Fun and frolics for new Freeman of Glasgow Billy Connolly

Published on Friday 20 August 2010 19:33

ACCORDING to his new illuminated scroll, Billy Connolly, as a Freeman of the City of Glasgow, need no longer associate with un-freemen, as the general public are so decreed.

• Billy Connolly with his Big Banana shoes, now on display at the Peoples Palace in Glasgow Green

As a crowd gathered to cheer his new honour, the comedian had clearly read the small print, striding in tartan trews up the red carpet laid outside Glasgow City Chambers he turned, waved then shouted: "Bugger off!"

The former shipyard welder, who as a comedian and actor transformed himself into what the Lord Provost called "the world's most famous Glaswegian" said yesterday he was delighted by the honour, which will now entitle him to graze sheep on Glasgow Green, fish the Clyde and, should he be imprisoned in the future, the comfort of his own cell. He may also hang his washing in George Square.

Before the official ceremony last night at a lavish banquet attended by hundreds of his family and closest friends, Mr Connolly attended a press conference where he said the honour had "taken his breath away".

He said: "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."

The honour was given in recognition of the distinction Mr Connolly 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".

At the ceremony, attended by Mr Connolly, 67, wife, Pamela, and daughter, Scarlett, Lord Provost Bob Winter said: "Billy Connolly is arguably the world's best known Glaswegian and is truly deserving of the Freedom of the City."

Mr Winter 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."

The comedian also paid a moving tribute to the city's celebrated poet Edwin Morgan, who died aged 90 this week. He said: "He had a full and long life Edwin Morgan. I met him in Edinburgh many years ago and I wasn't a fan until I read the Loch Ness Monster and I was staggered and bought some more stuff. The more modern and esoteric and strange he got the more I liked it. The world needs more Edwin Morgans, people who can take the language and swing it round their heads and don't care what you think."

However, when asked, he said he did not intend to return to Glasgow for the Papal visit in September, then added a comment about Pope Benedict XVI's Gucci slippers. In an allusion to victims of clerical child sex abuse, he said he would like to speak to the Pope. "I would like to have a word in his ear. There are a few things I would like to talk to him about. Those wee slippers were made for double-shuffling and there are a few people in his position I would like to ask a few questions on behalf of people who won't be there to represent themselves."

At the ceremony a number of tributes were made by previous recipients, including Nelson Mandela and Sir Alex Ferguson. The former president of South Africa, granted the award in 1981 while jailed, said: "I wish Mr Connolly my congratulations at the high honour being bestowed on him. Welcome to a very special club indeed!"

And the Manchester United manager said: "To be given such a prestigious award from your home town is an absolute privilege and I wish you an enjoyable and memorable day."

Former Celtic star Kenny Dalglish, who received the award in 1986, did, however point out that he was "still waiting to hang up my washing in George Square".

The Big Yin on . . .

Being made a Freeman

"I am completely blown away. I am thrilled"

His native city

"I have to defend Glasgow, which I'm prepared to do"

The late Scottish poet laureate

"The world needs more Edwin Morgans"

The privileges of being a Freeman

"I am entitled to a cell, which I'd like more than anything"