East Lothian takes part in Olympic flag raising ceremony East Lothian was among 400 Council areas across the UK who held a flag raising ceremony last Sunday to celebrate the moment when London became the official Olympic and Paralympic Games Host City.

Provost Sheena Richardson was joined by former Olympic hammer thrower and Gladiators star, Shirley Webb and athletes from our Performance Athletes in School programme to help raise the Flag.

Although the 2012 Olympics are happening in London, there is strong support for them across the country, as demonstrated by the large number of Councils who arranged parties and flag-raising events to mark the start of an exciting four years. East Lothian is no exception.

“We raise the flag today with great pride and great optimism for a successful Olympics in 2012,” said Councillor Richardson, “and for a great sporting future for East Lothian, for Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole.”

Pictured are Shirley Webb (aka Battleaxe), former Olympic hammer thrower and star of Gladiators TV show, and athletes from the Performance Athletes in School programme.

Also in attendance were Provost Richardson and Councillors John McNeil, Peter McKenzie, Jim Gillies and Kenny McLeod.