JK: Award so special

Harry Potter author JK Rowling is the 2008 recipient of the prestigious Edinburgh Award. The phenomenally successful children’s writer received the coveted accolade at a glittering award ceremony at Prestonfield House Hotel. Ms Rowling said: “It is an absolute honour to receive this award, as Edinburgh is very much home for me and is the place where Harry evolved.

“So much has happened to me both professionally and personally since I moved here nearly 15 years ago, that to receive this recognition is particularly meaningful and special.”

The Edinburgh Award was set up in 2007 to recognise an individual’s outstanding achievements and contribution to the city of Edinburgh.

The winner is selected by a judging panel comprising the Lord Provost and Council representatives, Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council and the business community.

The judging panel unanimously voted JK Rowling as this year’s winner.