The Lord Provost Donald Wilson today backed Hibernian to bring The Scottish Cup back to Edinburgh for a second successive season.
“On behalf of the city – or one half of it, at least – I would like wish Hibernian the very best of luck in the Scottish Cup Final on Sunday, he said.
“Pat Fenlon’s side have ended their league campaign in a rich vein of form, winning their final three games in some style. Let’s hope they can make it four in a row against Celtic at Hamdpen, lifting the Scottish Cup and ending their fans’ long wait for success in this historic competition.
“I’m sure the many thousands of Hibs fans heading west will do their team and their city proud on what will hopefully be another momentous day for the Capital. And, if the team do bring the trophy back to Leith, we can look forward to a second successive Scottish Cup victory parade through the streets of Edinburgh.
“Interestingly, Hibs’ last victory in the competition came a year after Hearts lifted the trophy. And, in another echo of the past, their opponents that day were Celtic. Here’s hoping that history repeats itself.”
If Hibs are victorious, the Lord Provost will welcome the team and backroom staff into the City Chambers on Monday evening for a celebratory reception.
The victory parade will follow, with the open-top bus departing from the High Street at 7.00pm, travelling down to Easter Road Stadium via North Bridge, Waterloo Place, Regent Road, Easter Road and Albion Road. It is expected to last around 45 minutes.
With a large turnout expected on Monday, drivers should plan their journeys and take account of any road closures in operation during the parade. Traffic management arrangements can be found on the council website.
The club are also planning a celebratory event at the stadium immediately following the parade. Gates will be open from 6.00–7.00pm so fans must choose between the two. Further details available from www.hibernianfc.co.uk
The Lord Provost added: “We are asking fans to plan ahead and to behave responsibly both on match day and during the celebrations that follow. Our officers have been working closely with the club and police to ensure that both run smoothly and safely and can be enjoyed by all.”
With the Edinburgh Marathon also taking place on Sunday, fans driving to Glasgow are reminded to leave the city via Ferry Road. Again, visit the council website for information on road closures.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
