Actor and comedian Elaine C Smith awarded 'Freedom of Glasgow' after move received council approval today.

Smith, 66, has starred in some of Glasgow’s most iconic shows as Mary Doll in Rab C Nesbitt, Irene in City Lights and as Christine in Two Doors Down, for which she won a BAFTA Scotland award.

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

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.”

Freedom of the City is the “greatest tribute of respect that the city can bestow on a citizen”, a council report stated, and is awarded to “persons of distinction or persons who have rendered eminent service to the city”.

Previous recipients include Nelson Mandela, Kenny Dalglish, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Billy Connolly.

Smith has also been a regular performer on stage as well, with roles in The Steamie, as part of the original London cast of the Calendar Girls and a recent turn as the Child Catcher in the national tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

She also appeared as Susan Boyle in I Dreamed a Dream, the musical that she co-wrote, and has been a stalwart of the city’s pantomime scene for decades.

The council is also recognising her “significant” charitable work. Smith has been a long-time campaigner on subjects such as ending violence against women and recently raised over £20,000 for the National Society for the Protection of Children.

She also raised £10,000 for local foodbanks through free stand up-shows in Barlanark, Pollok, Knightswood and Castlemilk.

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.”

Historically, freemen of the city have the right to graze their cows on Glasgow Green and fish on the Clyde. They also have a duty to patrol and guard the town and defend it “by arms”.