Rowling makes impression on city

JK Rowling said she was delighted her "writer's hands" would be captured

Author JK Rowling has left her mark in the city where she created the Harry Potter books as her engraved handprints went on display in Edinburgh.

The Caithness stone slab in the grounds of City Chambers is to commemorate her Edinburgh Award 2008.

The honour, which was presented to fellow novelist Ian Rankin last year, recognises residents who have raised the city's profile through their work.

Rowling said she was delighted her "writer's hands" would be represented.

She said: "I was delighted to receive the Edinburgh Award, as this city and its wonderful inhabitants have meant so much to me for the last 15 years.

"I think it is particularly appropriate for a writer's hands to be represented, so I am deeply honoured to have my keyboard-chipped fingernails, not to mention my pen-induced friction callous, commemorated in the place where I produced Harry Potter."

George Grubb, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, said: "With the installation of the beautifully crafted stone bearing Ms Rowling's handprints, the City Chambers quadrangle is fast becoming a lasting visual testimony to some of Edinburgh's greatest living citizens.

"Our city is home to a huge wealth of talented individuals who truly put Edinburgh on a global stage through their achievements."

Nominations are now being taken for the Edinburgh Award 2009.

Applicants must meet a number of criteria, including either having been born in the capital or having resided there for the past 12 months.

They must have made a positive impact on the city by their contribution to science, culture, sports, enterprise, technology, charity or education.