Veteran fundraiser Tom Gilzean gets Edinburgh Award
WAR veteran and charity stalwart Tom Gilzean is set to become the eighth recipient of the prestigious Edinburgh Award – with a symbol of his devotion to the Capital now being set in stone.
Mr Gilzean, 94, had a cast of his hand prints taken yesterday by Edinburgh stonemason Nic Boyes, which will then be carved and gilded onto a flagstone outside City Chambers, to sit alongside previous winners including Ian Rankin and Sir Chris Hoy.
And an official ceremony will take place on March 17 to present the veteran – who has raised more than £100,000 for local causes through his fundraising efforts – with his award certificate and an engraved Loving Cup.
With his trademark tartan trousers and collection tin, Mr Gilzean has been a familiar site to residents of the Capital for the last 80 years.
Lord Provost Donald Wilson said Mr Gilzean was “inspiring” and “selfless”.