EXPLAINED: Who has received the Freedom of Inverness?
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It is a distinction which has been shared by royals, politicians and people who have shown outstanding service to society and to Inverness.
The Freedom of Inverness is a rare civic honour which has its origins in the medieval history of the city and was once a mark of elite social and political status.
Five years ago this month, Highland councillors agreed to confer the honour on the most recent recipient – sporting hero Colin Baillie in recognition for the wide commitment he displayed across his lifetime to the wellbeing of the people of the Highlands and, in particular, the city of Inverness.
Mr Baillie (82) is the only local individual currently to hold the honour.
In receiving the award, he followed in the footsteps of past holders such as the late Queen Mother, former UK Prime Minister David Lloyd George and the Highland-born Prime Minister of New Zealand, Peter Fraser.
Since 1900, the Freedom of Inverness has been awarded to 21 individuals including four members of the royal family, among them King Edward when he was Prince of Wales in 1931.
Past recipients also include three UK Prime Ministers, one Secretary of State for Scotland, two Lord Lieutenants, one MP, two councillors, a president of the Boys’ Brigade and a president of the British Legion (Scotland).
Of the 21 individuals, 10 appear to have had Inverness connections including the late former Provost Allan Sellar, who received it in 2002, and the late Tom Mackenzie, who served on various local authorities in Inverness for 37 years and received the honour in 1985.
Victoria Cross holder Captain Anthony Miers, who served as a submarine commander during World War II, was bestowed Freedom of Inverness in a ceremony in the Playhouse Cinema April 14 1955.
The Queen's Own Highlanders were recipients in 1961 following the merging of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders and the Seaforth Highlanders and The Scottish Gunners, previously the Highland Gunners, were also awarded the honour in March 1999.
Three years ago, they planned to exercise their freedom with a parade through the Highland capital but it was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Baillie was recognised for his commitment and enthusiasm to sport, in particular rugby and athletics, as well his work with Inverness Highland Games, for over four decades.
The former PE teacher at Millburn Academy was also known for his work with the Inverness Harriers athletics club and as an enthusiastic supporter of Highland Disability Sport.
He recalled getting the shock of his life on discovering he was to receive the Freedom of Inverness.
He attended a reception at the Town House and was later invited to an event attended by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
But otherwise it has not changed his life – and it does not come with privileges such as being allowed to drive sheep across any bridges crossing the River Ness.
"I have never tried to say I am a Freeman to get in anywhere for nothing!" he said.
Mr Baillie wondered whether it is time for others to be honoured.
"There are so many people who could be put up for it," he said.
A Highland Council spokesman said in contemporary society, such awards tended to be ceremonial, given by local government to those who have served in some exceptional capacity, or on those whom they wished to bestow an honour.
"The conferring of the honour of Freedom or other civic recognition Award is a means of acknowledging the contribution made by an individual, association or organisation to the life of the community," he said.
"There is no reason that Colin Baillie will be the last Freeman of Inverness.
"The council will of course consider others who have made an outstanding contribution either as an individual, association or organisation to the life of the community."
