Elaine C Smith grazes cows on Glasgow Green to mark receiving city’s highest honour

Elaine C. Smith: A Beacon of Artistic Excellence and Advocacy

Comedian Elaine C. Smith, a household name in Scotland, has been conferred with the prestigious Freedom of Glasgow, the city’s highest honor. Known for her iconic roles in Rab C. Nesbitt and Two Doors Down, Smith joins a select group of women to receive this distinction. The honor recognizes her extraordinary contributions to the arts and her tireless advocacy for women’s rights and values. In a heartfelt response, Smith described the award as "quite the honour," emphasizing her pride in being a trailblazer for women while humorously noting that, though she holds the title of "freeman," she remains a "free woman at heart."

Exercising Her Rights: Grazing Cattle on Glasgow Green

To celebrate her newfound status, Smith exercised one of the traditional rights associated with the Freedom of Glasgow: grazing cattle on Glasgow Green, a historic common land in the city. Borrowing Highland cattle from Pollok Park, she playfully fulfilled this centuries-old privilege on Thursday, just a day before the official civic reception. With her characteristic wit, she reminded onlookers that if they spotted her grazing cattle or fishing in the River Clyde—another right bestowed upon her—they should remember her exercising her rights as a free woman. This lighthearted yet powerful gesture underscored her commitment to equality and her ability to use humor to highlight serious issues.

The Tradition of the Freedom of Glasgow

The Freedom of Glasgow is steeped in history, dating back to a time when freemen were granted exclusive privileges such as grazing cattle on common land and fishing in the River Clyde. Beyond these rights, freemen were also tasked with "patrolling and guarding the town" and defending it by arms, duties that, if neglected, could lead to prosecution. While the title and traditions are rooted in the past, today the honor is bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the city and its people. Smith’s acceptance of this title is a modern reinterpretation of a centuries-old custom, blending tradition with progress.

Joining a League of Extraordinary Individuals

Elaine C. Smith is in esteemed company as a recipient of the Freedom of Glasgow. Notable past honorees include legendary figures such as Sir Billy Connolly, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Sir Alex Ferguson, and the late Nelson Mandela. Among women, she follows in the footsteps of trailblazers like Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. The select group of women who have received this honor reflects the city’s commitment to recognizing groundbreaking contributions from diverse fields. Smith’s inclusion in this group is a testament to her multifaceted career and her unwavering dedication to social causes.

A Career Spanning Decades of Entertainment and Activism

Elaine C. Smith’s career is a testament to her talent, versatility, and passion. Over more than 40 years, she has excelled in radio, television, film, and theatre, becoming a beloved figure in Scottish entertainment. Her stage performances in productions like Calendar Girls, Annie, and the Susan Boyle musical I Dreamed A Dream, which she co-wrote, have captivated audiences. Beyond her artistic achievements, Smith is a devoted charity campaigner and political activist, focusing on issues such as poverty and women’s rights. Her ability to merge art with activism has made her a respected voice in her community.

A Tribute to Women’s Empowerment on International Women’s Day

The timing of Elaine C. Smith’s honor is particularly poignant, as the civic reception coincides with the eve of International Women’s Day. Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Councillor Jacqueline McLaren, praised Smith’s dedication to advocating for women and her impactful work in the arts, calling her a deserving recipient of the Freedom of the City. McLaren highlighted Smith’s playful yet profound assertion of identifying as a "free woman," noting that this sentiment encapsulates the values celebrated on International Women’s Day. Through her work and her words, Smith continues to inspire, proving that humor, art, and activism can be powerful tools for driving change.