Olympic star Sir Chris Hoy granted Freedom of the City of Edinburgh

Sir Chris Hoy has been granted the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh after becoming Britain’s greatest ever Olympian.

The 36-year-old won his sixth Olympic gold medal at the London Games as British cyclists once again dominated.

He also had the honour of carrying the union flag during the opening ceremony.

In Edinburgh on Thursday, all councillors accepted a motion from Councillor Steve Cardownie.

It said: "The City of Edinburgh Council resolves to confer the Freedom of the City on Sir Chris Hoy, in recognition of his success in becoming Great Britain’s greatest Olympian at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

"Sir Chris is already a recipient of the Edinburgh Award, which honours outstanding individuals who have made a positive impact on the city and gained national and international recognition for Edinburgh, but his further success at this year’s Olympic Games is deserving of the most prestigious honour that the city can bestow.

"The council instructs the chief executive to report back within one cycle on proposals for a suitable award ceremony."

Sir Chris and Scotland’s other successful Olympians and Paralympians will be honoured with a homecoming parade in Glasgow on September 14. The celebration has been organised by sportscotland, the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council.

Lord Provost Donald Wilson has already vowed that Edinburgh will host its own celebration to mark the achievement of local athletes, including Sir Chris. Plans for a civic reception and an open top bus parade have been proposed by councillors.

He said: "I am delighted that councillors today unanimously supported the motion to grant Sir Chris Hoy the Freedom of the City. It is the most prestigious honour we can bestow.

"Sir Chris is an outstanding ambassador for Edinburgh and an inspirational role model for our city's young people, proving that hard work, dedication and sheer determination can help turn natural talent into world-beating success.

"I have written to Sir Chris advising him of Council’s decision and very much hope he accepts this honour and that, in due course, we can welcome him to Edinburgh for what will undoubtedly be a wonderful occasion."

Scottish athletes won a record 13 medals at London 2012.

Earlier this week, the cyclist recognised the role of the RAF during the Olympics and enjoyed a flight in a Typhoon jet from RAF Leuchars in Fife.

Sir Chris joined 6 Squadron for the 60-minute flight during a routine training exercise which saw him fly as high as 30,000ft.

The Edinburgh cyclist said he hopes to finish his career by competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in two years' time.

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