Edinburgh Award 2026 Nominations Open: 20 Years Edinburgh 2026

Key Points

• Nominations for the Edinburgh Award 2026 opened on Monday, 9 March 2026, marking the 20th year of the prestigious honour.​
• The award recognises exceptional individuals whose achievements bring distinction to Edinburgh and shape its future as a global capital of ideas, culture, innovation, and compassion.​
• Nominations close at 12 noon on Friday, 10 April 2026, giving the public four weeks to submit entries.
• The recipient is selected by the Civic Awards Committee, chaired by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge.
• Past winners include Ali Bowden (2025), Mel Young MBE (2024), Nicola Benedetti CBE (2023), and earlier recipients such as JK Rowling OBE (2008) and Sir Chris Hoy MBE (2009).
• Winners receive an engraved Loving Cup, an official certificate, and have their handprints cast into the flagstones outside the City Chambers.
• Lord Provost Robert Aldridge urged everyone to nominate inspiring individuals who make Edinburgh stronger, fairer, and more innovative.
• The award, launched in 2007, celebrates contributions from artists, scientists, sports figures, and social changemakers.

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) March 9, 2026 – Nominations are now open for the 2026 Edinburgh Award, entering its milestone 20th year as the city seeks a standout individual whose contributions have elevated Edinburgh’s global standing. This coveted honour, administered by the City of Edinburgh Council, invites public submissions to identify those whose work embodies civic pride and innovation.

What Is the Edinburgh Award?

The Edinburgh Award was established in 2007 to honour individuals who have made remarkable, lasting contributions to the city, placing it firmly on the national and international map. As reported in The NEN, the award continues to recognise exceptional people whose achievements bring distinction to Edinburgh and help shape its future as a global capital of ideas, culture, innovation, and compassion.

Recipients’ handprints are permanently cast into the flagstones outside the City Chambers, creating a lasting tribute in the heart of the capital. According to the City of Edinburgh Council’s website, winners also receive an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and an official award certificate.

The selection process involves public nominations reviewed by the Civic Awards Committee, ensuring community involvement in celebrating local heroes.

When Do Nominations Open and Close for Edinburgh Award 2026?

Nominations opened today, Monday 9 March 2026, as announced across multiple outlets including The NEN and the City of Edinburgh Council. They will close precisely at 12 noon on Friday, 10 April 2026, providing four weeks for submissions.

This timeline mirrors previous years, such as the 2025 award where nominations ran from 14 April to 16 May. Residents and businesses are encouraged to visit the official website to submit nominations during this window.

Who Was the Edinburgh Award 2025 Winner?

In 2025, the Edinburgh Award was presented to Ali Bowden, the first Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature. As detailed by Publishing Scotland, Ali Bowden created diverse projects and programmes to enhance Edinburgh’s literary scene and connected the city with global literary hubs.

Alongside family and friends, she received an engraved Loving Cup from Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, an official certificate, and her handprints were unveiled in the City Chambers quadrangle. The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Civic Award Committee, Robert Aldridge stated:

“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.”

Who Won the Edinburgh Award in Previous Years?

The award has a rich history of honourees. In 2024, Mel Young MBE, co-founder of the Homeless World Cup and the Big Issue in Scotland, received the accolade for transforming lives across 70 countries. Mel Young remarked:

“I would like to share this Award with the fabulous people who have made all these initiatives and especially the Homeless World Cup possible.”

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Edinburgh Award Panel, Robert Aldridge praised his contributions.

Earlier winners, as listed on the City of Edinburgh Council’s public honours page, include Nicola Benedetti CBE (2023), Sir Geoff Palmer (2022), Fergus Linehan (2021), Alexander McCall Smith (2020), Ann Budge (2019), Doddie Weir (2018), Sir Timothy O’Shea (2017), and Ken Buchanan MBE (2016).​

From Wikimedia Commons and other sources, inaugural winners feature Ian Rankin OBE (2007), JK Rowling OBE (2008), Sir Chris Hoy MBE (2009), George Kerr CBE (2010), Professor Peter Higgs (2011), and Dame Elizabeth Blackadder (2012). These diverse figures span literature, sport, science, and arts, underscoring the award’s broad remit.

How Does the Selection Process Work?

Nominations are open to the public, with the Civic Awards Committee, chaired by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, making the final choice. Edinburgh has four weeks to nominate before the committee deliberates, as noted in both The NEN and council announcements.

The process emphasises community spirit, with recipients embodying excellence that inspires others. Past selections, like Ali Bowden’s in 2025, highlight the committee’s focus on impactful legacies.

What Does Lord Provost Robert Aldridge Say About the Award?

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, has urged individuals and businesses to nominate worthy candidates. As reported by The NEN, he stated:

“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.”

He continued:

“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.”

In previous years, Aldridge echoed similar sentiments, such as praising Mel Young’s 2024 win for its global impact.​

Why Is the 20th Edinburgh Award a Milestone?

2026 marks 20 years since the award’s inception in 2007, celebrating two decades of civic pride. This anniversary invites reflection on honourees who have shaped Edinburgh’s identity, from JK Rowling’s literary phenomenon to modern changemakers like Ali Bowden.

The milestone underscores the award’s enduring role in fostering community recognition amid Edinburgh’s evolution as a hub of culture and innovation.

Who Can Be Nominated for the Edinburgh Award?

Anyone whose achievements have brought distinction to Edinburgh qualifies, including locals, residents, or those with significant ties to the city. Categories span arts, science, sport, and social good, as evidenced by past winners like Sir Chris Hoy and Professor Peter Higgs.

Nominations should highlight lasting legacies, with the committee seeking those who enhance Edinburgh’s global reputation.

Where Can You Submit Nominations?

Submissions are handled via the City of Edinburgh Council’s official website. As stated in both The NEN and council press releases:

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

Detailed guidance on criteria and process is available there, ensuring straightforward public participation.​

What Makes Edinburgh Award Recipients Special?

Each recipient leaves an indelible mark, symbolised by handprints at City Chambers. From Ian Rankin’s crime fiction to Nicola Benedetti’s violin mastery, they exemplify excellence that resonates worldwide.

As the 20th edition unfolds, the award reaffirms Edinburgh’s commitment to honouring those who drive its progress.​