Published: Thursday, 10th December, 2009 6:00am

Catriona honoured

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SCOTTISH golfing icon Catriona Matthew is to be awarded the Freedom of East Lothian in recognition of her sporting prowess.

The award of the prestigious honour to the North Berwick-based professional was ratified at a meeting of the East Lothian Council on Tuesday. Catriona - the 2009 British Ladies' Open champion - will be only the second recipient of the award following Port Seton-born artist John Bellany being honoured in 2005.

Councillor David Berry, council leader, said: "We are recognising someone whose achievements have not altered them. Catriona doesn't see herself as anyone different and is entirely exemplar of how sporting achievement ought to be handled. I think the acknowledgement of what she has done for young people is very well deserved."

Provost Sheena Richardson added: "One of the things that is particularly important is the emphasis Catriona has made of encouraging young girl golfers, and to highlight the efforts she has made to involve young people."

She became the first Scot to win the Women's British Open Championship in August 2009, and the former North Berwick High pupil is also a former Scottish Girls champion, Scottish U-21 champion and three times Scottish Amateur Champion.

Catriona will be presented with the Freedom of East Lothian award at gala sporting dinner next year.

On Saturday, Catriona showed her community spirit when a bumper 500-strong crowd braved wintery conditions to see her switch on North Berwick's Christmas lights.

Huge cheers rang through the busy town centre as home favourite Catriona was introduced by Pat Burton, North Berwick Community Council chairperson.

And the golfing ace wasted no time in exercising the big switch on in her home town following a noisy countdown from spectators.

Shortly after, parents and children flocked to the Abbey Church for a sneak peak at Santa and to collect a free gift - made by elves at the North Pole, of course - but mostly funded by North Berwick Rotary Club.

"There were as many people there as I have seen previously," said Mrs Burton. "As per usual, 10 minutes before the event the streets looked deserted but by 4pm the crowd had just emerged."

"I think it is a really enjoyable occasion and we had the added benefit of having Catriona Matthew there. She is really admired in this town and people are just so proud of her. After all she learned to play golf here - North Berwick is where it all started!"

Festive music was provided by 16 North Berwick High School pupils, currently fundraising for a school-led trip to Malawi. Once there, the teenagers will help to build a kitchen at a primary school.