Causeway Coast and Glens Council will confer the Freedom of the Borough on Hannah Scott at Coleraine Town Hall at 11.30am. The honour recognises her Olympic gold medal in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls with Team GB at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The council unanimously approved the motion at a special meeting earlier this year. Alderman Yvonne Boyle proposed the motion, and Councillor Amy Mairs seconded it.

Mayor Councillor Oliver McMullan welcomed the award. He noted Scott as the second woman from Northern Ireland to win Olympic gold, after Mary Peters in 1972. McMullan called the honour appropriate recognition of her success and her example to young people in the council area.

Scott expressed delight at receiving the local council's highest civic honour. She described her Olympic victory as a dream fulfilled and stated the award adds to its significance. Scott, who grew up in Coleraine, emphasised the role of role models and support in achievement.

Scott said the recognition extends beyond her personal success. She aims to encourage young people in the area to pursue ambitions through determination and self-belief.