Role of the Provost
A guide to what the Provost does, both within the council and at a civic and community level.
Scope of the Provost’s role
The Provost is Stirling Council's civic leader and represents the council and local communities at ceremonial and other events throughout the year. The Provost helps promote Stirling and the surrounding area locally, nationally and internationally.
The Provost also chairs meetings of the full council, ensuring that:
- they are conducted properly
- all councillors are treated equally and given the same opportunity to speak
For this reason, the Provost's role is apolitical.
The role of the Provost is wide-ranging, and includes:
- specific duties that relate to council business
- broader responsibilities around representing and promoting the council and Stirling as an area
The Provost is supported by:
- the Depute Convener
- the Bailies
Roles relating to council business
Under section 4 of the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994, the Provost is the official convener of Stirling Council.
This means that the Provost is responsible for chairing meetings of the full council, and ensuring that:
- they’re conducted properly
- all councillors are treated equally and given the same opportunity to speak
For this reason, the Provost's role is apolitical.
The Provost is also the convener of the Civic Panel.
Civic roles
The Provost is Stirling Council's civic leader, and represents the council and local communities at events throughout the year. This includes ceremonial events like the annual Remembrance Sunday service.
The Provost also:
- acts as the council’s spokesperson on civic issues
- oversees the council’s civic hospitality arrangements, liaising with council services where necessary
- attends citizenship ceremonies
- helps to select a charity of the year
If you want to ask the Provost to attend your event, you can submit a request using our civic hospitality and funding form.
Roles involving external bodies
The Provost is:
- the chair of the Patrons of Cowane’s Hospital
- a member of the University Court
- a trustee of Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
- a trustee of the Guardians of Scotland Trust
- a board member of the Odenwald Trust
Our current Depute Convener and Bailies
The Depute Convener is Councillor Neil Benny
The Bailies are: