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 exemplary musicians, bestselling authors, ground-breaking scientists, human rights activists, and high-level sportspeople.

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

The recipient of the last Award in 2023 was Nicola Benedetti, which recognised her contribution to Edinburgh as a world-renowned musician and her stewardship of the Edinburgh International Festival since October 2022. Benedetti was presented with an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and had her handprints set in stone at the City Chambers quadrangle.

Edinburgh has five weeks to cast nominations for the 2024 award, before a recipient is selected by a panel chaired by the Lord Provost.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge has urged individuals and businesses to nominate someone for the Award:

“I’d like to begin by paying tribute to Professor Peter Higgs who sadly passed away last week. Professor Higgs received the Edinburgh Award in 2011 and the Freedom of the City in 2014 for his indelible contribution to science. He lived and worked in the Capital for over sixty years and as Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Edinburgh his pioneering work helped shape our fundamental understanding of the universe.

“Edinburgh has been a global force in many different fields for over two centuries, and this is down to the character, achievement, and excellence of our citizens. The Edinburgh Award represents an opportunity to celebrate an individual who makes Edinburgh the inspiring city we see today. By nominating someone you can help us give them the recognition and praise they deserve.

“As Lord Provost I’m inspired by the ways in which the citizens of Edinburgh calmly persevere and look out for one another, and this speaks to the very heart of our city.

“Edinburgh, its reputation, and its enduring global appeal is down to its people. Now in its 18^th edition, the Edinburgh Award, needs the help of our communities, citizens, and businesses to come together and find a worthy recipient. I’d urge anyone who has an idea in mind to nominate an individual before the window closes next month.”

Nominations open today (April 15) and close at 12 noon on Friday May 24, 2024.

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