Comedian Billy Connolly said he was "completely blown away" to be given the Freedom of Glasgow on Friday.
Connolly, affectionately known as the Big Yin, was born and raised in the city.
He began his working life in the Clyde shipyards but soon moved into entertainment with folk singing and comedy performances.
"This has taken my breath away," he said as he received the honour.
"I am completely blown away. I am thrilled and I can't really put into words how I feel about it.
"Apparently I have to defend Glasgow if called to, which I am perfectly prepared to do and which I have done on many, many occasions in the past.
"But if I commit a crime and am flung in jail, I am entitled to a cell of my own, which I would like more than anything in the world."
Connolly has performed on stage for more than 30 years and has appeared in numerous films and TV series.
Lord Provost Bob Winter, who led calls for the city to recognise the performer for his contribution to comedy, film, music and his charity work, said: "Billy Connolly is arguably the world's best-known Glaswegian and is truly deserving of the Freedom of the City.
"Billy has been a great ambassador for the city. The 'Big Yin', as he is affectionately known, has moved seamlessly from folk music, to comedy and acting.
"But above all Billy Connolly has presented himself as a proud citizen of the City of Glasgow. In doing so he has shown the world the unique humour, generosity and resilience of Glaswegians."
Connolly received the honour at a ceremony at the City Chambers which was attended by his wife Pamela Stephenson and their daughter Scarlett.
The family were joined on the top table by two current Freemen, former world boxing champion Jim Watt and Lord Macfarlane of Bearsden.
Congratulatory messages were read out from other Freemen who were unable to attend.
Nelson Mandela's message said he continued to feel a strong connection to Glasgow and its people who did so much to support the struggle against apartheid.
"On this occasion, I wish Mr Connolly my congratulations at the high honour being bestowed on him today. Welcome to a very special club indeed!" he said.
Mr Mandela was granted the Freedom of the City in 1981 but did not receive it until 1993, following his release from prison.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who was made a Freeman in 1999, said: "It is a great honour to receive the Freedom of the City and I wish to congratulate Billy on his wonderful achievement.
"To be given such a prestigious award from your home town is an absolute privilege and I wish you an enjoyable and memorable day."
Kenny Dalglish, who received the honour in 1986, said: "Dear Billy, I would like to congratulate you on receiving the Freedom of the City of Glasgow. I am sure that this recognition means an awful lot to you, it certainly means a lot to myself.
"Like yourself, I am very proud to have been born and brought up in Glasgow.
"I am still looking forward to grazing my sheep on Glasgow Green and am still waiting to hang up my washing in George Square."
The honour has also been given to Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy in Burma.
Sir Michael Parkinson also sent his best wishes. Connolly's 1975 appearance on the broadcaster's prime-time chat show helped to make him a household name.
Sir Michael said: "Glasgow should be proud of Billy. The fact is he is the best at what he does. Apart from being a wonderful comedian he is also an intelligent and shrewd observer of the way we are.
"I am proud to be his friend and to have been just a small part of him achieving his ambition to be forever windswept and interesting."
© Press Association