History
The mediaeval burgh of Glasgow was administered on behalf of the bishops of Glasgow by two or three officials known as ‘Bailies’ or ‘Provosts’. The office of ‘Provost’ as a single chief magistrate was not created until the early 1450s. The names of the former Provosts of Glasgow is available from this Web site.
Current
The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1994 instructs all Councils to elect a convener from the elected councillors. In Glasgow, this is the Lord Provost, whose term of office is presently 3 years (ie. the life of the Council.) The title comes with the prefix The Rt. Hon., so the first citizen becomes known as The Rt. Hon. The Lord Provost of Glasgow, whether they are male or female. A female spouse is called the Lady Provost, but there is no title for a male spouse.
The main function of the Lord Provost is to chair meetings of the City Council and to represent the council on civic and ceremonial occasions, receiving Heads of State and their Ambassadors on visits to Glasgow. The Lord Provost is also ex-officio the Lord-Lieutenant of Glasgow, and acts as the Queen’s representative in the city.
Bailie is an honorary title given to a senior Councillor. At present there are 17 Bailies, who can deputise for the Lord Provost.
Information on the current office bearers is available from this website.
The second and third citizens of Glasgow are the Lord Dean of Guild and the Deacon Convener, who are appointed by the Merchants House and Trades House respectively, and also attend civic and ceremonial occasions.
Further information on the duties of the Lord Provost and the Lord Provost Secretariat are available from this Web site.