Billy Connolly to receive freedom of Glasgow

Published on Wednesday 2 June 2010 13:40

GLASGOW comic legend Billy Connolly is to receive the freedom of his home city.

• Billy Connolly

City councillors are expected to approve the move in a vote next month following a motion submitted by Lord Provost Bob Winter.

Connolly, who began his working life in the city's shipyards, was praised by the Lord Provost for the longevity of his career and his charity work.

A veteran stand-up, Connolly has appeared in numerous films and TV during his 30 year career.

He staged benefit concerts to help uninsured Glasgow residents during the east end floods in 2002 and raised money for a hospice with a charity cycle ride from Glasgow to London.

Mr Winter said: "Billy Connolly is arguably the world's best-known Glaswegian and is truly deserving of the Freedom of the City.

"A true Scottish and Glasgow great, as well as a Hollywood film star, he also works selflessly for charity, including Comic Relief.

"More recently, he has confronted difficult issues stemming from his personal background, such as childhood abuse and later alcoholism, with unflinching honesty.

"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."