JK ROWLING - HARRY POTTER AUTHOR JK ROWLING GIVEN EDINBURGH AWARD

HARRY POTTER AUTHOR JK ROWLING GIVEN EDINBURGH AWARD

JK Rowling is to receive the prestigious Edinburgh Award for her contribution to the Scottish city.

Having created the Harry Potter saga in the city, the millionaire author follows in the footsteps of fellow writer Ian Rankin, who took the prize in 2007.

Rowling, who was recently victorious in her legal bid to prevent the publication of an encyclopaedia based on the Harry Potter novels, was the unanimous choice of a panel of judges comprised of representatives from the arts, business and science worlds.

She said the prize was "an absolute honour".

"Edinburgh is very much home for me and is the place where Harry evolved over seven books and many, many hours of writing in its cafes," the mother-of-three explained.

"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."

Edinburgh's Lord Provost George Grubb said she was a "tremendous asset to the city".

"JK Rowling is undoubtedly one of the world's best-loved writers and her books continue to thrill audiences young and old across the globe," he explained.

"Everyone knows the famous story of how she penned the first Harry Potter novel in various Edinburgh cafes and her literary achievements have really put the city on the map."