring future generations. He will be dearly missed – my thoughts are with his friends, family and all those who knew him.”

Nominations open for the 2022 Edinburgh Award

The Capital is once again searching for a worthy recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award, with nominations for the 2022 award now open.

Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has celebrated individuals who have made a truly unique contribution to the city and brought our Capital to national and international attention.

Previous recipients include bestselling authors, ground-breaking scientists and exemplary sportspeople. The recipient of the last award in 2021 was Fergus Linehan, for his contribution to the arts and Edinburgh’s cultural heritage as Director of the Edinburgh International Festival.

The Edinburgh Award allows its citizens to recognise those individuals who have made a real and lasting impact on the city.

Edinburgh has three weeks to submit nominations for the 2022 award, before a recipient is selected by a panel chaired by the Lord Provost.

Calling on individuals and businesses to nominate someone for the Award, the Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge said: “Edinburgh continues to be a leading light in many fields, both nationally and internationally, and this is down to the character and achievement of our citizens.

“The Edinburgh Award represents an opportunity to celebrate the people who make Edinburgh the fantastic city we see today. By nominating someone you can help us showcase these people and give them the recognition and praise they deserve.

“The past two years has been one of the most difficult and unprecedented periods in the history of our great city, yet I am inspired by the ways in which the citizens of Edinburgh have calmly persevered and cared for one another. This speaks to the very heart of our Capital city and is a source of huge personal pride. If this reminds you of someone, I urge you to put forward a nomination.

“Now in our 16th year of the Edinburgh Award, we need the help of our communities, citizens and businesses to come together and find a worthy recipient.”

Nominations close at 12 noon on 15 August 2022.

Edinburgh Award recipients

2021 Fergus Linehan
2020 Alexander McCall Smith
2019 Ann Budge
2018 Doddie Weir
2017 Sir Timothy O’Shea
2016 Ken Buchanan MBE
2015 Sir Tom Farmer
2014 Thomas Gilzean
2013 Richard Demarco
2012 Dame Elizabeth Blackadder
2011 Professor Peter Higgs
2010 George Kerr CBE
2009 Sir Chris Hoy MBE
2008 JK Rowling OBE
2007 Ian Rankin OBE

Nominations are now open for Edinburgh Award

The search has begun for the next recipient of the Edinburgh Award as nominations are now open.

Established in 2007, the Edinburgh Award is a way for the Capital’s citizens to pay a lasting tribute to outstanding individuals who have made a positive impact on the city and gained national and international recognition for Edinburgh.

Recent recipients include philanthropists Sir Tom Farmer and Tom Gilzean and rugby legend Doddie Weir – each of whom has a cast of their handprints imprinted in flagstones in front of the City Chambers.

2020’s recipient – world-famous city author Alexander McCall – became the 14th person to receive the Edinburgh Award, in recognition and celebration of his bestselling writing and legal career, and academic work.

Communities, businesses and individuals across Edinburgh have three weeks to cast nominations for the 2021 award, before a recipient is selected by a panel chaired by the Lord Provost.

Urging citizens and businesses to nominate someone for the Award, the Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “Edinburgh may be a small city, but it is well known for punching well above its weight on the world stage thanks to the talents and achievements of our fellow citizens.

“The Edinburgh Award is your chance to celebrate those people who make Edinburgh such an inspiring place. Please help us celebrate the people of Edinburgh’s achievements by proposing a nominee.

“We continue to see outstanding commitment and care demonstrated by the people of Edinburgh. Throughout the pandemic there has been a huge community effort made by individuals and organisations to tackle the impacts of coronavirus. People continue to go above and beyond to help their fellow citizens and to help the city recover. I’m hoping to see many recognised in this year’s nominations.

“The Edinburgh Award has been presented to many truly outstanding recipients over the years, most recently Alexander McCall Smith. Nominees can come from all walks of life from culture and sport to literature and philanthropy. We need everyone’s help to tell us – who should be next? Who deserves to follow in their footsteps to become the 15th recipient?”

