Harry Potter Author to Be Honored in Scotland

J. K. Rowling, who penned the multi-million dollar "Harry Potter" series, will be honored Friday with the Edinburgh Award in the capital of her adopted homeland of Scotland, according to the AFP.

Rowling will be awarded in the capital of Edinburgh, where she created the wizard series. The Edinburgh Award honors an individual's outstanding achievements and contribution to the city.

"It is an absolute honor to receive this award, as Edinburgh is very much home for me and is the place where Harry evolved over seven books and many, many hours of writing in its cafes," said the English-born Rowling.

"So much has happened to me both professionally and personally since I moved here nearly 15 years ago, that to receive this recognition is particularly meaningful and special."

Rowling was chosen unanimously by a panel of judges from the fields of art, business and science.

"Everyone knows the famous story of how she penned the first Harry Potter novel in various Edinburgh cafes and her literary achievements have really put the city on the map," Lord Provost George Grubb said.

This is the second year in a row that the award will go to an author. Last year, the award was given to Ian Rankin, the author of the "Rebus" series of books.