Edinburgh Council backs Olympic parade plan

AN emergency motion calling for an Olympic homecoming bus parade to be held in the Capital has been unanimously backed by councillors.
Triple Gold medallist Chris Hoy, along with other Scottish medal winners from the Beijing Olympics had a reception held in their honour at Edinburgh Castle followed by a bus-top parade down the Royal Mile. 27th August 2008. Picture by JANE BARLOWTriple Gold medallist Chris Hoy, along with other Scottish medal winners from the Beijing Olympics had a reception held in their honour at Edinburgh Castle followed by a bus-top parade down the Royal Mile. 27th August 2008. Picture by JANE BARLOW
Triple Gold medallist Chris Hoy, along with other Scottish medal winners from the Beijing Olympics had a reception held in their honour at Edinburgh Castle followed by a bus-top parade down the Royal Mile. 27th August 2008. Picture by JANE BARLOW

The motion was moved by Lord Provost Donald Wilson and seconded by Councillor Richard Lewis, the city’s culture and sport leader.

It was supported during a full council meeting this morning.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sportscotland last week unveiled plans for a homecoming celebration to be held next month at Oriam, the country’s new sports performance centre, which is located at Heriot-Watt University.

But the proposal sparked an outcry after it emerged the event would be held in the centre’s 400-capacity main hall, meaning most members of the public will not be able to attend.

A bus parade would echo similar events held in the Capital following the 2008 and 2012 Games, which featured sports stars such as gold medal-winning cyclist Chris Hoy.

The Lord Provost’s motion read: “This Council agrees to congratulate all athletes of Team GB - in particular those with links to Scotland and to this city - on an outstanding, historic performance at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The City also wishes the best of luck to the Team GB Paralympian athletes still to compete.

“This Council welcomes the news of Sportscotland’s fitting celebrations for those athletes from all over Scotland.

“We ask Sportscotland to consider working with the Council to extend these homecoming celebrations to include a public show of appreciation in the streets of the capital city, for example an open top bus parade, in addition to their planned celebrations at Oriam.”