Gordon Reid – the world’s number one wheelchair tennis player – has been admitted as an Honorary Freeman of Argyll and Bute in recognition of his outstanding sporting success and achievements.
At a special meeting of Argyll and Bute Council in Helensburgh today members passed a resolution that Gordon, who is from the town and a former pupil of its Hermitage Academy, should receive the council’s highest honour.
Provost Len Scoullar said: “Gordon Reid is an extremely deserving recipient of the Honorary Freeman of Argyll and Bute award.”The whole country is immensely proud of his achievements and the council is pleased that we are in a position to be able to recognise the wonderful national and international success in his chosen sport in this way.”
Gordon will finish 2016 as the world’s number one wheelchair tennis player. He also won singles gold and a silver medal in the doubles at this year’s Paralympics in Rio as well as winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon Grand Slam titles.
He said: “It is a great honour for me to be made an Honorary Freeman of Argyll and Bute.
“Iknow how much the local people support me when I am competing throughout the year and I am proud to tell people I meet on my travels that this is the area I grew up in.
“I would like to say a huge thanks to everybody in Argyll and Bute, and especially Helensburgh, for all their continued support. I’ll look forward to celebrating this soon with the local people.”
Gordon will only be the second individual to receive the council honour – former Provost Billy Petrie being the previous recipient. This honour has also been conferred on the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
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