Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council awarded its highest civic honour, the Freedom of the Borough, to Olympic gold medallist Hannah Scott. The ceremony occurred at Coleraine Town Hall on Saturday.

Scott, a 26-year-old from Coleraine, won gold in the Women's Quadruple Sculls for Team GB at the 2024 Summer Olympics. The council unanimously approved the award at a special meeting in January.

Members of Bann Rowing Club formed a guard of honour at the event. Scott donated her £20,000 Olympic Medallist Fund award to the club. The club purchased two single scull boats and a safety boat with the funds.

Attendees included Lady Mary Peters, Northern Ireland's first female Olympic gold medallist from the 1972 Munich Games. Lady Mary Peters attended a prior homecoming event in Coleraine for Scott. The Lord Lieutenant for County Londonderry, Alison Millar, and High Sheriff Peter Jack also attended.

Mayor Oliver McMullan called the occasion historic for the borough. Independent MLA Claire Sugden for East Londonderry attended. Bann Rowing Club president Susan MacLaughlin attended.

Scott described the recognition from her local community as meaningful. Lady Mary Peters said young girls can achieve similar success through hard work and training.