A link in the chain
Mary Black plays an important role in the Lord Provost’s office
MARY BLACK IS the only female city officer in a team of three full time and five part time officers, and says it is a “shame that more women don’t apply” for a position when there is a vacancy, as there is “no reason why a woman can’t do this job”.
A commanding presence, the ability to speak in public and a degree of self-confidence are definite requirements for the role.
Mary’s own qualifications for the job are outstanding. As a former bus driver and the holder of an HGV licence, driving the Lord Provost in his official car comes easily to her. She is also someone who can step forward and take the microphone when the occasion demands it, announcing the Lord Provost to a waiting and sometimes loud audience.
The city officers look after the Lord Provost and his diary as part of a larger team, but on the day it entails taking him - usually driving him - to any appointment and ensuring that he leaves in time for any ensuing appointment. And the most important part of the job is to look after the diamond encrusted chain of office which the Lord Provost wears.
VARIETY OF ROLES
Mary began working life in a bank, but quickly decided that office work was not for her. After her daughter was born her then husband encouraged her to respond to an advert to become a bus driver. The recruitment process begins with an assessment before driver training in a double decker. She passed with flying colours, and worked as a bus driver with Lothian Buses for five years.
With a detailed knowledge of the city she studied for her brief as a taxi driver. She also passed an HGV test to drive a coach for Lothian Motorcoaches, as these were geared rather than automatic vehicles.
Mary said: “Driving the city’s BMW is no problem at all, considering I’ve driven 40 foot trucks or 40 foot buses and smaller buses as well. I can drive mostly anything.”
During her term Mary worked with Lord Provost Lesley Hinds who was only the second woman to take up the role. Mary said: “It was really nice to work with a lady Lord Provost, although of course it has been nice to work with all the other Lord Provosts as well. I have to say I don’t get treated any differently from anyone else in this office.
“I have had some good teachers over the years, because you have to keep your wits about you. The streets are busy and you have to be careful how you put yourself in certain situations. Our main duty - if we are not driving - is to look after the chain. Wherever the chain goes, a city officer goes too. You have to look after your own personal security as well as the priceless - well historically priceless chain. It could never be replaced, so it is a massive responsibility.”
The three full time city officers help the Lord Provost with tasks such as logistical planning. It can take a while to get from one appointment to the other in Edinburgh and that has to be factored in to the civic diary. The officers also make sure he has everything with him that he might need for the appointment, including any written information, his speech and then ensure that he really does get there on time.
Part of the other duties that Mary undertakes is to record all the civic gifts either given or received by the Lord Provost, and to buy those he gives to others on official visits or occasions. The gifts received are on display at the City Chambers for visitors to see, placed in glass cases by City Officers with a note explaining what they are. The Lord Provost is the Convener of the Council and there is a ceremonial procession at the beginning of each meeting of all 63 councillors. City Officers lead the Lord Provost into the Chamber holding the mace and sword aloft. They then help to run proceedings such as the voting process by sounding the Division Bell and locking the Chamber door. Officers also control people in the public gallery - though Mary admitted she has yet to actually throw anyone out.