Nominations can be made online and must be received no later than noon on Friday 29 October 2021.

The winner will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup at a ceremony hosted by the Lord Provost and will have their hand prints reproduced on a flagstone in the City Chambers quadrangle.

‘Immensely honoured’ Alexander McCall Smith receives Edinburgh Award

Internationally-acclaimed Edinburgh author Alexander McCall Smith CBE was presented with the prestigious Edinburgh Award 2020 in a ceremony at the City Chambers last night [Tues 28 September].

The coveted annual award honours an outstanding individual who has made a positive impact on the city and gained national and international recognition for Edinburgh.

Surrounded by family, friends and invited guests, Mr McCall Smith received an engraved Loving Cup from Lord Provost Frank Ross and was was reunited with a set of his handprints preserved in stone in the City Chambers quadrangle.

The Edinburgh Award, first presented to fellow city author Ian Rankin in 2007, celebrates Mr McCall Smith’s bestselling writing, legal career and academic work.

Emeritus Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh, Mr McCall Smith became a hugely successful novelist through his The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, The Sunday Philosophy Club and 44 Scotland Street book series, the latter of which is set in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.

He is now one of the world’s best-loved writers for both adults and children and his books are published in 47 languages.

Mr McCall Smith is the 14th person to receive the award, succeeding Ann Budge (2019) and fellow writers Ian Rankin OBE (2007) and JK Rowling OBE (2008), as well as fellow academics Professor Peter Higgs (2011) and Sir Timothy O’Shea (2017).

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “It’s an honour and a pleasure to present one of the Capital’s most prestigious accolades, the Edinburgh Award, to Alexander McCall Smith.

“His bestselling novels continue to draw positive, worldwide attention to the city and I’m delighted that fans of his work can now enjoy seeing his handprints immortalised in stone on our very own Edinburgh Award ‘walk of fame’.

Alexander McCall Smith said: “I am immensely honoured by this award and by the kindness of the city in conferring it on me.

“I have spent my entire adult life in this city and would not wish to live elsewhere. It is a wonderful city in every respect and I am so proud to be one of its citizens.”

As part of the Edinburgh Award ceremony, Alan Spence, the Edinburgh Makar, read a specially commissioned work celebrating Alexander McCall Smith.

Alexander McCall Smith gets set for Edinburgh Award

Alexander McCall Smith CBE has been getting ready to receive the prestigious Edinburgh Award 2020.

Impressions of the internationally-admired author’s hands have been cast in clay, pictured, by Leigh Bradley of the Colin Braid Stone Workshop, ready to be carved into stone.

The handprints will be gilded and laid outside the City Chambers next to the prints of previous Edinburgh Award recipients including Doddie Weir, Ann Budge, Sir Chris Hoy, JK Rowling and Elizabeth Blackadder.

Writing four or five new books every year Mr McCall Smith’s career continues to go from strength to strength. The Edinburgh Award will go some way towards recognising his celebrated and thriving writing career, through which he often shares his love of Scotland’s capital city.

Alexander’s name will be inscribed onto the Edinburgh Award honour panel in the City Chambers and he will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup by the Lord Provost at a ceremony when restrictions around the ongoing pandemic allow.

Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “In many ways, a lasting tribute to Alexander McCall Smith in one of the Capital of Scotland’s Streets is long overdue.

“A true advocate of Edinburgh through his writing, it seems right to me that those famous hands will be immortalised in stone and given pride of place along our very own Edinburgh Award ‘walk of fame’.”

Alexander McCall Smith said: “I am deeply honoured to have been given this award by the city that means so much to me. Beyond that, all that I can say is thank you.”

Alexander McCall Smith to receive 2020 Edinburgh Award

Internationally-admired Edinburgh-based author Alexander McCall Smith CBE has been chosen as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Edinburgh Award.

