Glasgow honour for Connolly

Billy Connolly is set to receive the Freedom of the City in his home town of Glasgow.

The city’s Lord Provost, Bob Winter, has proposed that the 67-year-old comedian be honoured for his contribution to comedy, film, music and charity.

Winter said: ‘Billy Connolly is arguably the world’s best known Glaswegian and is truly deserving on the Freedom the City. He has been a great ambassador for the city.’

Citing his work with Comic Relief and local charities such as the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, Winter added that Connolly has ‘shown the world the unique humour, generosity and resilience of Glaswegians’.

His recommendation has been submitted to the city council, which is expected to approve the proposal on June 24.

The Freedom of the City can be given to ‘persons of distinction or persons who have rendered eminent service to the city’. Previous recipients of the accolade include Sir Alex Ferguson, Nelson Mandela and The Duke of Edinburgh.

Published: 2 Jun 2010