Councillors Unanimously Agree To Award Freedom Of The Borough To Hannah Scott MBE

Councillors have unanimously agreed to confer the Freedom of the Borough on Hannah Scott MBE following her Olympic success.

The decision was taken at a special council meeting last week, where Ms Scott was described as an inspiration to girls and young women across the borough.

The notice of motion was proposed by Alderman Boyle and seconded by Councillor Mairs. It recognises Ms Scott’s achievement in winning a gold medal in the women’s quadruple sculls as part of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The motion noted that she is the first woman from Northern Ireland to win an Olympic gold medal since 1972, describing the honour as a fitting recognition of both her sporting success and her status as a role model for young people, particularly young women and girls.

The Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour a council can bestow.

Ald Boyle, who proposed the motion, said: “This evening’s decision is about how proud we are, as a Borough, of Hannah Scott and everything she has achieved. Her Olympic gold medal was a truly historic achievement, not only for her and her family, but for our entire community. To see a young woman from Coleraine, who learned to row here in the famous Bann Rowing Club, go on to reach the very pinnacle of world sport is extraordinary.

“The Freedom of the Borough is our highest civic honour, and it is being bestowed on Hannah in recognition of her dedication, resilience and excellence, as well as the inspiration she provides to young people across Causeway Coast and Glens. She is a champion in every sense of the word, and this is a fitting way for us to say how immensely proud we are of her.”

Seconding the motion, Cllr Mairs, Youth Champion for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, added: “Hannah is an incredible role model for young people, particularly girls and young women who may dream of succeeding in sport. Her willingness to give back to her club and her hometown speaks volumes about her character and her commitment to inspiring the next generation.

“This honour sends a powerful message about the value we place on achievement, ambition and community, and I am delighted that Council has come together to recognise Hannah in this way.”