Ryder Cup winning hero Paul Lawrie and fellow Aberdonians Denis Law and Paul Mealor with being considered for granting ‘Freedom of Aberdeen.

Aberdeen’s STV TV reports:

The proposal to set up a special freedom of the city committee chaired by the Lord Provost George Adam was unanimously supported by members at a full council meeting.

Denis Law, Paul Lawrie and Paul Mealor nominated for Freedom of Aberdeen.

SNP group leader Callum McCaig nominated Law “in recognition of his successful football career”, while former Labour councillor Jim Hunter nominated 1999 Open champion Lawrie for his “services to golf and to the city and for his charitable work”.

Former Lord Provost Peter Stephen put forward Mealor for bringing “huge credit to the city” following his success in composing last year’s Christmas number one, ‘Wherever You Are’ featuring the Military Wives Choir and Gareth Malone.

The special committee will comprise of the Lord Provost and the group leaders.

Liberal Democrat councillor Steve Delaney argued that there should be better representation on the committee. He said he was “entirely in favour” of setting up the committee but felt it was good practice to have proportionality in working groups.

Independent Alliance Group leader Marie Boulton said the committee was being established under “unique and special circumstances” and said she was sure that the group leaders attending the committee would first consult with their members.Councillor Callum McCaig echoed her sentiments, saying “these are exceptional circumstances” but should not set a future precedent.

Councillor Crockett said he was disappointed that a “minor political point” had come in the way of a matter that should be a celebration.

And Councillor Delaney’s amendment to alter the make-up of the committee was defeated by 34 votes to four.