Harry Potter author wins city award, hands down

Published on Saturday 28 June 2008 11:02

JK Rowling is to be honoured at one of the city's most prestigious civic awards ceremonies since Sean Connery was given freedom of the Capital in 1991.

The Harry Potter author will be presented with the new Edinburgh Award, for "outstanding achievements" which have brought honour to her home city.

Her handprints will also be immortalised in a Hollywood-style "walk of fame" in the quadrangle outside the city chambers.

The city council hopes the new award will strengthen Harry Potter's links to Edinburgh, boosting interest from fans around the world.

Ms Rowling was one of several writers who spearheaded the Capital's campaign to become the first World City of Literature, promoting it as an inspirational city for writers.

She wrote the first Harry Potter novel in a cafe in Nicolson Street, while struggling to make ends meet as a single mother. The last four books have become the fastest-selling books in history, and the brand is now worth an estimated 7 billion.

Former Lord Provost Lesley Hinds helped create the award two years ago, when the city council decided to stage an annual ceremony. Ian Rankin was the first recipient last year.