An estimated 30,000 people lined the streets of Edinburgh yesterday to cheer on six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy and Olympic and Paralympic athletes’ as they rode an open top bus through the city centre.
Britain's most decorated Olympian was joined on the golden bus by team mates David Florence, Lynsey Sharp, Josh Taylor, Euan Burton, Chris Sherrington, Sally Conway and Sarah Clark, and by Paralympians, Jim Anderson, Sean Fraser and Sam Ingram.
Departing from City Chambers the bus made its way slowly to the newly-refurbished Assembly Rooms where, in a special ceremony, Sir Chris received the Freedom of the City in the company of his family, friends, fellow athletes, and many of the volunteers who took part in London 2012.
In presenting the scroll, Lord Provost Donald Wilson spoke of Sir Chris’s incredible talent, his determination, but also of his humility.
“What makes Sir Chris such an inspirational figure is his humility, his all round human decency and his pride in being part of a team. This is so apparent in the way he has handled his success and what has made him such an outstanding role model."
The Freedom of the City is a rare honour bestowed upon an individual by City of Edinburgh Council. The only living Freemen of the City are HM The Queen (Presented July 1947), HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (Presented March 1949), Sir Sean Connery (Presented June 1991), Nelson Mandela (Presented October 1997), and Aung San Suu Kyi (Presented in absentia June 2005).
Previous recipients have also included Charles Dickens, Alexander Graham Bell and Winston Churchill.
In accepting the honour, Sir Chris Hoy said: "To be awarded the Freedom of Edinburgh is an incredible privilege. As this is the greatest accolade the city can bestow upon an individual I am absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to be recognised in this way."
He added: "The reception from the people of Edinburgh today was overwhelming and it meant so much to be able to enjoy the celebrations with my friends and family.... The London and Glasgow parades were fantastic occasions but when it’s your home city, it’s so much more special. This is a day I will remember forever."
Also on the guestlist was another of Scotland’s great sportsmen and a hero of Sir Chris when he was growing up, Gavin Hastings.
Speaking in praise of Sir Chris during the ceremony, he said: “Chris has always carried himself in a different way from most other athletes; with calm focus and a quiet confidence in his ability to succeed – but without ever forgetting his roots."
The 500-strong guest-list included 100 Games Makers. Hannah McCaig, 18, was part of a group of 16 Edinburgh school children who volunteered at the Paralympic seated volleyball competition.
“To be part of the London 2012 Games was a once in a lifetime experience. The atmosphere was electric and everyone was so enthusiastic," she said.
“I’ve really caught the volunteering bug and I desperately hope to get another chance at the Commonwealth Games in two years time."
The ceremony was followed by a Civic Reception hosted by the Lord Provost in honour of the athletes’ collective achievements at the Games.
Each was presented with a gift, following which David Florence gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the athletes.
The guests were entertained by the George Watson’s College Chamber Choir, Edinburgh Schools Jazz Band and Big Project Choir.