THE legendary Jimmy Shand is set to become the first person to be given the freedom of the Kingdom of Fife. The 90-year-old accordionist, who has achieved world wide fame, has been nominated as the Kingdom's first Freeman.
Shand, who was born in the Fife town of East Wemyss, said yesterday that he was thrilled to be singled out for such an honour. ''Speaking as a born and bred Fifer, it goes without saying that I would be delighted to accept the Freedom of Fife if the council decided to offer it to me.''
Convener John MacDougall will ask councillors to approve his nomination on Thursday night. He said: ''He is truly a legend in his own lifetime. It is his contribution to Scottish culture, traditional country dance music, and his ability to entertain that has made Jimmy Shand the natural choice for this honour. He is a true ambassador for Fife.''
There is also a growing campaign for Shand to receive a knighthood for his contribution to Scottish culture.
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