Nominations open for Edinburgh Award 2026 as council launch search for winner in 20th anniversary year
Residents are being asked to nominate the person they believe has made the biggest impact on the city in the past 12 months as nominations open for the Edinburgh Award 2026.
Launched in 2007, the Edinburgh Award is handed out annually to individuals who have helped to shape Edinburgh and go above and beyond to raise the profile of the city.
Previous recipients of the award include Ian Rankin, JK Rowling, Sir Chris Hoy, and Doddie Weir.
Last year’s award went to Ali Bowden, the first Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature. Through her work, Ms Bowden delivered a number of programmes and projects to connect Edinburgh with other literary cities across the world as well as enhancing the city’s reputation for its literature.
Speaking about the upcoming 20th edition of the award, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “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.”
He added: “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 are open now and will close at 12pm on Friday, April 10. You can submit your nomination via the City of Edinburgh Council website.
To be eligible to receive the Edinburgh Award, nominees must have been born in Edinburgh, lived in the city for the past 12 months, or has a significant association with the city. They must also not have previously been awarded The Freedom of the City, any previous Edinburgh Award, and they cannot be a serving politician.
The winner will be chosen by the Civic Awards Committee after nominations close.
The recipient will receive an engraved Loving Cup during a ceremony hosted by the Lord Provost and their handprints will be reproduced on a flagstone in the City Chambers. quadrangle.