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LONDON - HARRY Potter author JK Rowling will be honoured Friday by the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, her adopted home where she created the world famous boy wizard.
A panel of judges from the fields of arts, business and science unanimously selected Rowling to receive the Edinburgh Award, which recognises an individual's outstanding achievements and contribution to the city.
'It is an absolute honour to receive this award, as Edinburgh is very much home for me and is the place where Harry evolved over seven books and many, many hours of writing in its cafes,' said Rowling, who was born in England.
'So much has happened to me both professionally and personally since I moved here nearly 15 years ago, that to receive this recognition is particularly meaningful and special.'
Fellow writer Ian Rankin, creator of the Rebus series of books, was given the Edinburgh Award last year.
Edinburgh's civic leader said Rowling - whose seven Potter books have sold over 400 million copies and been translated into 67 languages - was a 'tremendous asset to the city'.
'Everyone knows the famous story of how she penned the first Harry Potter novel in various Edinburgh cafes and her literary achievements have really put the city on the map,' Lord Provost George Grubb said. -- AFP
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