Iconic comedy actress Elaine C Smith is set to be awarded the Freedom of the City as part of Glasgow's 850th birthday celebrations.
Lord Provost Councillor Jacqueline McLaren shall present the honour next year, in recognition of Elaine C Smith's remarkable contribution to the city. The move is expected to be approved at a meeting of full council next week, Thursday 31 October 2024.
Freedom of the City is the highest honour a city can award. Made to 'persons of distinction or persons who have rendered eminent service to the city.'
Glaswegian Elaine C Smith said: "I cannot tell you how thrilled and truly moved I am. To be awarded the Freedom of the City of Glasgow during its 850th birthday celebrations make it even more special.
"I have been fortunate to have been put forward for a few honours in my life, but none would fill my heart or mean more, than being awarded the Freedom of this city - my home and the place I love. I cannot thank Glasgow City Council enough for even considering me for this honour."
The Lord Provost said: "I'm delighted Elaine C Smith intends to accept Glasgow's highest honour - The Freedom of the City. A much-loved comedy actress who demonstrates perfectly Glaswegian sensibilities of fun underpinned by straight talking. I'm excited at the prospect of presenting this award to Elaine and acknowledging her stellar achievements entertaining the nation."
A stalwart of stage and screen, Elaine C Smith trained at the former Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Her celebrated character roles include Mary Doll in Rab C Nesbitt, Irene in City Lights and more recently, Christine in Two Doors Down for which she received a BAFTA Scotland Award. She also won a Royal Television Society Award for her series Burds Eye View which toured Scotland
Theatre roles saw Elaine C Smith cast in classics like The Steamie, as part of the original London cast of Calendar Girls as well as the Child Catcher in the national tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. As well as playing singing phenomenon Susan Boyle in the musical Elaine C Smith co-wrote, I Dreamed a Dream.
A firm pantomime favourite, Elaine C Smith performed for years alongside the late, great Gerard Kelly - her co-star from City Lights. Putting the Kings Theatre firmly on the pantomime map - nominated several times and finally winning the title Best UK Panto. Elaine C Smith also received the accolade 'Best Fairy' at the UK Pantomime Awards.
The comedy icon has also written two books, raised thousands of pounds for charity and is a keen activist and volunteer in her Mount Vernon Community.
She joins an elite club of Freemen including fellow comedian Sir Billy Conolly, the late Nelson Mandela, Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Throughout 2025 the city will be celebrating it's 850th anniversary milestone with a curated programme of activities and events. Central to the programme are a series of commissioned 'signature' activities. Including a three- day music event, a People's Palace pop-up exhibition and a Taste the Place food trail.
All of Glasgow City Council's 23 wards will host special celebration activities. Acknowledging what makes the city unique and exploring how we see our future. It will also present a perfect opportunity to share stories about the city we love and the place we're proud to call home.
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