Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has confirmed that Hannah Scott MBE will be awarded the Freedom of the Borough at a very special civic ceremony to be held on Saturday 18 April at 11.30am in Coleraine.
The Freedom of the Borough, the highest civic honour bestowed by Council will be conferred in recognition of Hannah’s outstanding achievements, including winning Olympic gold in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls as part of Team GB at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The motion to award the honour was proposed by Ald Yvonne Boyle and seconded by Cllr Amy Mairs and was unanimously agreed at a special Council meeting held earlier this year.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, paid tribute to Hannah’s historic success: “It’s fantastic to see Coleraine’s Hannah Scott awarded this remarkable accolade.
“Hannah is only the second woman from Northern Ireland to win an Olympic gold medal, following Mary Peters at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
“This special honour is a fitting recognition of her success and her status as a role model to young people across our Council area especially young women and girls.
“This is particularly poignant as the announcement coincides in the lead up to ‘International Women’s Day’. I support this accolade, it is well deserved, and congratulations to Hannah on this outstanding achievement."
The ceremony to be held at Coleraine Town Hall promises to be a proud and celebratory occasion for the Borough, marking the extraordinary sporting achievements of Hannah Scott and honouring her as one of our most inspiring ambassadors.
Hannah Scott MBE added: "I am absolutely delighted to be put forward for the Freedom of the Borough. Winning Olympic gold in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls with Team GB was a dream come true, and to now receive this highest civic honour from my local Council makes it even more special.
"Growing up in Coleraine, I know how important it is to have role models and support around you. For me, this award is not just a personal achievement, it’s a way to show young people in the area that with determination, hard work, and belief in yourself, you can accomplish big things.
"I am proud to act as an ambassador for young people, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and aim high. I am truly thankful to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for recognising my journey, and I hope that my story can inspire others to believe in themselves and make the most of every opportunity."
Hannah Scott MBE, who is due to be presented with the Freedom of the Borough, pictured at her Homecoming event in 2025.