Syrian Refugee Crisis

Just got my appeal through the post from Mercy Corps. Sent off my donation. I also sent something off to Edinburgh direct Aid as they do good work in the Lebanon with Syrian refugees. Their work in Arsal 12 miles from the Syrian border is outstanding. They are small scale but have a huge impact on a large number of people.  

The Royal Company of Archers Shoot for the Edinburgh Arrow.

The The Royal Company of Archers Shoot for the Edinburgh Arrow. This shoot goes back at least to 1709 when the Town Council presented the Edinburgh (Silver) Arrow to the Royal Company of Archers. It is recorded however that the first silver arrow was shot for in 1665 so the competition had been around for a lot longer. The event is a colourful and historic one. After the shoot the Lord Provost presents the arrow to the winner who puts it in his belt. After this there is a ceremonial procession to the Archers Hall in Buccleuch Street where a salute is taken. I remember this event from my childhood in Selkirk so it has a special meaning for me. It was always a big day in the town with large crowds turning out to see the spectacle.

It always strikes me that lots of people would enjoy this event and many like it in Edinburgh if only they knew it was on!

Civic Calendar

I'm trying something new here. For some time I have thought that what we need is a calendar of civic events that citizens can attend or may be interested in knowing was on. Many events, particularly ceremonial are popular with visitors and passers by who happen to be there but would be liked by citizens if they knew they were happening. It is only a selection of things I have in my own diary so it is not intended to be comprehensive. Rather it is some of the things I have coming up that you may be interested in. Also this isn't a Council site so it is all my own work and will depend on me getting time to put things in (which may not be that often).  

Running ...and running ...and running.

Only 51 days to go now to the London Marathon. Yes that's what I said .. the London Marathon. If I can perform a literally miraculous feat of running (slowly) for 26 miles (!) then the least you can all do is donate something you can afford. Remember it’s for Edinburgh!
I ran 16 miles last Friday so it was good to start really getting the distance up. I reckon I need to add about 2k to that per week now though.
Two good charities. Go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LordProvost to see what I'm raising money for. Special thanks to virgin Money for putting me in.

Still Running!

What have I done ! I've registered for the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon. I should say Virgin Money have registered me for it.  Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and your donations will be quickly processed and passed to the One City Trust (the Lord Provost's charity) and then to my Lord Provost's Rapid Action Fund. The aim of this fund is to give grants to small to medium sized groups and organisations which find it hard to apply for the big grants. The aim is to fight inequalities in the City and narrow the gap between the haves and the have nots.
Half the money raised will also be given to the Jamie Skinner Appeal which is raising money for defibrillators and training in their use in Edinburgh.  
Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf where the donor is eligible for this.
I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.
Kind regards
Donald Wilson
Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh
Click here to sponsor my run.