List of Provosts of Edinburgh


Lord Provost of Edinburgh is the convener of the City of Edinburgh local authority. They are elected by the city council and serve not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the entire city. They are also ex officio the Lord-Lieutenant of Edinburgh. They are equivalent in many ways to the institution of Mayor that exists in many other countries.
While some of Scotland's local authorities elect a Provost, only the four main cities have a Lord Provost. In Edinburgh this position dates from 1667, when Charles II elevated the Provost to the status of Lord Provost, with the same rank and precedence as the Lord Mayor of London. The title of Lord Provost is enshrined in the Local Government etc. Act 1994.

The Current Lord Provost

In total, there have been 256 Provosts and Lord Provosts.
The current Lord Provost is Frank Ross.

Past Provosts of Edinburgh

The first named individual overseeing Edinburgh was William de Dederyk, in 1296, who is described as an alderman. The second named alderman is John Wigmer in 1344. This is followed by William Guppeld, 1362–1369, and Sir Adam Forrester of Corstorphine in 1373.

14th century

The following decade includes a period with mention only of Baillies.

15th century

16th century

17th century

Lord Provosts of Edinburgh

18th century

19th century

20th century

21st century