Former Open Champion Paul Lawrie has been nominated to receive the Freedom of Aberdeen.

Lawrie has been nomimated by Aberdeen councillor Jim Hunter who has kick started a drive to recognise the golfer’s achievements with the historical award.

Lawrie, who won return to Augusta next fortnight for a first time since 2004, declared it would be a “huge moment” to be granted the title.

“It has come as a big surprise and to be thought of in this light by the city I was born and bred in is very special,” added the Scot.

Previous recipients of the ‘Freedom of Aberdeen include Sir Alex Ferguson, the late Queen Mother and former South African President Nelson Mandela.