Give Tom Gilzean the keys to the city of Edinburgh

We people of the city of Edinburgh wish it to be known that it is high time for one of the capitals truly altruistic and unique individuals to be formally honoured in the manner appropriate. Tom Gilzean is well known by the towns citizens and the Evening News recently ran an article highlighting this very issue (sections of which are reproduced below)

"In his trademark tartan trews, prolific charity fundraiser Tom Gilzean has become a welcome and much loved part of the city’s landscape.

The city chiefs are facing mounting calls to honour the war veteran and recognise the amount of good he’s done by awarding him the Freedom of Edinburgh.

It’s easy to see why the still sprightly 93-year-old is the target of such warm affection.

He recently hit a £100,000 fundraising target for the Sick Kids hospital, after donating more than £20,000 to the cause this year alone through his well-known collections on the Royal Mile and Princes Street. The former serviceman, who saw action on the battlefields of Europe during the Second World War, has raised another £20,000 in the last 12 months – making sizable donations to help veterans, OAPs and disabled children.

The Scottish Government’s Veterans Minister, Keith Brown, Mr Gilzean’s local MSP, Jim Eadie, and ex-servicemen and women’s charity Poppyscotland today called on the city to consider handing the pensioner its highest honour.

And Mr Gilzean – who despite his age raises cash in all weathers – said that he would “love” to receive the freedom of his home city, saying it would not just be in recognition of his efforts, but of the people of the Capital who have supported him over the years.

The sentiment was echoed by Poppyscotland chief executive Ian McGregor. He said: “Tom is a remarkable chap who fought for his country and has since devoted his retirement to raising money for local charities. It is heartening to see the esteem in which Tom is held by the people of Edinburgh and giving him this honour could be a fitting way for the city to show its appreciation.” - Edinburgh Evening News

Please sign this petition and help this true Scottish gentleman get the formal recognition he deserves from the city he has done so much for over the years.