In recognition of his writing success, legal career and work within academia, Mr McCall Smith will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and have his handprints set in stone at the City Chambers as soon as it can be arranged within the ongoing pandemic restrictions.

Emeritus Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh, Mr McCall Smith became a hugely successful novelist through his The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, The Sunday Philosophy Club and 44 Scotland Street book series, the latter of which is set in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.

He is now one of the world’s best-loved writers for both adults and children and his 2books are published in 47 languages.

He will become the 14th person to receive the Edinburgh Award, following in the footsteps of last year’s recipient Ann Budge (2019) and fellow writers Ian Rankin OBE (2007) and JK Rowling OBE (2008), as well as fellow academics Professor Peter Higgs (2011) and Sir Timothy O’Shea (2017).

Writing four or five new books every year Mr McCall Smith’s career continues to go from strength to strength. The Edinburgh Award will go some way towards recognising Alexander’s celebrated and thriving writing career, through which he often shares his love of Scotland’s capital city.

Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “Through his wonderfully charming and engaging writing Alexander McCall Smith has done much to promote Edinburgh across the world. It therefore gives me great pleasure to announce him as the recipient of the 2020 Edinburgh Award.

“The Edinburgh Award enables citizens to pay a lasting tribute to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to our great city, and Mr McCall Smith has done exactly that through his truly impressive bibliography.

“He has written and contributed to more than 100 books including specialist academic titles, short story collections, and a number of immensely popular children’s books, becoming one of the best-loved authors in the world. He is a true advocate for Edinburgh through his writing and legal career and is a highly deserving recipient of one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious awards.”

Alexander McCall Smith CBE said: “I am immensely honoured by this award. The people who really deserve it, though, are those who have helped me in my work: the publishers, editors, and bookshop staff who help get the printed word out about this wonderful city.”

Nominations for the Edinburgh Award are invited annually from Edinburgh citizens and the awarding decision is taken by a judging panel chaired by the Lord Provost, with representatives from all political groups on the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

First launched in 2007, the Award is a way for Edinburgh residents to pay a lasting tribute to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Capital through their achievements.

‘An Inspiration’: Ann Budge receives Edinburgh Award

Heart of Midlothian owner Ann Budge became the 13th recipient of the #EdinburghAward at a City Chambers reception hosted by the Lord Provost earlier this week.

Ann was joined by around sixty friends, colleagues and family at the celebration and guests also included previous recipients including Sir Tom Farmer and Ian Rankin OBE, who was the first recipient in 2007. Continue reading ‘An Inspiration’: Ann Budge receives Edinburgh Award

Hand on Heart: Ann gets set for Edinburgh Award

Heart of Midlothian owner Ann Budge has been preparing to receive the esteemed Edinburgh Award 2019:

The hand prints will be gilded and laid outside the City Chambers next to the prints of previous Edinburgh Award recipients and unveiled by the Lord Provost at a special ceremony in December.

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “If feels apt that Ann’s hand prints will be laid so close to the Heart of Midlothian when they are immortalised in stone along our own ‘walk of fame’.

“As an inspiring business woman, entrepreneur, philanthropist and community champion, she really is a role model. The Edinburgh Award 2019 will be the ideal way for our city to recognise all that she has achieved.”

The West Pilton-born entrepreneur was the first woman appointed to the senior management grade in brewing company Scottish & Newcastle, before co-founding Newell & Budge, a bespoke software and IT company, headquartered here in Edinburgh.

Amongst many academic and business recognition awards, Ann was listed as a role model by the Women’s Engineering Society and inducted into the Entrepreneurial Exchange Hall of Fame in November 2013.

Ann bought Heart of Midlothian Football Club out of administration in 2014 and within five years has successfully transformed Tynecastle into an exemplar family and community-friendly stadium, doubling revenue and building a solid and sustainable future for the business in the process.