Elaine C Smith is to be awarded the prestigious honour of Freedom of the City of Glasgow.

The actress will be given the accolade to mark the 850th anniversary of Glasgow next year.

Smith has been a feature on stage and TV screens for decades, famous for playing Mary in Rab C Nesbitt and currently Christine in Two Doors Down, for which she won a BAFTA Scotland award.

(Image: newsquest)

She has also won a Royal Television Society Award for her series Burds Eye View.

The actress has been a familiar presence on stage in Glasgow starring in The Steamie and is a regular in pantos delighting generations of Glaswegians.

She also starred as Susan Boyle in I Dreamed a Dream, a musical that she co-wrote.

Her charity and campaigning work has also been highlighted particularly her work supporting ending violence against women.

Smith was born in Baillieston and trained at the RSAMD in Glasgow before embarking on her successful career.

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.”

 

Jacqueline Mclaren, 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.”

Previous recipients of the Freedom of the City include Kenny Dalglish, Alex Ferguson, Jim Watt and Billy Connolly.

The Freedom of the City is given to “persons of distinction or persons who have rendered eminent service to the city.”

While normally reserved for citizens of Glasgow it was famously awarded to Nelson Mandela in 1981 as part of the city's role in the anti-apartheid movement.

Mandela then accepted the honour in person in 1993 when he visited following his release from prison.

Freedom of the City allows holders to graze their cows on Glasgow Green and the right to fishing on the Clyde

However, they also have the duty to patrol and guard the town and if they do not perform this duty they could be prosecuted for perjury of their oath.

If they were to be prosecuted they have a right to a prison cell of their own.

They also have the duty to pay the equivalent of today's valuation tax and the right to be present at all court hearings.