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Billy Connolly received the Freedom of the City at a ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers on Friday, 20 August.
It was witnessed by the Lord Provost, who proposed the honour, and current Freemen Jim Watt and Lord Macfarlane, who were guests at the top table alongside Billy, Pamela Stephenson his wife and their daughter Scarlett.
The Freedom of the City was given in recognition of the distinction Billy has brought to the city through his “outstanding contributions in comedy and drama; on consideration of his many charitable works and in recognition of his pride in being a Glaswegian”.
Bob Winter, the Lord Provost, said: “Billy Connolly is arguably the world’s best known Glaswegian and is truly deserving of the Freedom of the City.”
He added: “Billy has been a great ambassador for the city. The ‘Big Yin’, as he is affectionately known, has moved seamlessly from folk music, to comedy and acting.
“But above all Billy Connolly has presented himself as a proud citizen of the City of Glasgow. In doing so he has shown the world the unique humour, generosity and resilience of Glaswegians.”
At a press conference, Billy said: “This has taken my breath away. I am completely blown away. I am thrilled and I can’t really put into words how I feel about it.
“Apparently, I have to defend Glasgow if called to, which I am perfectly prepared to do and which I have done on many, many occasions in the past.
“But if I commit a crime and am flung in jail, I am entitled to a cell of my own, which I would like more than anything in the world!”
At the evening ceremony, congratulatory messages were read out from Freemen who were unable to attend, including the former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
The Freedom of the City of Glasgow is an honour Glasgow City Council is statutorily entitled to award to “persons of distinction or persons who have rendered eminent service to the city”.
Those who currently hold the Freedom of the City include:
- Jim Watt, world championship boxer
- Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa
- Kenny Dalglish
- Sir Alex Ferguson
- Lord MacFarlane of Bearsden
- Aung San Suu Kyi, Leader of the National League for Democracy in Burma
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