Last August we reported that the city of Edinburgh, Scotland was seeking to honor J.K. Rowling for her contributions to literature. Tonight the Scotsman has more on this, as they report the Harry Potter author will be “immortalised in a Hollywood-style “walk of fame” in the quadrangle outside the City Chambers, where she will leave her handprints.” J.K. Rowling is also due to receive a new award to honour those “whose outstanding achievements have brought honour to Edinburgh”.
The paper continues to note hopes are high this will bring more visitors to Scotland, and to the city of Edinburgh. A spokesperson for VisitScotland said “The Harry Potter books were started and finished in Edinburgh, and naturally the city attracts a lot of interest from fans around the world.” Ms Rowling was one of several Edinburgh-based writers to front the capital’s bid to become the first World City of Literature, which promotes Edinburgh as an inspirational city for writers.”
Many leading figures in the Scottish literary world are expected to attend a gala dinner, with a source from the local city council stating “It should be a fantastic occasion. We’re trying to ensure as many other Edinburgh people who have won major awards over the year will be there so they can share in the occasion.” You can read more about Edinburgh as the City of Literature via this link. We do not yet know what date this honor will take place, and will of course update with more on this as we can.
It sounds like a marvelous way to honor Jo, Edinburgh and the City’s literary tradition. We were able to travel there a few summers ago and it is one of the neatest places I’ve had the privlidge to visit.
Posted by Alison aka NobleBirth Descending on June 28, 2008, 01:39 AM
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How awesome! Jo certaintly deserves it. I’ve always wanted to go to the U.K., and now I have an even bigger desire. And it’s funny, the trio got to put there handprints in Hollywood, and now Jo gets to in Edinburgh. :)
it´s all about tourist-business. Not Jo´s work is honored but the potential to attract some brain-washed girlies who will drag their families along ” oh,pleeeeaaase , daddy I have to go to edinburgh to stare at Jo´s meaningful handprint!”
I’ve always wanted to visit Scotland, even without the handprints. Alas, maybe I should enter more sweepstakes. : (
But JKR is so nice, she is always game to make an appearance and be the center of attention, even though she does not like it. Some people don’t appreciate how hard it is to force yourself to be the center of attention when you don’t like it. I myself wouldn’t like it, so I think it is so nice that she’s always game to do it because she knows it gives us a thrill.
Edinburgh is a wonderful city. The first thing that will strike you the moment you come out of Edinburgh train station is this grand castle perched on a hill to your left. And on the right in stark contrast of a shopping high street! But it is a lovely city with extremely friendly folks. Outside of Edinburgh, you’ll find Scotland has beautiful landscapes, lochs, and mountains to explore if you give yourself a few days or so. I used to travel up to Edinburgh and Glasgow regulary in an old job of mine and used to always look forward to it! Its been many years ago now, so I must visit it again soon. I can see why Jo loves it there.
But JKR is so nice, she is always game to make an appearance and be the center of attention, even though she does not like it. Some people don’t appreciate how hard it is to force yourself to be the center of attention when you don’t like it. I myself wouldn’t like it, so I think it is so nice that she’s always game to do it because she knows it gives us a thrill
how clever of her that she makes her greed for attention look like a sacrifice
SAY NO FOR ONCE, come to think of it. I don’t want anyone walking on your hands in any form. I don’t like the idea at all. I think there are better ways to show you respect and honor in Edinburgh.
In Holland they have these wonderful Stones with Carved Pictures they put into the walls of their brick houses. Why doesn’t Edinburgh come up with something like that – a wall of Story Bricks instead? That would be more worthy of you then people stepping on your hands all day.
The whole thing feels wrong. Please don’t do it. Please.
I have already wrote several letters of protest to try to get the City of Edinburgh to RETHINK the idea. Last thing I want to see in the World is people stepping on J.K.Rowlings hands. Horrible concept for a writer. JO SAY NO PLEASE!
Congratulations Jo, you deserve it!