'FLYING SCOT' IS GIVEN A DAY TO REMEMBER

Jenny Foulds 1623 - 1623 • Published 16 Jun 2009 09:53

Plans to honour Sir Jackie are revealed

THE most famous son of the Rock will be handed the freedom of the town in what is being billed as the biggest event of 2009.

In the year of the homecoming, Sir Jackie Stewart will be returning to his old haunts as he receives the Freemanship of West Dunbartonshire.

Details of the big day were revealed yesterday (Monday).

The Milton-born Flying Scot will be given a guided tour of his old primary school, now Dumbarton Academy, next Friday (June 26).

Some lucky kids from schools in the area will have the chance to grill the internationally renowned former Formula One champion during his visit to the Crosslet secondary.

And Sir Jackie OBE will be presented with the top honour in a special ceremony at the Municipal Buildings in Dumbarton at 6pm.

While a commemorative plaque, pictured, will be unveiled at his old family house in the village.

The racing ace told the Reporter: "It means a lot to me to be returning home.

"It's a huge compliment to be bestowed with the Freemanship of West Dunbartonshire.

"I have always been very proud of my Dumbarton origins and I am delighted that West Dunbartonshire is proud of my achievements and is granting me with this wonderful honour.

"I am really delighted to have this recognition and am looking forward to a visit to my old primary school and to the home where I grew up."

Sir Jackie will also be presented with a special 70th birthday cake, after he reached yet another milestone last week.

West Dunbartonshire Council chief executive, David McMillan, said: 'In view of Sir Jackie"s tough experience as a child at school due to his dyslexia, we wanted to show him the teaching support that is in place in all West Dunbartonshire schools.

'I am thrilled at his visit and in the few meetings that we have had, I have been blown away by his incredible energy and enthusiasm.

'He is indeed a fantastic ambassador for West Dunbartonshire.'

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 16 Jun 09

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