JK Rowling to get Edinburgh's top honour for literary contribution

London, June 28 : Harry Potter creator JK Rowling will be honoured with Edinburgh's most prestigious civic award for her contribution to literature.

The 42-year-old author will be conferred with the Freedom of Edinburgh award to honour those "whose outstanding achievements have brought honour to Edinburgh".

Rowling will also be immortalised in a new Hollywood-style walk of fame in the quadrangle outside the City Chambers, where she will leave her handprints.

She had penned her first book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, in a cafe in Nicolson Street, while struggling to make ends meet as a single mother.

"The Harry Potter books were started and finished in Edinburgh and naturally the city attracts a lot of interest from fans around the world," the Scotsman quoted city council's spokesman, as saying.

"It should be a fantastic occasion. We're trying to ensure as many other Edinburgh people who have won major awards over the year will be there so they can share in the occasion," a senior source said.

Before Rowling, author Sir Sean Connery was awarded the Freedom of Edinburgh before a 1,000-strong audience at the Usher Hall in 1991.

Scotland's leading literary figures are expected to turn out in force at a gala dinner.

ANI