Lord Provost Pays Tribute to Sir Sean Connery

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross, said: “Today Edinburgh has lost one of its most world-renowned sons with the death of Hollywood icon Sir Sean Connery at the age of 90.

“Born in our own Fountainbridge, where he started out as a milkman’s apprentice, Sir Sean went on to forge a stellar acting career, scooping an Academy Award, two BAFTAs and three Golden Globes, among other coveted acting accolades. 

“An international audience favourite, he shot to global fame as the original - and arguably the best - James Bond, the role for which he will most be remembered. 

“Sir Sean won a huge local fan base for putting Edinburgh firmly on the map and in 1991 he was awarded Freedom of the City, the most prestigious honour bestowed by the Council.

“The day he accepted the award from Lord Provost at the Usher Hall was a huge occasion in the Capital with thousands lining the streets to catch a glimpse of him.

“Throughout his extraordinary lifetime, he showed great appreciation for his native city and its people, returning home often, making appearances at our festivals, unveiling a monument to Robert Louis Stevenson and attending the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.

“On behalf of the city, I want to convey heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Sir Sean’s family and friends. Our city mourns one of its most celebrated sons. May he rest in peace and I’m sure his legacy will be longstanding.”